Making Requests in English
Requests
Activities Work Sheets
In order to get the most satisfaction (and theirs money’s worth from their stay) guests make
requests. Most of these requests will be reasonable, such as asking for more napkins at a
restaurant or having a burnt out light bulb replaced in their room. Some requests may be
outrageous and outside the normal service parameters of the hotel. In either case, the
requests must to politely listened to and professionally attended to. Look at the examples
below of possible requests that a guest may make.
Expressions- Requests
Possible guest’s request
Could I have another order of garlic toast?
I would like extra soap and shampoo left in the room.
Would it be possible to get a two minute boiled egg?
Could you arrange a tee time of 7:00 AM for four at the Country Club?
The guests in the next room are very noisy. Could we change rooms?
Is it possible to get free samples of all the facial products the spa sells?
Responses to requests
Yes sir, I’ll take care of that right away.
I’ll attend to that immediately.
I’m not sure, let me talk to my supervisor. I’ll be back in a moment.
I’ll get right on that.
I’ll be right back with that item.
I’ll see if I can find some.
I’ll get some right away.
Dialogue- Requests
Guest: Instead of herbal tea, do you happen to have Earl Grey?
Staff: I’m sorry ma’am, but herbal tea is all we have at the moment.
Guest: Could I get some more weights added to this machine. This is no challenge at all.
Staff: I’ll get more weight right away. How much more?
Guest: Could you fill out the form for me. I hurt my writing hand?
Staff: Of course sir. First, how do you spell your family name?
Conversation Activities- Requests
1. 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.
2. 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.
Guest requests a changing table for a baby
Guest requests that a rental car to be arranged
Guest requests a doubles partners for tennis
Guest requests a spotter for weight lifting
Guest requests an unknown cocktail- the guest will tell the bartender how to make it
Guest requests a birthday cake with nine candles
Guest requests softer pillows
Guest requests that his room be clean only after 3 PM
Guest requests a massage fully clothed
Guest requests a three hour foot massage
Guest requests an omelet with red peppers, Tabasco sauce, and diced carrots
Guest requests his bacon and sausage be almost burnt
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