Be My Guest - Hotel Industry English Review

Critical vocabulary and industry-specific terminology extracted from the Be My Guest student handbook for hotel industry professionals.

Receptionist

A hotel employee who welcomes guests, manages reservations, and handles the check-in and check-out process.

Commissionaire

A uniformed employee stationed at the hotel entrance to assist guests with doors and vehicles.

Sous-chef

The second-in-command in the kitchen who works directly under the head chef.

Chambermaid / Room attendant

The staff member responsible for cleaning guest rooms and replacing items like sheets and towels.

Management trainee

An employee undergoing training to learn the various operational branches of hotel management.

Twin room

A hotel room designed with two separate single beds.

Suite

A luxury accommodation typically consisting of a bedroom and a separate living area.

Double room - twin beds

A room category often abbreviated as $S2D$ in reservation charts.

Personal safe

A secure unit in the bedroom where guests can store valuables, often operated by tapping in a $6$ digit code number.

Mini-bar

A small refrigerator in the guest room stocked with beverages and snacks that are charged to the guest's bill.

Valet service

A service providing professional parking for guests' cars or personal assistance like laundry handling.

Business centre

A facility offering internet access, secretarial services, and computer equipment for guest use.

Aperitif

An alcoholic drink, such as a martini or sherry, served to guests before a meal in the restaurant.

Housekeeping

The department responsible for room maintenance, including providing extra pillows, blankets, or toiletries.

Draught beer

Beer served from a cask or keg rather than from a bottle or can.

Service charge

A percentage added to the bill, such as $10\%$ or $15\%$, intended to cover gratuities for the staff.

VAT

Value Added Tax, which is typically included in the room rate or restaurant bill total.

Audio-visual equipment

Technical tools for conferences, including overhead projectors, flip charts, large screens, and loudspeakers.

Confirmation letter

A formal response from the hotel, via fax or e-mail, verifying the details of a guest's booking.

Receipt

The document provided to the guest upon check-out as proof of payment for their final account.