Most people look for budget or cheap hotels when they go on vacation, but no matter whether you stay in a cheap hotel or a luxurious one, you can encounter problems when making hotel reservations. Write a list all of the possible problems that could occur with hotel reservations (e.g., the receptionist who took your reservation misunderstood the date you were scheduled to arrive). Talk with a partner and discuss these.

HELPFUL TIP: Booking a hotel during the off season can save you considerable money, and using the Internet can help you find the best deals. Also, a travel agent might be able to help you find discounts and ideal places based on your needs.

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II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.

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[ Other Audio Options: Play RealMedia | Play Window Media ]

1. What is the first problem with the man's reservation?
A. The hotel confused him with another guest.
B. Rooms are overbooked for that evening.
C. There are no more rooms available for five people.
D. The price for the room is more than he expected.

2. For what day did Mr. Nelson make a hotel reservation?
A. the eighteenth
B. the nineteenth
C. the twentieth
D. the twenty-first

3. What is taking place in the city that makes getting another room almost impossible?
A. a marathon
B. an outdoor music festival
C. a conference
D. building renovation

4. How much is the initial discount on the honeymoon suite after Mr. Nelson complains about the hotel service?
A. $10
B. $15
C. $20
D. $25

5. How does Mr. Nelson respond when the hotel clerk offers to provide him with a free room on his next visit?
A. He thinks it will take a long time for him to receive the free coupon for the room.
B. He feels he should first receive an apology from the manager for what has happened.
C. He suggests that the hotel should give guests an additional 15% discount in cases like his.
D. He implies that he might not visit again because of the problems he has had.

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Score =
Correct answers:

Listen to the conversation again as you read the Quiz Script.

Read the Explanation of Answers.

III. Vocabulary Activities [Top]

Review the key vocabulary from the conversation:

[ Why do these? ]

• Mixed-Up Sentence
• Sentence and Vocabulary Matching
• Text Completion Quiz

IV. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

Summarize the problems that the guest encountered on his visit to the hotel in the conversation. Was each problem resolved to his satisfaction? What would you have done if you had been in his shoes? Discuss your feelings.

V. Online Investigations - [ What's This? ] [Top]

Imagine that you want to make hotel reservations for your dream vacation in another country, but you are looking for very cozy, traditional accommodations instead of a big-chain hotel. Select a city and then find two places that you are within your budget, but also will give you a taste of the local culture. Compare the prices and amenities of each place.

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[ What's This? ]

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