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Hotel Vocabulary

Word
part of speech Meaning Example sentence
adjoining rooms two hotel rooms with a door in If you want we can book your parents in
noun the centre an adjoining room.
local facilities such as stores,
amenities We are located downtown, so we are
restaurants, swimming pool or
noun close to all of the amenities.
shopping centre.
The zoo (an area in which animals,
especially wild animals, are kept so that
attractions
things for tourists to see and do people can go and look at them, or study
noun
them) is our city's most popular
attraction for kids.
If you need help with your baggage we
have a cart (vehicle with either two or
baggage bags and suitcases packed with
four wheels which is pulled by a horse,
noun personal belongings
and which is used for carrying goods)
you can use.
Bed and Breakfast a home that offers a place to stay I can book you into a beautiful Bed and
noun and a place to eat Breakfast on the lake.
bellboy a staff member who helps guests The bellboy will take your bags to your
noun with their luggage room for you.
book I can book your family in for the
arrange to stay in a hotel
verb weekend of the seventh.
booked
full, no vacancies I'm afraid the hotel is booked tonight.
adj
small booklets that provide
brochures Feel free to take some brochures to
information on the local sites
noun your room to look at.
and attractions
check-in go to the front desk to receive You can check-in anytime after four
verb keys o'clock.
check-out return the keys and pay for the Please return your parking pass when
noun bill you check-out.
All of our rooms have complimentary
complimentary breakfast soap, shampoo (a soapy liquid used for
free of charge
noun washing hair, or for washing particular
objects or materials), and coffee.
cot, rollaway bed a single bed on wheels that folds If you need an extra bed, we have cots
noun up available.
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money a guest owes for repairs

damage charge We will have to add a damage charge
to hotel property (when caused
noun for the hole you put in the wall.
by violent or careless acts)
deposit amount paid ahead of time to You will not receive your deposit back
noun secure a reservation if you cancel.
double bed a bed large enough for two They are a family of four, so give them a
noun people room with two double beds.
floor The swimming pool is on the main
a level of the building
noun floor.
the place where guests go to
front desk, reception
check in and out and to get Towels are available at the front desk.
noun
information
guest a person that is staying at the Our washrooms (toilets) are for guests
noun hotel only.
a very inexpensive place for
back backers(someone who
hostel In the hostel you probably won't get
gives financial support to
noun your own room.
something) and travelers on a
budget
hotel manager I'll let you make your complaint to the
person in charge at the hotel
noun hotel manager.
Put a sign on the door if you want
staff members that clean the
housekeeping, maid noun housekeeping to come in and change
rooms
the sheets on the bed.
a machine that automatically
ice machine There is an ice machine by the elevator
makes ice that guests can use to
noun on all of the even numbered floors.
keep drinks cold
indoor pool place for guests to swim inside The heated indoor pool is open until 10
noun the hotel pm.
inn There's an inn on the other side of town
another word for "hotel"
noun that has a vacancy.
Jacuzzi, hot tub, whirl
Our honeymoon room has a personal
pool a small hot pool for relaxation
hot tub.
noun
king-size bed A room with a king size bed costs an
extra large bed
noun extra ten dollars a night.
Your room has a kitchenette so you can
kitchenette
a small fridge and cooking area prepare your own breakfasts and
noun
lunches.
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late charge a fee for staying past the check- You will be charged a ten dollar late
noun out time charge for checking out after 11 am.
linen We will come in and change the linens
sheets, blankets, pillow cases
noun while you are out of your room.
lobby large open area at the front of You can stand in the lobby and wait for
noun the hotel your bus.
luggage cart a device on wheels that guests Please return the luggage cart to the
noun can push their luggage on lobby when you are finished with it.
maximum capacity the most amount of people The maximum capacity in the hot tub
noun allowed is ten people.
motels accommodations that are Our motel is very clean and is close to
noun slightly cheaper than hotels the beach.
noisy The guests next to you have complained
loud
adj that you are being too noisy.
a piece of paper that guests Display this parking pass in your
parking pass
display in the car window while window to show that you are a hotel
noun
in the hotel parking lot guest.
pay-per-view movie extra charge for movies and If you order a pay-per-view movie, the
noun special television features charge will appear on your bill.
Room 201 doesn't need their sheets
pillow case the covering that goes over a
changed, but they requested one new
noun pillow
pillow case.
queen size bed bed with plenty of space for two They have a queen size bed so the small
noun people (bigger than a double) child can easily fit in the middle.
rate cost of renting a room for a Our rates change depending on the
noun certain time period season.
reservation a request to save a specific room They say they made a reservation but it
noun for a future date doesn't show on the computer.
room service delivery of food or other If you would like a bottle of wine, just
noun services requested by guests call room service.
a hot room for relaxation, filled
sauna We don't recommend bringing young
with steam (the hot gas that is
noun children into the sauna.
produced when water boils)
single bed The economy priced room includes one
a bed for one person
noun single bed.
a bed built into a sofa or couch
sofa bed, pull-out couch The room contains a sofa bed so the
(a type of high bed, especially
noun room actually sleeps five.
one in a doctor's office)
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towels used to cover and dry the body You can get your swimming pool towels
noun after swimming or bathing at the front desk.
vacancy
noun We only have one vacancy left, and it is
available rooms
vacant for a single room.
adj
Valet (someone in a hotel
who cleans clothes, or
puts your car in a parking staff that parks the guests' If you leave your car keys with us, the
space for you vehicles valet will park your car underground.
)
noun
The vending machine (machine from
a machine that distributes snacks which you can buy small items such as
vending machine
and beverages when you insert cigarettes, drinks and sweets by putting
noun
coins coins into it) on the fifth floor has
chocolate bars and chips.
view a window that offers a nice The room is more expensive because it
noun image for guests has a spectacular view of the beach.
a morning phone call from the
wake up call What time would you like your wake up
front desk, acts as an alarm
noun call?
clock
weight room, workout
a room that guests can use for Our weight room has a stair climber
room, gym
exercise and fitness and a stationary (not moving) bicycle.
noun
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Housekeeping Vocabulary
Rooms in a House
Word Meaning

attic storage room at the very top of the house

basement the lowest level of the house

bathroom, washroom the room for bathing and using the toilet

bedroom the room where people sleep

room with a table and chairs for eating; in some houses this room is only used
dining room
on special occasions

Hallway long narrow area that joins one room to another

place for preparing food; sometimes has a table and chairs for eating informal
Kitchen
meals

living room; family place where family spends leisure time; often has a TV, also used for
room entertaining

Lobby area in the front entrance for hanging coats and placing shoes

master bedroom the largest bedroom in the house; used by parents

Nursery room for baby or young child

Pantry room off the kitchen for keeping dry foods and storage items

outdoor area in front or backyard; usually sits slightly off the ground; often
Patio
made of wood
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playroom room filled with toys; books and games; indoor area for kids to play

often in basement; extra room for watching TV and playing games such as
rec room
billiards or ping pong

enclosed room with large windows; often used for relaxation, visiting, or
sunroom
reading

Furniture and Decor

Word Meaning

long frame with a mattress on top for sleeping; has blankets and pillows for
Bed
comfort

bookshelf, bookcase tall wooden piece used for holding books

Chair various types of furniture used for sitting on

change table surface found in the nursery, used for changing a baby's diaper

couch/sofa long comfortable piece for sitting on; found in common rooms

Counter surface in the kitchen; used for preparing food and holding small appliances

cupboards storage area with doors; used for holding food, dishes, cleaning supplies, etc.

piece used for doing work and holding papers, books, writing tools; usually
Desk
found in an office

dresser, bureau piece of furniture for holding folded clothing

entertainment centre piece of furniture for holding television, stereo, and other electronic devices

square opening on a wall to hold a fire and warm up the home; may be electric,
fireplace
gas, or wood
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Mirrors special glass placed on a wall or counter, used for viewing one's self

pictures, paintings decorations hung on walls or placed on surfaces; often framed

Shelves long surfaces for organizing and storing household items

tub, bathtub found in bathrooms, a large area where you lie down and wash your body

window sills, ledges long shelf-like surface beneath a window

Appliances
Word Meaning

electric appliance that washes dishes; can be "built-in" (under a sink) or

dishwasher
"portable" (moved and attached to the sink when in use)

Dryer electric appliance used to dry laundry

Fridge electric appliance used for keeping food cold

Freezer electric appliance used for keeping food frozen (very cold)

located inside a drain; chops up bits of food into small pieces to fit down the
garbage disposal
pipes

microwave electric appliance for cooking food quickly

Oven electric appliance for baking and heating food

stove, range elements on top of an oven for heating, frying, and boiling food

washing machine electric appliance for cleaning laundry

Cleaning Supplies
Word Meaning
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baking soda white powder used for cleaning and removing odours

liquid added in small amounts to water; has strong chemicals that remove
Bleach
stains on white clothing; also used to clean bathrooms

Broom brush with a long handle on it for sweeping floors

carpet cleaner foam or liquid soap used on rugs and carpets

deodorizer product that removes bad smells from a room; often scented

dishwashing
liquid or powder soap that goes into a dishwasher
detergent

dust pan flat container used for collecting dirt and dust swept up with a broom

a cleaning tool with a handle and feathers (or a soft cloth) used for wiping dust
Duster
off surfaces

garbage or trash bag large, heavy bag for collecting the household garbage

garbage or trash bin container with a lid that holds large garbage bags

Gloves coverings for the hands, with separate holes for the fingers

a long tube that fills with water; often kept outside and used for outdoor
Hose
cleaning

laundry detergent powder or liquid soap used for cleaning clothes and linen

long stick with a sponge at the bottom that is soaked in water and soap; used
Mop
for cleaning floors

recycling bin a container that holds paper, tins, glass, and other garbage that can be reused

scouring pads tough cleaning pads used for scrubbing pots, pans, and ovens
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scrub brush a brush with a handle on it; often used for cleaning toilets

Sponge a soft cleaning product that absorbs water and is used for washing surfaces

laundry product used specifically on spots that regular laundry detergent

stain remover
cannot clean (stains include red wine or blood)

vacuum cleaner a machine that sucks up dust and dirt on the floor as you push it around

a clear sour tasting liquid mixed with water and used for cleaning;
Vinegar
environmentally friendly alternative to store bought cleaners

Linen and Laundry terms

Word Meaning

bath towel large towel used for drying the body after a shower or bath

face cloth or wash

small, square shaped towel or cloth used for washing the face and hands
cloth

fitted sheet sheet with elastic that goes on top of the mattress and stays in place

fold
make articles of clothing small and neat for storage
verb

hand towel a towel hung in the bathroom; used for drying hands

hanger
a wire or plastic hook used for hanging clothes in a closet
noun

iron
an electric appliance used for making clothes flat; to remove wrinkles
noun and verb

king size the largest size bed or bed covering

laundry the washing of clothing

noun
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do the laundry

pillow case a covering similar to a sheet that protects the head cushion

queen size large size bed and bed covering (smaller than king, larger than double)

sheet
a light cover on the bed
noun

single smallest bed or bed covering size; made for one person

stain
a spot that is difficult to clean
noun

top sheet the sheet that goes on top of the fitted sheet and under a heavier blanket

bed or bed covering size that is larger than a single and smaller than a double;
twin size
used for one person

Describing words for Housekeepers

Word Meaning Example sentence

when a person must stay away from a

certain food or cleaning product Our daughter is allergic to that
allergic
because it can cause them to get very laundry detergent.
sick

When the kitchen is clean I will start

clean remove dirt and stains
on the laundry.

when something is blocking the hole of The kitchen drain is clogged with
clogged, plugged
a tube or pipe potato skins.

I hung up your suit, but it is still a

damp a little bit wet
little damp.
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The floors are dirty because the kids

dirty opposite of clean
walked through with their boots on.

when furniture and surfaces are The office furniture upstairs is very
dusty
covered with a small layer of matter dusty.

The bathroom is filthy because we

filthy very dirty went away for the weekend and left
the kids at home.

The children's rooms are messy, but

messy out of order, opposite of neat and tidy
it's their job to clean them.

neat, tidy (often

Thank you for leaving the house so
expressed as "neat in good order, opposite of messy
neat and tidy.
and tidy")

surface that is wet or polished and is I just mopped, so the floors are a bit
slippery
easy to fall on slippery.

Can you rinse the dishes again? They

soapy covered with lots of soap bubbles
are still soapy.

filled or covered with water, opposite I put the dryer on twice but the
wet
of dry clothes are still wet.

environmentally good for the world, doesn't contain We only use cleaning products that
friendly strong chemicals are environmentally friendly.

Action words for Housekeepers

Word Meaning Example sentence

After you clean up the kitchen you

clean; clean up remove dirt, dust, and other messes
can take your break.

dry take the water out of something Please dry the dishes fully before
you put them away in the
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cupboards.

remove the dust from surfaces such as I'm sorry I forgot to dust the
dust
furniture entertainment stand last week.

I'm finished everything on the list,

finish; complete have no more work to do
so I guess I'll be going home now.

The master bedroom is relatively

freshen up make a room smell and look more inviting clean, but you could freshen it up
a little.

After you have folded the laundry,

organize and store items (often clothes)
hang; hang up please hang the guest towels in
by putting them on hooks and hangers
the washroom.

The dishwasher flooded, so I

mop; mop up clean the floors with soap and water
mopped up the water.

sort or put away in a neat and tidy I organized the indoor and
organize
manner outdoor shoes.

wipe with a special cleaner that makes

Make sure to polish the silverware
polish something (such as floors) shine; remove
before you put it away.
smudges or prints

You'll have to rinse the dishes a

pour water over something for a long time
rinse little better. My coffee tasted
to remove soap
soapy today.

remove any bacteria or other harmful

You have to sterilize the baby
sanitize; sterilize substances that could cause illness, often
bottles in boiling water.
by using boiling water or a special cleaner

use a lot of physical energy and a heavy You'll have to scrub the upstairs
scrub
cleaning tool to remove dirt or stains tub because it's pretty dirty.

tidy; tidy up make a room or area look neat by You don't need to vacuum the
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organizing and putting things away family room, but you could tidy up
the books and toys.

Please pick up large items like

use a special hose that sucks up dust and
vacuum coins before you vacuum the
dirt from the floors and furniture
basement.

Please wash the windows with

wash make clean with water and soap
water and vinegar.

You forgot to water the indoor

water pour water onto plants or grass
and outdoor plants.

Don't use bleach to wipe the

wipe; wipe up clean up a mess or spill
counters.