A hotel arrival gives you a predictable conversation to practise: say that you have a reservation, give the name and check the information you receive. The room number and times below belong to an invented practice dialogue, not to a real hotel. Concentrate on recognising the questions as well as saying your own lines.
A short exchange at reception
| Καλησπέρα. Έχω μια κράτηση. | Good evening. I have a reservation. |
| Σε ποιο όνομα; | Under what name? |
| Παπαδοπούλου. | Papadopoulou. |
| Το δωμάτιό σας είναι το δώδεκα. | Your room is number twelve. |
| Τι ώρα είναι το πρωινό; | What time is breakfast? |
| Από τις επτά μέχρι τις δέκα. | From seven until ten. |
| Ευχαριστώ. Πού είναι το ασανσέρ; | Thank you. Where is the lift? |
Start with the reservation
Έχω μια κράτηση means “I have a reservation”. The question Σε ποιο όνομα; asks for the name under which it was made. You do not need to translate your name. If the other person needs it in writing, you can ask Θέλετε να το γράψω; — “Would you like me to write it down?” Use an invented name when rehearsing with someone else.
Listen for numbers and time ranges
In το δωμάτιο δώδεκα, δώδεκα identifies room twelve. A time range uses από… μέχρι…: από τις επτά μέχρι τις δέκα, “from seven until ten”. Do not treat the first number as the only important information. Repeat the range back if you need to check it: Από τις επτά μέχρι τις δέκα; Keep a questioning tone.
Ask about the facilities you need
- Πού είναι το ασανσέρ; — Where is the lift?
- Πού είναι η αίθουσα του πρωινού; — Where is the breakfast room?
- Ποιος είναι ο κωδικός του Wi-Fi; — What is the Wi-Fi password?
Each question asks for one piece of information. If the reply is too fast, say Μπορείτε να το επαναλάβετε πιο αργά; — “Can you repeat that more slowly?” Ask for clarification before moving on to another question.
Check your understanding
- How do you say that you have a reservation?
- What information does Σε ποιο όνομα; request?
- In the practice dialogue, when does breakfast finish?
- Ask where the lift is.
See possible answers
1. Έχω μια κράτηση. 2. The name on the reservation. 3. At ten: μέχρι τις δέκα. 4. Πού είναι το ασανσέρ; The schedule is just part of this exercise; ask for the actual times when travelling.
Change the details
Replace room twelve with room twenty: το δωμάτιο είκοσι. Change breakfast to από τις οκτώ μέχρι τις έντεκα, “from eight until eleven”. Read the receptionist’s lines and repeat the details back without looking at the English. Finally, ask one facilities question.