Hotels & eating out

Booking, ordering and paying politely.

The rules

  • "Book/reserve a table"; you "order" food once seated.
  • Ordering politely: "I'll have…" / "Could I get…?"
  • "The bill" (BrE) / "the check" (AmE) at restaurants.
  • Hotel collocation: "Does the price include breakfast?"
  • Requesting politely: "I'd like + noun".
  • "Service included" = the service charge (tip) is already in the total.

Examples

  • I'd like to book a table for two at eight, please.
  • I'll have the grilled salmon, please.
  • Could we have the bill, please? We need to leave soon.
  • Does the room rate include breakfast?
  • I'd like a room with a view.
  • The tip is already added.

Quick check

Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.

1.I'd like to _____ a table for two at eight, please.

2.The waiter asks "Are you ready to order?" Which reply is natural?

3.Could we have the _____, please? We need to leave soon.

4.Does the room rate _____ breakfast?

5.What does "service is included" on a bill mean?

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