Hotels are one of the places where foreign visitors spend the most time in Japan. From check-in to checkout, here are 20 essential English phrases that hotel staff can use — presented in Matsu-nee and Nobio’s fun conversation style!
🗣️ Matsu-nee & Nobio’s Conversation
Nobio: “Matsu-nee, a foreign guest looks confused at the front desk. What should I say for check-in?”
Matsu-nee: “Start with a warm ‘Welcome!’ and then ask ‘Do you have a reservation?’ After confirming their name and showing them to their room, you’re all set!”
Nobio: “Got it! Can you teach me some specific phrases?”
🏨 Scene 1: Check-In
| Japanese Meaning | English Phrase |
|---|---|
| Welcome / いらっしゃいませ | Welcome! |
| Do you have a reservation? / ご予約はございますか？ | Do you have a reservation? |
| May I have your name? / お名前を教えていただけますか？ | May I have your name, please? |
| Could I see your passport? / パスポートをご提示ください | Could I see your passport, please? |
| Here is your room key / こちらがお部屋の鍵です | Here is your room key. |
🛎️ Scene 2: Facilities & Services
| Japanese Meaning | English Phrase |
|---|---|
| Breakfast hours / 朝食は7時から10時です | Breakfast is served from 7 to 10 a.m. |
| Wi-Fi password / Wi-Fiのパスワードはこちらです | Here is the Wi-Fi password. |
| Elevator location / エレベーターはあちらです | The elevator is over there. |
| Anything else? / 何かご不明な点はありますか？ | Is there anything else I can help you with? |
| Room service / ルームサービスは24時間対応です | Room service is available 24 hours. |
🔧 Scene 3: Requests & Troubleshooting
| Japanese Meaning | English Phrase |
|---|---|
| Extra towels / タオルを追加でお持ちします | I’ll bring you extra towels. |
| Checking right away / すぐに確認いたします | I’ll check on that right away. |
| Sorry for the trouble / ご不便をおかけして申し訳ありません | I’m sorry for the inconvenience. |
| Another room / 別のお部屋にご案内できます | We can move you to another room. |
| Calling maintenance / メンテナンス担当を呼びます | I’ll call maintenance for you. |
🏁 Scene 4: Checkout
| Japanese Meaning | English Phrase |
|---|---|
| Checking out? / チェックアウトですか？ | Are you checking out? |
| How was your stay? / ご滞在はいかがでしたか？ | How was your stay? |
| Card or cash? / カードですか現金ですか？ | Will you be paying by card or cash? |
| Receipt / 領収書をお出しします | I’ll print your receipt. |
| See you again! / またのご来館をお待ちしております | We hope to see you again! |
🗣️ Matsu-nee & Nobio’s Conversation ②
Nobio: “‘How was your stay?’ — it’s so simple, but it feels really warm!”
Matsu-nee: “Exactly! Guests find it easy to answer, and the hotel gets useful feedback — it’s a win-win. One short phrase can make a huge difference.”
Nobio: “You’re right! With a smile and these phrases, check-in and checkout will be smooth!”
🔗 English Journey Series
📖 Episode 1: Restaurant Edition | Simple English Phrases That Work in Japan
📖 Episode 2: Convenience Store Edition | Convenience Store English Phrases
📖 Episode 3: Train Edition | Train English Phrases
📖 Episode 4: Hotel Edition (this article)
FAQ
Q. What English phrases are essential for hotel check-in?
“I have a reservation under [name]” is the go-to phrase. Showing your confirmation screen makes it even smoother. For early check-in, ask “Is early check-in available?”
Q. How do you report problems at a hotel in English?
“Excuse me, there seems to be a problem with…” is polite and effective. Be specific: “The air conditioning doesn’t work” or “There’s no hot water” helps staff respond quickly.
Q. How can I prepare my hotel English before traveling?
Practice by simulating real scenarios and speaking phrases aloud. Our “Daily 5-Minute Business English” page provides voice-enabled phrases updated daily for continuous practice.
Check out other episodes: EP2: Convenience Store EP3: Train
For daily English practice, try our Daily 5-Minute Business English.
