I Have a Reservation
A slightly shorter, very common alternative. Used interchangeably with 'reservación' in many places.
Use this to say 'I made a reservation,' emphasizing the past action.
A very useful follow-up: 'It's under the name of...'. You can use this right after saying you have a reservation.
Hello, good evening. I have a reservation for two people.
I have a reservation under the name García for eight o'clock at night.
I'm calling to confirm that I have a reservation for the hotel this weekend.
Excuse me, we made a reservation for a group of six.
Both 'reservación' and 'reserva' are widely used and understood. 'Reservación' is particularly common in Mexico and Central America.
The word 'reserva' is almost exclusively used. 'Reservación' sounds like a direct translation from English and is very rare in everyday speech.
'Reserva' is the standard and most common term. While 'reservación' would be understood, it is not the typical word choice.
Both 'reserva' and 'reservación' are very common. They are often used interchangeably without any significant difference in meaning.
Using 'Yo tengo una reservación.' — While grammatically correct, Spanish speakers often omit the pronoun 'yo' (I) because the verb 'tengo' already makes it clear who is speaking. Simply say 'Tengo una reservación' to sound more natural.
Using 'reservación' for a doctor's appointment. — A 'reservación' or 'reserva' is for a hotel, restaurant, or flight. For a scheduled appointment with a person (like a doctor or a business meeting), use the word 'cita'. For example: 'Tengo una cita con el doctor'.
Pronouncing the 'v' like in English 'victory'. — In Spanish, the 'v' and 'b' letters make the same sound. In 'reservación', the 'v' sounds like a soft English 'b'. It's 'rreh-sehr-BAH-syohn', not 'rreh-sehr-VAH-shun'.