Hotel Check-In Confusion
Listen to the following audio
Answer the following questions
What problem did the guests encounter when they arrived at the hotel?
What does the expression “missed the boat” mean in this situation?
How did the hotel staff handle the reservation issue?
What extra offer did the hotel provide to make up for the mistake?
What words or tone in the announcement help reassure the guests?
Read the transcript if needed
“Good evening, and welcome to the Grandview Hotel. It looks like there has been a mix-up with your reservation. The computer shows only one room, but your confirmation clearly says two. Don’t worry, you haven’t missed the boat — we still have other rooms available. While we correct the mistake, please go ahead and check in at the front desk so we can assign you the proper rooms. We apologize for the confusion and will also provide complimentary breakfast vouchers for your stay. Thank you for your patience while we sort this out.”
How would you use the following expressions?
Idiom: Miss the boat – we use this idiom when someone is too late to get an opportunity, or nearly too late.
Examples to use:
“We almost missed the boat, but the hotel still had rooms.”
“She didn’t apply on time and really missed the boat.”
“If you wait too long, you’ll miss the boat on that sale.”
“He missed the sign-up and missed the boat for the program.”
Phrasal Verb: Check in – we use this phrasal verb when registering or reporting your arrival.
Examples to use:
“We always check in before dinner at the hotel.”
“She checked in two hours before her flight.”
“They are checking in at the desk right now.”
“We will check in early tomorrow morning.”
