At the hotel Flashcards
Abandon
Meaning: To leave something or someone behind, often forever or without intending to return.
Examples:
The sailors had to abandon the ship during the storm.
She abandoned her old dreams to pursue a new career.
Lobby
Meaning:
(noun) A large entrance or waiting area in a building, especially in hotels, theaters, or offices.
We waited for our friends in the hotel lobby.
The building’s lobby was decorated with modern art.
Check in
Meaning:
(phrasal verb) To register upon arrival at a hotel, airport, or event.
(informal) To contact someone to see how they are or give an update.
Examples (Meaning 1 – hotel/airport):
We need to check in at the hotel before 3 p.m.
She checked in at the airport two hours before her flight.
Examples (Meaning 2 – contact):
Just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing.
He checked in with his boss about the progress of the project.
Room service
Meaning:
A service provided by hotels where food, drinks, or other items are delivered to a guest’s room.
Examples:
We ordered breakfast through room service and ate in bed.
The hotel’s room service is available 24 hours a day.
Reception
Meaning:
(noun) The front desk or area in a hotel, office, or building where visitors are greeted or helped.
Examples (Meaning 1 – front desk):
Please check in at the reception when you arrive.
I left the keys at the hotel reception.
Front desk
Meaning:
The main desk at a hotel, office, or building where guests or visitors are received, checked in, or given assistance.
Examples:
You can pick up your room key at the front desk.
I asked the front desk for extra towels.
Sea view
Meaning:
A view of the sea (ocean) that can be seen from a room, window, or place—commonly used in hotels or real estate.
Examples:
We booked a hotel room with a sea view for our vacation.
The apartment’s sea view makes it more expensive.
Luxurious
Meaning:
Very comfortable, elegant, or expensive in a way that gives great pleasure or comfort.
Examples:
They stayed in a luxurious five-star resort by the beach.
She wore a luxurious silk gown to the party.
Beverage
Meaning:
A drink, especially one other than water—like juice, coffee, soda, or alcohol.
Examples:
The waiter offered us a variety of beverages, including tea and lemonade.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in this area.
To book in advance
Meaning:
To make a reservation or arrangement (for a hotel, flight, ticket, etc.) before the planned date or time.
Examples:
It’s a popular restaurant, so we had to book in advance to get a table.
You should book your flight in advance to get the best price.
Wake-up call
Meaning:
(literal) A service offered by hotels where staff call a guest’s room at a specific time to help them wake up.
(figurative) An event or situation that acts as a warning or reminder to take action or change something.
Examples (Literal - in a hotel):
I asked the front desk for a 6 a.m. wake-up call.
The wake-up call came right on time, just before my early flight.
Examples (Figurative - as a warning):
Failing the test was a wake-up call for him to start studying harder.
The accident was a wake-up call to drive more carefully.
Desk clerk
Meaning:
A person who works at the front desk of a hotel or office, assisting guests with check-in, check-out, and general inquiries. It’s another term for receptionist in a hotel setting.
Examples:
The desk clerk gave us our room keys and explained the hotel services.
I asked the desk clerk for directions to the nearest restaurant.
Receptionist
Meaning:
A person who works at the front desk of a business, hotel, or office, welcoming guests, answering questions, handling phone calls, and managing appointments or reservations.
Examples:
The receptionist greeted us with a smile when we arrived at the hotel.
I called the clinic, and the receptionist scheduled my appointment for next week.
Overlook
Meaning 1 (verb): To miss seeing or noticing something; to fail to notice.
Meaning 2 (verb): To forgive or ignore a mistake or fault.
Meaning 3 (verb): (Literally) To have a view of something from above (common in travel/hotel contexts).
Examples (Meaning 1 – fail to notice):
I think we overlooked a small error in the report.
Don’t overlook any details when reading the contract.
Examples (Meaning 2 – forgive/ignore):
The teacher decided to overlook the student’s late arrival.
I’ll overlook your mistake this time, but please be more careful.
Examples (Meaning 3 – have a view):
Our hotel room overlooks the sea—it’s beautiful!
The balcony overlooks the city skyline.
Oversee
Meaning (verb):
To supervise or manage a task, project, or group of people to make sure things are done correctly.
Examples:
She was hired to oversee the construction of the new building.
The manager oversees the daily operations of the hotel.
🔹 Tip:
“Oversee” and “Overlook” can be confusing.
Oversee = to supervise
Overlook = to miss, forgive, or have a view from above
fancy
- As an adjective:
Meaning: Elegant, stylish, or expensive.
Examples:
They went to a fancy restaurant for their anniversary.
She wore a fancy dress to the party.
Housekeeper
Meaning (noun):
A person responsible for cleaning and maintaining a house, hotel room, or other living space. In hotels, a housekeeper cleans guest rooms and ensures they are stocked and tidy.
Examples:
The housekeeper cleaned our room while we were out sightseeing.
If you need extra towels, you can ask the housekeeper or call the front desk.
maid
Maid
Meaning (noun):
A woman whose job is to clean rooms, do household chores, or provide cleaning services—especially in hotels or large houses. It’s similar to housekeeper, but “maid” is a more traditional or old-fashioned term.
Examples:
The maid came in to clean the room while we were at breakfast.
They hired a maid to help with the housework twice a week.
🔹 Note:
In modern English, especially in hotels or professional settings, the term housekeeper is more commonly used and considered more polite or formal than “maid.”
I’m seeing
- Present Continuous (Verb “see” – to meet or go out with someone)
Meaning: Refers to the act of dating or meeting someone regularly.
Example:
I’m seeing someone new. (This means I am currently dating someone.)
She’s seeing John. (This means she is going out with John or dating him.)
- Present Continuous (Verb “see” – to visually observe or experience something)
Meaning: Refers to the act of observing or looking at something in the present moment.
Example:
I’m seeing a beautiful sunset right now.
We’re seeing a lot of changes in the city lately.
- Understanding or Perceiving
Meaning: Refers to understanding or grasping an idea.
Example:
I’m seeing what you mean now. (This means I understand your point.)
I’m not sure I’m seeing the problem clearly. (This means I don’t understand the issue completely.)
treated like royalty
The phrase “treated like royalty” means to be treated with great respect, luxury, and care, as if you were a king, queen, or a member of a royal family. It implies being given the best of everything—special treatment, pampering, and exceptional service.
Examples:
During our stay at the luxury resort, we were treated like royalty, with personal butlers and gourmet meals.
On her birthday, they treated her like royalty, giving her flowers, a special dinner, and a surprise gift