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Many times, hotel staff will find themselves in situations where they will have to take some action that will effect the guest. In these cases, the staff should politely ask the guest for their permission before taking any action. The guest may also ask permission to do something. It is only polite to ask for their permission before doing so. There are several expressions that can use used for asking for permissions. Look at the expressions below.

           To ask permission                                   Possible responses

          Is it OK if . . .                                                  I really wish you wouldn’t.

          Do you mind if . . .                                        No, I don’t mind. Go ahead  

          May I . . .                                                        Sure, no problem.

          Would it be a problem if . . .                        No problem at all.

          Would it be OK if . . .                                    No, please don’t

                                                                                 I would prefer that you didn’t.

Dialogue

Staff: May I pour you more wine, ma’am?

Guest: Sure.

Staff: Do you mind if I clean the room now, sir?

Guest: Actually, would it be possible for you to come back in half an hour?

Staff: No problem, ma’am.

Guest: May I borrow you pen.

Staff: Absolutely sir, here you go.

Guest: Would it be a problem if I left my luggage here for a few minutes?

Staff: No problem at all, sir. I’ll, keep on eye on it.

Staff: Is it OK if I make a copy of your passport?

Guest: Sure, whatever you need.

Practice

Practice using the above expressions by having a dialogue similar to the ones above with a partner, one partner taking the role of the guest and the other the role of the staff. For additional practice, switch roles. Practice the dialogue several times, trying to use all of the expressions noted above.

More Practice

Role play the following situations with a partner, one person taking the role of the guest and the other person taking the role of a hotel staff.

            Permission by Staff

                Move some luggage out of the passage way

                Use their pen

                Refill a coffee cup                            

                Pull down a shade

                Get their room key or card                   

            Permission by guest

                Leave bags behind a counter

                Smoking in a restaurant

                Borrow a pen

                Take newspaper from lounge to read in room

                Leave a message for a friend

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