You've finally arrived in a new city. After a long flight or bus ride, the hotel is your first real destination—a place for rest and a base for adventure. Checking in is more than just a transaction; it's often your first conversation in Spanish with a local. Getting it right can make you feel confident and welcome from the very start. This guide isn't just about getting a key. It's about understanding the small but important cultural details of this first interaction. Using the right level of politeness and knowing what to ask can turn a simple check-in into a warm welcome. These phrases will help you navigate the process smoothly, ask for what you need, and begin your trip on a positive note.
Good afternoon. I have a reservation.
Use this as your opening line when you approach the reception desk. It's polite and immediately states your purpose.
The reservation is in the name of...
Use this phrase to give the receptionist the name you used to book the room.
Here is my passport.
Hotels are required to register foreign guests. Have your passport ready and use this phrase when you hand it over.
What time is check-in / check-out?
Use this to confirm the official times for arriving and leaving, to avoid any extra charges.
Can I pay with a credit card?
It's always a good idea to confirm payment methods, especially in smaller hotels or more remote areas.
Is breakfast included?
Ask this to clarify if the price of your room includes the morning meal.
At what time and where is breakfast?
A practical follow-up question to find out the schedule and location for breakfast.
What floor is my room on?
A simple question to ask after you receive your room number.
Where is the elevator?
Essential if you have heavy luggage. The word 'elevador' is also common.
I need help with my luggage, please.
Use this if you need assistance from a bellhop ('botones') to take your bags to the room.
Does my room have air conditioning?
An important question in hot climates. 'Ventilador' is the word for 'fan'.
Is there a safe in the room?
Ask this to know if you can securely store your passport and valuables.
Can you give me a city map?
Hotel receptions are a great source for free maps and local information.
Thank you very much for your help.
A polite way to end the conversation after the receptionist has assisted you.
A traveler, Alex, approaches the front desk of a small hotel in Medellín, Colombia, after a long flight.
Buenas noches. ¿Habla inglés?
Good evening. Do you speak English?
Un poquito. Pero podemos intentar en español. ¿En qué puedo ayudarle?
A little. But we can try in Spanish. How can I help you?
¡Perfecto! Tengo una reserva a nombre de Alex Smith.
Perfect! I have a reservation in the name of Alex Smith.
Sí, aquí está. Smith... una habitación individual por tres noches. ¿Correcto?
Yes, here it is. Smith... one single room for three nights. Correct?
Sí, correcto. Aquí está mi pasaporte.
Yes, correct. Here is my passport.
Gracias. Un momento, por favor... Muy bien. Su habitación es la 305.
Thank you. One moment, please... Very good. Your room is 305.
Gracias. Una pregunta, ¿el desayuno está incluido?
Thanks. One question, is breakfast included?
Sí, claro. El desayuno es de 7 a 10 de la mañana en el restaurante del primer piso.
Yes, of course. Breakfast is from 7 to 10 in the morning in the first-floor restaurant.
Excelente. Y, ¿cuál es la clave del wifi?
Excellent. And, what is the Wi-Fi password?
La clave es 'hotelviajero2024'. Todo junto. Aquí tiene su tarjeta.
The password is 'hotelviajero2024'. All one word. Here is your key card.
Perfecto. ¿El ascensor está por allá?
Perfect. Is the elevator over there?
Sí, a la derecha. Que disfrute su estancia.
Yes, to the right. Enjoy your stay.
Muchas gracias por su ayuda. ¡Buenas noches!
Thank you very much for your help. Good night!
Always address hotel staff with 'usted' (the formal 'you'), not 'tú'. This is a sign of respect and is the standard in service situations throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Using 'señor', 'señora', or 'señorita' when getting their attention ('Disculpe, señor...') is also highly recommended.
In many smaller or older hotels in Latin America and Spain, it is common practice to leave your physical room key ('llave') at the reception desk whenever you leave the building. This is a security measure. Don't be surprised if they ask for it; it's completely normal.
Hotel staff may strongly recommend you use the in-room safe ('caja de seguridad' or 'caja fuerte'). This is not an accusation, but a standard security precaution. Always use it to store your passport (carry a photocopy with you), extra cash, and other valuables.
The floor numbering system can be different. In Spain and many parts of South America, the ground floor is the 'planta baja' (PB), and the 'primer piso' (first floor) is actually one level up. If your room is 205, you might need to press the number '2' in the elevator, but always confirm by asking '¿Qué piso, por favor?'
Tipping the bellhop ('botones') who helps with your luggage is customary. A small amount, equivalent to one or two US dollars per bag, is appropriate. Tipping the front desk staff is not expected, but a friendly and grateful attitude goes a long way.
The word for elevator is 'ascensor'. You might hear staff say 'coger el ascensor' (to take the elevator). The ground floor is 'planta baja' and the 'primer piso' is the floor above it. While 'ustedes' is understood, you may hear staff use 'vosotros' when speaking to a group of travelers.
The word for pool is 'alberca'. For air conditioning, 'clima' is a very common synonym for 'aire acondicionado'. You may also hear the term 'camarista' for the housekeeping staff you might tip.
The informal 'you' is 'vos', not 'tú'. While you should use the formal 'usted' with staff, you'll hear 'vos' everywhere. The word for pool is 'pileta', and the word for elevator is 'ascensor'. The accent and intonation (sounding more Italian) are very distinct.
Politeness is paramount. Expect to be addressed as 'señor/señora' and do the same. Diminutives are very common and show friendliness (e.g., 'un momentico', 'una llavecita'). You may be offered a 'tinto' (a small, black coffee) upon arrival at the hotel, which is a gesture of hospitality.
Found this useful? Save it for later.
What is the Wi-Fi password?
One of the most important questions! Ask this to get connected as soon as you arrive.