General Listening Quiz

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 of all 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.

“eleventh hour” = until the last minute
“Don’t wait until the eleventh hour to make a hotel reservation.”

“tighten your belt” = live on less money
“We need to tighten our belt and reserve a cheap hotel.”

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

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.

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.