5. Business travels
Objetives
- For students to learn vocabulary and expressions about business travels.
- For students to learn vocabulary and grammatical expressions to basically communicate in business travels in relation to accommodation, food and drink.
5.1. Accommodation
When people travel for business, one of the most important things they care about is having appropriate accommodation for them to relax, work and be in touch with their families while they are away from home.
It is not easy to meet every businessman’s needs because they may differ broadly from person to person. That is why hotels provide varied services and facilities.
Figure 26 shows a hotel resort
-
- Analyze the following videos. Pay attention to the voice of the speaker, the background music, the images and the speed in which the images change.
- What kind of guest are they intended for? Is it explicitly mentioned in the videos or is it implicitly reflected through the elements analyzed before?
EAudiovisualVideo 1:
Video 2:
Video 3:
Video 4:
Here are some facilities and services provided by hotels:
|
Word
|
Meaning |
Example sentence |
|
adjoining rooms
|
two hotel rooms with a door in between which communicates both rooms |
If you want we can book your parents an adjoining room. |
|
baggage
|
bags and suitcases packed with personal belongings |
If you need help with your baggage, we have a cart you can use. |
|
Bed and Breakfast
|
a place that offers a place to stay and a place to eat |
I can book you a beautiful Bed and Breakfast by the lake. |
|
bellboy
|
a staff member who helps guests with their luggage |
The bellboy will take your bags to your room for you. |
|
brochures
|
small booklets that provide information on the local sites and attractions |
Feel free to take some brochures to your room to look at. |
|
complimentary (breakfast)
|
free of charge |
All of our rooms have complimentary soap, shampoo, and breakfast. |
|
cot, rollaway bed
|
a single bed on wheels that folds up |
If you need an extra bed, we have cots available. |
|
damage charge
|
money a guest owes for repairs to hotel property (when caused by violent or careless acts) |
We will have to add a damage charge for the hole you put in the wall. |
|
deposit
|
amount paid ahead of time to secure a reservation |
You will not receive your deposit back if you cancel. |
|
double bed
|
a bed large enough for two people |
They are a family of four, so give them a room with two double beds. |
|
floor
|
a level of the building |
The swimming pool is on the main floor. |
|
front desk, reception
|
the place where guests go to check in and out and to get information |
Towels are available at the front desk. |
|
hostel
|
a very inexpensive place for backpackers and travelers on a budget |
In the hostel you probably will share your room with a stranger. |
|
ice machine
|
a machine that automatically makes ice that guests can use to keep drinks cold |
There is an ice machine by the elevator on all of the even numbered floors. |
|
indoor pool
|
place for guests to swim inside the hotel |
The heated indoor pool is open until 10 pm. |
|
inn
|
another word for "hotel" |
There's an inn on the other side of town that has a vacancy. |
|
jacuzzi, hot tub, whirl pool
|
a small hot pool for relaxation |
Our honeymoon room has a personal hot tub. |
|
king-size bed
|
extra large bed |
A room with a king size bed costs an extra ten dollars a night. |
|
kitchenette
|
a small fridge and cooking area |
Your room has a kitchenette so you can prepare your own breakfasts and lunches. |
|
late charge
|
a fee for staying past the check-out time |
You will be charged a ten dollar late charge for checking out after 11 am. |
|
linen
|
sheets, blankets, pillow cases |
We will come in and change the linens while you are out of your room. |
|
lobby
|
large open area at the front of the hotel |
You can stand in the lobby and wait for your bus. |
|
luggage cart
|
a device on wheels that guests can use to push their luggage on |
Please return the luggage cart to the lobby when you are finished with it. |
|
motels
|
accommodations that are slightly cheaper than hotels |
Our motel is very clean and is close to the beach. |
|
parking pass
|
a piece of paper that guests display in the car window while in the hotel parking lot |
Display this parking pass in your window to show that you are a hotel guest. |
|
pay-per-view movie
|
extra charge for movies and special television features |
If you order a pay-per-view movie, the charge will appear on your bill. |
|
pillow case
|
the covering that goes over a pillow |
Room 201 doesn't need their sheets changed, but they requested one new pillow case. |
|
queen size bed
|
bed with plenty of space for two people (bigger than a double) |
They have a queen size bed so the small child can easily fit in the middle. |
|
room service
|
delivery of food or other services requested by guests |
If you would like a bottle of wine, just call room service. |
|
sauna
|
a hot room for relaxation, filled with steam |
We don't recommend bringing young children into the sauna. |
|
single bed
|
a bed for one person |
The economy priced room includes one single bed. |
|
sofa bed, pull-out couch
|
a bed built into a sofa or couch |
The room contains a sofa bed so the room actually sleeps five. |
|
towels
|
piece of cloth used to cover and dry the body |
You can get your swimming pool towels at the front desk. |
|
valet
|
staff that parks the guests' vehicles |
If you leave your car keys with us, the valet will park your car underground. |
|
vending machine
|
a machine that distributes snacks and beverages when you insert coins |
The vending machine on the fifth floor has chocolate bars and chips. |
|
view
|
a window that offers a nice image for guests |
The room is more expensive because it has a spectacular view of the beach. |
|
wake up call
|
a morning phone call from the front desk, acts as an alarm clock |
What time would you like your wakeup call? |
|
weight room, workout room, gym
|
a room that guests can use for exercise and fitness |
Our weight room has a stair climber and a stationary bicycle. N |
- Gym
- Swimming pool
- Hotel restaurant
- Good location and beautiful view of the city
- Near to shops, bars and theatres
- Near to tourist sights and museums
- Satellite tv
- Childcare service
- Play room for children
- Wheelchair access
- Free internet access
- Minibar in every room
- Baggage lockers
- Limousine service to and from the airport
- Laundry service
- Free parking
- Private beach
- Availability to buy town excursions
- Souvenir shop
- Beauty salon
More hotel facilities:
Here are some frequently asked questions about hotel accommodation:
|
Q U E S T I O N |
A N S W E R |
|
What type of accommodation do you offer? |
We offer luxury hotel accommodation throughout the country. There are some modern hotels in the group that are usually in areas of great beauty or special interest. |
|
Do rooms have bathrooms on suite? |
Yes, of course. All rooms have their own private bathroom. |
|
Do the hotels have a restaurant? |
Yes, with the exception of two of them where there is a restaurant nearby. |
|
Is the accommodation suitable for children? |
Children are welcome, sir/madam. |
|
How do I make a reservation? |
Click the link on each hotel page. |
|
What do you charge for cancellations? |
Nothing. You only pay the reservation if you cancel with less than 2 days notice. |
|
Is there is a minimum length of stay? |
Generally no, however there are special prices for lengthy stays. |
|
Are there parking facilities, if so is there a charge? |
It depends on the hotel. |
|
How is payment made? |
On being presented with a bill. Please remember that no money was taken at the time of reservation and the charge for accommodation, food ordered and services used is payable. |
|
What is the method of payment? |
Euros or major credit card. Any bank charges are to be paid by the guest. Personal cheques are not accepted. |
|
How do I guarantee my reservation? |
By emailing your credit card details to our secure server or, by faxing a signed credit card authority. |
|
Can extra beds be arranged? |
Yes, depending on the room size. |
|
Do the "Paradores" hotels have facilities for the disabled? |
It depends on the hotel. |
|
What is the cancellation policy? |
Our cancellation policy is: No penalty if cancelled up to 48 hours prior to arrival. |
|
If I need to cancel my reservation what do I do? |
Announce the hotel directly either by phone, fax or email. All contact details are provided in our confirmation email. |
|
Do I need a Passport /ID card or Visa? |
Please check with your local Embassy or Consulate. Please ensure documents are valid for the dates of travel. |
|
Are pets allowed? |
No |
|
Are flights and car hire included? |
No |
|
How do I contact you? |
reservations@travelpromotions.uk.com |
-
Now do the following exercises about hotel facilities:
WWebhttps://www.hkhk.edu.ee/frontoffice/practice_exercises1.html
Here is a crossword puzzle for you to complete:
5.2. Reservations
When people travel on business, they should reserve their transport, accommodation and place in the event they are attending.
There are some requirements for taking reservations that any staff member should fulfill. For example:
Figure 27 shows a hotel reservation area
At hotels:
At restaurants:
At conventions:
Here are some examples to start the conversation
Sample exchanges:
Receptionist: How many people is the booking for?
Guest:… It's for two people.
Receptionist: How would you like to pay?
Guest:… Can I pay by credit card?
Receptionist: Can you spell your surname?
Guest: … Yes, it's B – R – O – W – N.
Receptionist: Can you give me your credit card number and expiry date?
Guest: …Yes, it's …….
Here are some other frequent expressions used in hotel reservations:
Receptionist:
- Canada Hotel, Liza speaking. How can I help you?
- What date are you looking for?
- When for?
- How long will you be staying? For how many nights?
- How many adults will be in the room? For how many people?
- I'm afraid we are fully booked that weekend.
- There are only a few vacancies left.
- We advise that you book in advance during peak/high season.
- Will two double beds be enough?
- Would you like a smoking or non-smoking room?
- The rate is $ 99.54 including tax.
- We require a credit card number for a deposit.
- I'd like to make a reservation for next week.
- Is it necessary to book ahead?
- Do you charge extra for two beds?
- How much is it for a cot?
- Is breakfast included in the room rate?
- Do you have any cheaper rooms?
- When is it considered off- season?
Potential guest
Conversations:
Receptionist: Good morning. Park Hotel. How can I help you?
Guest: Good morning. I'd like to make a reservation for the third weekend in September. Do you have any vacancies?
Receptionist: Yes sir, we have several rooms available for that particular weekend. And what is the exact date of your arrival?
Guest: The 24th.
Receptionist: How long will you be staying?
Guest: For two nights.
Receptionist: How many people is the reservation for?
Guest: For two.
Receptionist: And would you like a room with twin beds or a double bed?
Guest: A double bed, please.
Receptionist: Fine. And would you prefer to have a room with a view of
the ocean?
Guest: If that is possible. What's the rate for the room?
Receptionist: That room is five hundred and ninety dollars per night. Now what name will the reservation be listed under?
Guest: Charles Hannighan.
Receptionist: Could you spell your last name for me, please?
Guest: Sure. H-A-N-N-I-G-H-A-N
Receptionist: And is there a phone number where you can be contacted?
Guest: Yes, my cell phone number is 555-26386.
Receptionist: Fine. Now I'll need your credit card details to reserve the room for you. What type of card is it?
Guest: Visa. The number is 987654321.
Receptionist: And what is the name of the cardholder?
Guest: Charles H. Hannighan.
Receptionist: Alright, Mr. Hannighan, your reservation has been made for the twenty-fourth of September for a room with a double bed and view of the ocean. Check-in is at 2 o'clock. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call us.
Guest: Great, thank you so much.
Receptionist: My pleasure. We look format to seeing you in September, Mr. Hannighan. Have a nice day. N
Receptionist: Thanks for calling Carlton Hotel. Moira speaking. How can I help you?
Caller: Hello. I'd like to book a room for the October long weekend.
Receptionist: I'm afraid we're fully booked for that weekend.
Caller: Oh, well what about the weekend after that?
Receptionist: So... Friday the seventeenth?
Caller: Yes. Friday and Saturday.
Receptionist: It looks like we have a few vacancies left. It's still considered peak season then.
Caller: Okay. Do you have any rooms with two double beds? We're a family of four.
Receptionist: Yes, all of our rooms have two double beds. The rate for that weekend is $129 dollars per night.
Caller: That's fine. And do you have cots? One of my daughters might be bringing a friend.
Receptionist: We do, but we also charge an extra ten dollars per person for any family with over four people. The cot is free.
Caller: Okay, but I'm not sure if she is coming. Can we pay when we arrive?
Receptionist: Yes, but we do require a fifty dollar credit card deposit to hold the room. You can cancel up to five days in advance and we will refund your deposit. N
- Watch this video and study the structures to make hotel reservations.
At a restaurant
Figure 28 shows a reserved table
Waitress: Good evening, Brunett Restaurant. How can I help you?
Customer: Hello! I am calling to make a table reservation.
Waitress: Absolutely, may I have your last name please?
Customer: My last name is Haze.
Waitress: Thank you! May I also know what evening you will like the reservation for?
Customer: Can I reserve for this Friday?
Waitress: All right, what time will you be dining with us?
Customer: We would prefer 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
Waitress: How many diners will be in your party?
Customer: Please make the reservation for 2 people only. And may I also request that we be seated at a booth, instead of a table?
Waitress: Ok, thank you Mr. Haze! This Friday at 6:00 PM we will have a booth reserved for you.
Customer: Great! Thank you so much. I appreciate your help, and look forward to having dinner at your restaurant.
- Now try doing the following activity:
- Now watch these videos to learn how to make a restaurant reservation:
https://www.focusenglish.com/dialogues/eating/reserveatable.html
5.3. Food and drink
Food is one of the most important aspects of a company’s event. Consequently, it should be paid particular attention so that the company provides cuisine that stands out for its quality, taste, provenance and suitability.
Figure 29 shows snacks at a catering service
Watch this video about a catering service for companies.
Some companies offer classic happy hour events with cheese and cracker boards, and perhaps a margarita or three. That is all fine and dandy, but there are many different alternatives for entertaining guests specially in summer.
In general, companies try to offer their attendees the best ways to experience sunny days and breezy nights with some of the hottest event trends of the summer. So, they may spend the afternoon entertaining clients with some smoky goodies or a cold brew ski in one hand and a hotdog with all the fixings in the other.
Many popular venues open up their rooftops during the summer months and invite guests in to sip lavish cocktails and dine on delicious bites, all while admiring the sprawling views that can only be enjoyed from those heights.
Watch the following videos to learn about food, beverages, meals, etc.
Vocabulary related to food and drink:
Vocabulary for the kitchen:
Meals:
5.4. Menus
There are different kinds of menus according to the typed of restaurant.
Some types of restaurant menus are:
Figure 30 shows a restaurant menu
- Watch and read the transcript about different kinds of menus.
Explanation of different meals and menus:
5.5. Eating habits
Eating habits depend on different things. One of these thing culture. Then, the topic of food during business meetings is coming up more often as companies become global.
Catering companies specializing in corporate events are offering specialty-diet meals that look exactly like the other dishes to avoid embarrassing situations for those who are on a diet or suffer from different food diseases.
Figure 31 shows a woman surrounded by different dishes
When business is conducted over dinner in a home, diet requirements are dicer. These days, it's common courtesy for a host to ask guests about food restrictions prior to an event. But when the group is large enough —more than can fit around a dining room table, for example—it is unreasonable to expect everyone's dietary needs to be met.
Expressions:
How to manage at a restaurant:
Ordering food and drink:
- Do these exercises to check understanding:
5.6. Recommending
Sometimes when people go to restaurants they ask the waiter or waitress for recommendations.
The quality of a restaurant is strongly related to the quality of the food and drinks served by them. And menu recommendation is not an easy task.
Recommending menus to people may be useful in a number of ways. For example, it allows customers to pick the restaurants that offer dishes which are more in line with their tastes, or it may make them try new dishes which they have never tried before but are among the top-rated choices offered by restaurants.
Expressions:
Guest: What do you recommend?
Waiter: I recommend you try one of the specials.
Waiter: You could try the lamb it is very nice.
Waiter: I thought you might like to try the local specialty.
Waiter: The trout is very good. It comes with potatoes and fresh vegetables.
Figure 32 shows a waiter recommending dishes
Waiter: Are you ready to order, Sir?
Mr Sanders: Not really. Could you recommend something?
Waiter: Certainly, Sir. The fresh lobster is particularly good this evening,
and for starters may I recommend a light consomme?
Mr Sanders: Sounds lovely, what do you think, Dear?
Mrs Sanders: Oh yes, I love lobster.
At a restaurant:
Watch these videos to learn how to recommend or suggest in general
https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1212_ho...
5.7. Modal verb: can/can’t
“Can” is a modal verb used to express ability, possibility, requests and offers, permission, opportunity or impossibility. Here are some examples to illustrate each of them.
Form:
Affirmative: subject + can + v-infinitive
Example:
Negative:subject + can + not + v-infinitive
Example:
Interrogative: (yes/no question) Can + subject + v-infinitive + ?
(wh-question) Wh- + can + subject + v-infinitive + ?
Examples:
|
Function |
Examples |
|
General ability |
The secretary can speak Chinese. |
|
Opportunity |
You can work extra time if you’d like to earn more money. |
|
Permission |
Employees can use internet for personal issues at lunchtime. |
|
Request |
Can you finish this report by tomorrow? |
|
Possibility |
Workers can get a pay rise if they work hard enough. |
|
Impossibility |
The manager can’t earn less than any employee. |
|
Prohibition |
People can’t smoke in this factory. |
- Watch these videos to review the modal verb can/can’t
EAudiovisual
- Now try doing these exercises