1.3 Requesting something or reporting a problem
Ordering dinner
| A: I’d like to order dinner. | OR: – Could you bring me some food, please? – Can I order something from the kitchen? – I need something to eat, please. |
| B: What would you like? | OR: – Tell me what you’re hungry for. – Sure. What do you fancy? – Just name it, sir. |
| A: I’d like to order a bottle of champagne, lobster tail, and filet mignon, medium rare. | OR: – A bottle of champagne, lobster tail, and filet mignon, medium rare would hit the spot. – Please send up a bottle of champagne, lobster tail, and filet mignon, medium rare. |
| B: I’m sorry. We’re currently out of filet mignon. May I suggest the porterhouse instead? | OR: – Unfortunately, we’re out of filet mignon at the moment. – I hate to tell you this, but we have no more filet mignon. – Sir, the filet mignon was so popular tonight that we ran out. |
| A: I’d prefer the filet, but the porterhouse will do. | OR: – That’s too bad, but the porterhouse will be okay. – Sure, I love porterhouse, too. |
| B: And may I suggest chocolate-covered strawberries with the champagne? | OR: – Perhaps I could interest you in chocolate-covered strawberries with the champagne? – May I be so bold as to suggest chocolate-covered strawberries with the champagne? |
| A: Normally, I would take you up on that suggestion, but just the champagne will do for tonight. | OR: – Not tonight, thank you. – I’d love to, but I’m allergic to strawberries. – Just the champagne will be fine, thank you. |
| B: Okay, no strawberries. Room service will be charged to your amenities account. Is that all right? | OR: – That’ll be a bottle of champagne, lobster tail, and porterhouse, all charged to your amenities account. – You’ll see this charge on your amenities account. |
| A: That’s fine. | OR: – Go right ahead. Charge it to whatever account you like. |
| B: It will be up shortly. Enjoy your food, sir. | OR: – Your meal will be delivered as soon as it’s all ready. Enjoy! – Our staff will bring you your order in as short a time as possible. – Please call if you have any other requests. Your food will be delivered promptly. |
Calling for a Wireless Connection
| A: I’d like to order broadband internet for my laptop. | OR: – I’d like to get busy on my computer, but I need some broadband. – I can’t get going on my computer until I get a broadband hookup. – How do I get online with my laptop? |
| B: Just plug the Ethernet cable into your computer, and a prompt will tell you the payment options. | OR: – Just plug the Ethernet cable into your computer, and you’ll be online in a heartbeat. – There’s an Ethernet cable in your room. Just plug it into the back of your laptop. |
| A: I don’t have an Ethernet port. My computer runs entirely on wireless service. | OR: – That’s a problem. My laptop has no Ethernet port, it’s wireless only. – I see the cable. But my computer runs on wireless only. |
| B: That’s too bad. But there are several alternatives, if you want to hear them. | OR: – No problem. I’ll tell you about our alternatives. – That’s okay. I can tell you about some alternatives we have. |
| A: Yes, please! Tell me about the alternatives. | OR: – Go ahead. I’m all ears. – Any alternative that works will be great. – Anything to get me up and running. |
| B: We run a fully equipped computer lab on the first floor. | OR – For starters, we have a computer lab. – Our state-of-the-art computer lab is on the first floor. |
| A: Very good. How much does that cost? | OR: – That sounds good. What’s the charge? – Fantastic! What do I have to pay per hour? |
| B: The service is free to hotel patrons. However, printing costs ten cents per page. | OR: – The lab is completely free. But you do have to pay a dime a page for printing. – It’s absolutely free to guests. Except for printing, of course. |
| A: I see. And the other alternatives? | OR: – You said there were other alternatives? – What about the other alternatives? |
| B: Alternatively, we do offer wireless in our lobby. You can bring your laptop down here. | OR: – Of course. Our lobby is set up for wireless, so just bring your computer down here. – You could use your wireless right here in our lobby. |
| A: Great! What if I need to print something in the lobby? | OR: – Yes, that’s the ticket! And if I need to print something there? – Use my laptop in the lobby? That’s great! Now, if I need to print something there? |
| B: You would have to use the computer lab. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. | OR: – We might have a printer here next month. But for now, you’ll have to go to the lab. – They plan to install a printer here. But until then, you’ll have to use the lab. – Unfortunately, you’ll have to go to the computer lab for your printing needs. |
Asking for More Amenities
| A: I’d like to request some more amenities. | OR: – I need some more amenities, please. – How do I get more amenities? |
| B: Amenities? What do you mean by amenities, sir? | OR: – Could you be a little more specific, sir? – I’m not sure I’m following you, sir. |
| A: The free stuff, you know, the soap, lotion, shampoo, etc. | OR: – Specifically, I’m talking about the little things, like soap and shampoo. – You know, the things that are free, like the soap and the shampoo. |
| B: I see. Sir, if I may ask: Have you used up all the amenities in your room? | OR: – I understand. Now, you’re saying that you’ve already used up all your amenities? – Okay, I got it. You’ve already run out of all your amenities? |
| A: Not at all. I still have enough for the next few days. | OR: – No, I’m not even halfway through my supply. – No, I still have plenty left, even if I took three baths a day. – No! I’ve got all I need for my stay here. |
| B: Then what is the problem, sir? | OR: – Now I’m confused again! What is the problem? – I’m losing you, sir. What’s the problem? – I’m more confused now than before. How is there a problem? |
| A: I need some to keep as souvenirs! | OR: – I need to take home some souvenirs! – What’s the use of going to a hotel if you don’t take home souvenirs? – What am I going to do about souvenirs? |
| B: Souvenirs? | OR: – Okay, I got it. You’re collecting souvenirs! – Okay, finally I understand. You would like souvenirs! |
| A: Yes, souvenirs. Trinkets to remember my trip by! | OR – Yes, souvenirs that I can take home and add to my collection. – There you go. My friends expect me to bring home souvenirs. – Yes, I’ve got enough soap for my use, but no extra soap for souvenirs. |
| B: We do have a souvenir shop on the first floor, sir. | OR – But, sir, our souvenir shop carries all those items. – If it’s souvenirs you want, sir, just visit our souvenir shop. It has everything. |
| A: That’s not the same. I never pay for hotel souvenirs! | OR: – I’ve never paid for a hotel souvenir in my life, and I don’t intend to start now. – Are you kidding? Whoever heard of paying for hotel souvenirs? – Please! Free souvenirs are the only true souvenirs |
| B: I’ll call housekeeping. Someone will be up with more amenities shortly. | OR: – I understand completely, sir. Housekeeping will bring you souvenirs in just a moment. – No problem at all, sir. Housekeeping will deliver you all the amenities you like in a bit. |
Requesting More Supplies for the Minibar
| A: I’d like to order a restock on my minibar. | OR: – My minibar is completely empty. – How do I restock my minibar? – I need my minibar restocked. |
| B: You finished everything in there, sir? | OR: – Everything in that minibar has been consumed, sir? – You already finished off everything, sir? – Everything is gone, sir? |
| A: Absolutely everything. | OR: – There’s not a drop left of anything. – Everything’s gone. |
| B: What would you like to order? | OR: – Is there anything special you’d like? – Do you want the whole minibar, or just certain items? – Would you like anything in particular? |
| A: Three bottles each of Perrier and Jim Beam. | OR: – The Perrier and the Jim Beam. Let me have three more of each. – Send me up three bottles each of Perrier and Jim Beam. |
| B: Uh-huh. What else do you want? | OR: – Okay, sir. Three of each. Would you like anything else? – Beam and Perrier. Anything else, sir? |
| A: The apples were great. Could you bring a couple more up? | OR: – I really loved the apples in my room. Bring me a few more, please. – The fruit basket was great. I need a few more apples, please. |
| B: No problem. Is there anything else I can get for you? | OR: – Perrier, Jim Beam, and apples. Is that it for now? – Sure thing. Might there by anything else? |
| A: Some grape juice would also be nice. | OR: – Yes, speaking of fruit, bring me some grape juice, too. – Yes, one last thing: I could use some grape juice. |
| B: I’ll get all of that for you right away. Someone should be up shortly. | OR: – Your order will be brought to you momentarily, sir. – Be patient for just a few minutes, sir, and someone will be at your door. |
Calling to Report a Medical Emergency
| A: I need a doctor immediately! | OR: – Help me! I need a doctor! – Get a doctor here, immediately! |
| B: Sir, is everything all right? | OR: – Give me some details, sir. – What is the problem, sir? |
| A: My wife just collapsed on the floor! | OR: – My wife just passed out! – My wife is on the floor, she’s unconscious! – Something is wrong with my wife. She’s lying on the floor. |
| B: Sir, I need you to calm down. Take deep breaths. | OR: – Sir, if you don’t calm down, you might have a stroke yourself. – Sir, it’s difficult to understand you. Please take a deep breath and calm down. – Sir, could you calm down a little bit, please? |
| A: I’m sorry. It’s just that my wife. I need the emergency room. | OR: – You’re right, I’m beside myself with worry. – Calm down?! My wife is unconscious, and you’re telling me to calm down?! |
| B: Sir, I’m dialing 911 on another line. | OR: – Hold on just a second, sir. I’m dialing 911. – Sir, I’m going to put you through to 911. |
| A: What’s taking you so long? | OR: – Hurry, please! – Time is critical. Hurry up! |
| B: I’m transferring you right now. Just remain calm. | OR: – Stay calm, sir, and talk clearly. – I hope everything turns out well, sir. Here’s 911. – I’m connecting you now, sir. |
Calling to Report a Cockroach Problem
| A: I have a little problem with room 507. | OR: – I’m in 507. I have a few problems with my room. – There’s a major problem with room 507. |
| B: What exactly seems to be the problem, Mr. Sandals? | OR: – I’m sorry to hear that. Please tell me the exact problem. – I’m so sorry. Kindly tell me what the problem is, sir. – Would you tell me the nature of the problem, sir? |
| A: I found cockroaches in my room. | OR: – I have cockroaches crawling in my room. – Everywhere I look, I see cockroaches. – This room is overrun with cockroaches. |
| B: Cockroaches, sir? That’s unbelievable. | OR: – Are you sure, sir? Flies I could believe, but cockroaches? – Were you wearing your glasses when you noticed them, sir? – Perhaps you saw a silverfish, sir. |
| A: I’ve seen at least nine different cockroaches in my room. | OR: – I’ve seen nine more cockroaches than I wanted to see. – I stopped counting at nine. – The next cockroach I see will be number ten. |
| B: Sir, are you sure you haven’t seen the same silverfish nine times? | OR: – Sir, sometimes a fast elevator ride makes our guests see spots. – Mr. Sandals, I’ve worked here five years without seeing one cockroach. – Sir, we run a spotless and cockroach-less hotel. – Sir, this hotel just passed a thorough insect inspection with flying colors. |
| A: There are nine cockroaches in my room. I don’t have time for your disbelief! | OR: – I’ve already suffered enough without listening anymore to you! – How dare you question my statement! – You dare to doubt me? |
| B: I apologize. One moment, please, while I transfer you to my supervisor. | OR: – I’m sorry, sir. Let me transfer you to my supervisor. – Forgive me. You’re 100 percent correct. Allow me to transfer you to my supervisor. |
Getting a Taxi via the Front Desk
| A: I need to get a taxi. | OR: – Can you get me a taxi? – Could you please reserve a taxi for me? |
| B: We have a variety of transportation services. Would you prefer a private vehicle to a taxi? | OR: – Do you think a private vehicle might be more to your liking? – You don’t have to restrict yourself to a taxi. We can offer you a private vehicle. – We offer various types of transportation. Perhaps you’d like to upgrade to a private vehicle? |
| A: No, that won’t be necessary. I just need a taxi. | OR: – Thanks, but no thanks. A taxi will do just fine. – A private vehicle, huh? No, a taxi is okay. |
| B: Perhaps you’d prefer a limousine. That’s such a stylish way to travel. | OR: – Even better than a private vehicle is a limo. How does that sound? – Some people find a limo to be much more comfortable than a taxi. – May I suggest a limo? It’s nice to pamper yourself once in a while. |
| A: Just a taxi, please. | OR: – I don’t want anything except a taxi, thank you. – No, I hate limousines. They’re gas guzzlers. – T A X I, please. |
| B: And what is your destination? | OR: – A taxi it is. Where will you be headed? – No private vehicle, no limo. Got it. Where are you going? – Got it, sir. Where would you like the taxi to take you? |
| A: I’m going to Rockefeller Center. | OR: – I’m headed to Rockefeller Center. – My destination is Rockefeller Center. |
| B: I see. What time do you want to depart from the hotel? | OR: – What time should the taxi be here to pick you up? – When shall I tell the taxi to be here? |
| A: I want to leave as soon as possible. | OR: – The sooner the better. – Right now. |
| B: Okay, a taxi will arrive in seconds, sir. | OR: – I’ll have a taxi for you momentarily, sir. – A taxi will be here shortly, sir. |
| A: Thank you, I’m coming down now. | OR: – Good, I’m leaving my room in about one minute. – Great! As soon as I brush my teeth, I’ll be downstairs. – Good. I’ll get my coat and come downstairs. |
| B: It won’t be but a few seconds, sir. | OR: – The taxi will be ready when you are, sir. – You won’t have to wait a second, sir. – You’ll enjoy our new, clean taxis, sir. |