25. Read the information below. Comment on it. Give your idea what guests usually choose such rooms. Prove your arguments.

DON'T BE CONFUSED: ROOM CATEGORIES, VIEWS AND BEDDING TYPES

Choosing a hotel room category can often be a daunting task, especially when you don't know what the individual room-type descriptions mean.

Here is a quick run-down on common room categories in the United States, the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico:

STANDARD (std):This category usually means the most basic roomtype offered by the hotel. It has basic, standard amenities and furnishings. A standard room in a Four Seasons hotel is without question much more deluxe than a standard in, say, a Holiday Inn, but there may be higher categories from which to choose. Standard rooms in hotels with higher categories often have no view or have a poor view over the dumpster or parking lot.

MODERATE (mod):Usually a slight bit better than standard, but still not deluxe. It may refer to the room view as well as the size and type of furnishings offered.

SUPERIOR (sup):This category is always subject to interpretation. It's supposed to mean superior to a standard room in both size and furnishings, but it often refers to just the view. Some hotels have only Superior rooms; the categories then are defined by the view and location of the room.

DELUXE (dlx): These rooms are supposed to be Deluxe in every way: View, location, furnishings and size. In some Caribbean hotels, however, a deluxe room is a lower category than a Superior, so it's wise to question your choice before final booking.

RUN OF HOUSE (roh): This can mean anything the hotel wants it to mean, but typically the interpretation should be "standard room or better at time of check in; any location within the hotel." With the exception of upgrades to suites or junior suites, this category often does not distinguish between Standard, Superior or Deluxe. It does NOT mean, however, best room available at time of check-in.

JUNIOR SUITE (jrste): A "junior" suite is typically a larger room with a separate seating area. Sometimes it's got a small divider between the part of the room that the bed is in and the seating area, but it is not two separate rooms.

SUITE (ste):A Suite is usually two or more rooms clearly defined; a bedroom and a living or sitting room, with a door that closes between them. Many hotels use the word "suite" to define any room with a sofa in it so be sure to check thoroughly if what you really want are the two or more separate rooms.

STUDIO (stu): This is usually configured like a Junior Suite, but has the added advantage of a "kitchenette," or cooking facilities.

Next comes bedding categories. These are usually easier to figure out:

KING (K): A kingsized bed, in U.S. measurements, that would be 72 inches wide by 72 inches long.

CALIFORNIA KING (CK): a kingsized bed that's longer than it is wide: 72 inches wide by 78 inches long.

QUEEN (Q) A bed in U.S. measurements that is 60 inches wide and 72 inches long.

DOUBLE (D) A bed in U.S. measurements that is 54 inches wide and 72 inches long.

TWIN (T) A twin is supposed to be 36 inches wide and 72 inches long, but it can also describe a bed that is as narrow as 32 inces wide. It is also sometimes called a "single."

And now the description of room views:

PARTIAL OCEAN VIEW (pov): Ahhh. You've scrimped and saved for that Hawaii vacation and finally can afford a decent hotel with a Partial Ocean View room category. Does this mean that your view is blocked by some trees? Usually not: In its most cynical definition it means that if you step out on your balcony, lean over at a 45-degree angle, crane your neck until your bones crack, you might get a glimpse of the sea between two other buildings. Or, it might mean that your room is on the side of a building and you can actually see a bit of the ocean from inside your room, but your window does not face the ocean and you don't see a lot of it.

OCEAN VIEW (ov): This could mean one of two things: Your room is on the side of a building and you have a full view down the beach and can see the ocean but you don't FACE the ocean, or that you are in a hotel several blocks away and on a high enough floor that you can see the ocean from your room. In the second scenario you may well be facing the water, but from a distance. In a beachfront hotel, or even one across the street from the beach, this category does not mean facing the ocean.

OCEAN FRONT (of): Here is the category that gives you a full-on ocean view. It means that the windows in your room face the ocean. Depending on the type of hotel you are in, it could mean that you are on a higher floor and have a more sweeping view.

BEACH FRONT (bf): Hotels that have access directly onto a beach often have this category available to guests; in its strictest interpretation, you should be able to walk out of your room and onto the sand. Some hotels use this category, though, for their lower ocean front rooms even if you have to go down an interior corridor and take an elevator to get outside. If what you want is to just be able to walk out, check carefully before you book.

CITY VIEW (ctv, cvw, or cty): It could mean on a higher floor with a broad view over the city, OR... it could mean a city view instead of a more desirable ocean view or mountain view etc.

MOUNTAIN VIEW (mvw, mtv): Looking out at the mountains. This is great if you're skiing; in the Caribbean it usually means "You aren't looking at the sea."

WATER VIEW (wvw, wtv): Your room looks at or has a view of a featured body of water in your destination. Sometimes this is replaced with specifics: Lake View, for example, or Lagoon View or River View.

ISLAND VIEW (isv, ivw, isl): A euphemism -used in both Hawaii and the Caribbean- for no ocean view at all. It means your room faces the opposite side of the hotel from the ocean.

POOL VIEW (plv, pvw,): Self explanatory.

GARDEN VIEW (gdn, gdv): Usually means lower floors, facing landscaping, no view except of the shrub that blocks your window.

26. Match the words in the column with the room descriptions

SINGLE ROOM

DOUBLE ROOM

TWIN ROOM

STUDIO ROOM

SUITE

JUNIOR SUITE

PARLOR

DUPLEX

HOSPITALITY ROOM/FUNCTION ROOM

EXHIBITION ROOM/DISPLAY ROOM

CONNECTING ROOMS

ADJOINING ROOMS

• A room occupied by one person.

• A room with one large bed for two persons.

• A room with two single beds for two persons.

• A room with one bed and a convertible sofa. Can be used as a single or as a twin.

• A sitting room connected to one or more bedrooms.

• A large room with a partition separating the bedroom furnishings from the sitting area.

• A sitting room not used as a bedroom (Sometimes called a salon).

• A two-story suite connected by a stairway.

• A room used for entertaining (cocktail parties etc.).

• A room used for showing merchandise.

• Two or more rooms with private, connecting doors. You can move from one room to another without going to the corridor.

• Two or more rooms side by side with a connecting door between them.

27.Explain what is meant by the following terms:

A twin room

A junior suite

A display room

A king room

A quads room

En suite

28. What type of customers would usually book:

A suite

A functioning room

A twin room

An exhibition room

A penthouse

A superior room

29. Book suitable rooms for the persons mentioned. Explain your choice

Example:

Mr and Mrs Brown—I’d like to book a double room for Mr and Mrs Brown because they are married couple and want to have rest.

for Mr Jones

for Miss Gray and Mrs Bridges

for Mr Jones, Mrs Jones and their nine-year-old son

for Mr Carson’s cocktail party

for Mr Davies’ product exhibiti

30. Look at the descriptions of different accommodation types in exercise 13, and find words which mean:

1. A double bed which is longer and wider than usual.

2. A series of hotel rooms (bedroom, living room, etc) with connecting doors.

3. Two beds, one on top of the other.

4. A hotel room with two small beds (to accommodate two people).

5. A hotel room with one small bed (to accommodate one person).

6. A bed that can be used as a sofa during the day.

7. A bed that folds into a cupboard or the wall during the day.

8. A hotel room with one large bed.

9. A large room with several beds.

10. A hotel room with its own bathroom attached.

11. A small room containing a bed that converts to a sofa during the day.

12. A hotel room with one large bed and two small beds (to accommodate four people).

Part 2

HOTEL PERSONNEL

Analize and learn the topical vocabulary in Supplement 1, P. 66

1.Read the text. Be ready to mention the other people working in a hotel

Duties & Responsibilities for Hotel Positions

Every hotel, large or small, includes a variety of employment opportunities. A smooth-operating hotel needs workers in departments with diverse responsibilities dependent on one another.

General Manager

A general manager is responsible for a large number of tasks. You will be required to prepare a yearly budget and submit it to the hotel owner, corporate office or possibly a district manager. All employee terminations and new hires will be your responsibility. Hotel room rates fluctuate consistently, and as the general manger of the hotel, it will be your responsibility to decide the best rate for any given day, night, weekend or special event. You will also have the authority to set hotel service standards as well as choose extra services or amenities to make the hotel more appealing to travelers.

Front Desk Supervisor and Staff

The front desk staff will take reservations by phone, cancel reservations, check in guests, check guests out, and keep the front desk area and lobby clean and presentable. As a front desk agent, you may be required to help in other areas of the hotel, such as housekeeping, during busy seasons or if staff is short-handed. You will be responsible for large amounts of money, authorizing guest refunds, and taking care of any guest complaints or room issues. The front desk supervisor also will work the front desk and may be responsible for scheduling the work days and hours for the other front desk staff.

Housekeeping Staff and Laundry

Housekeepers are responsible for the cleanliness of all rooms in such a way that a guest would not realize someone had just checked out of the room earlier that same morning. You will also strip every linen off each bed and make each bed according to the hotel standards. The guest rooms are meticulously cleaned and sanitized before a guest arrives. Smaller hotels may require the housekeepers to do the laundry, which will require you to wash, dry and fold all linens, including sheets, pillowcases, comforters and blankets. As a laundry person, you would be required to also remove stains that may be in any linens, when possible.

Breakfast Host, Hostess and Cooks

Many hotels offer a complimentary breakfast bar. As the host or hostess you will be responsible to keep the bar stocked at all times, clean up any messes, brew coffee, wash dishes, break down the breakfast bar and wash the breakfast dishes. If the hotel has a hot bar, you or another person will be responsible for cooking items such as eggs or waffles, and keeping a steady flow of the items to the breakfast bar. The cook will also help break down the bar and clean up the work area before the shift for the day is over.

Maintenance

A hotel maintenance person will ensure that just about everything in the hotel is in proper working order. Daily tasks may include changing light bulbs, removing waste and painting. Other tasks will be assigned as needed, including fixing or replacing toilets, piping, room appliances and vacuums. Many hotels have an indoor pool, and you must ensure that the water pumps and chemical pumps are working correctly. Also, you will need to be familiar with heating and air conditioning units, electrical wiring and plumbing, and how to troubleshoot, fix or replace these items.

Other

Larger hotels may have more positions, such as loss prevention officer, security guards, bell boys, concierge and shuttle drivers. Many hotels may also offer a shuttle service if they are close to an airport, amusement park or other guest attraction. In smaller hotels that do not offer an on-site or on-call concierge, the front desk staff usually tries to assist in finding exactly what the guest is looking for.

2. Match the words in the column with the description of the duties the personnel perform

Note: The above names for various reasons may vary in different hotels.

1. MAINTENANCE MAN

2. SAUNA ATTENDANT

3. RECEPTION CLERK/ RECEPTIONIST

4. ROOM CLERK/ KEY CLERK

5. FRONT OFFICE MANAGER

6. ELEVATOR OPERATOR/ LIFT BOY

7. NIGHT CLERK/ NIGHT PORTER

8. CONCIERGE

9. PORTER

10. DOORMAN

11. CLOAKROOM ATTENDANT

12. TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR

13. BELLBOY

14. HOUSEKEEPER

15. FLOOR ATTENDANT

16. CHAMBERMAID/ ROOM MAID

17. FRONT OFFICE CASHIER

18. STOREKEEPER

• is in charge of the reception area.

• takes care of registration, in some hotels also receives room reservations and keeps them up to date.

• hands out the keys and gives information to the guests about various hotel services.

• arranges tickets for sight-seeing, theatre, cinemas and other events. Assists with table reservations and other hotel services.

• is responsible for the accounts and billing. Sometimes also exchanges foreign currency.

• takes care of the reception area during the night shift.

• shows customers to their rooms, delivers messages and mail and carries luggage.

• carries customers' luggage,

• receives guests, opens the door, orders taxi-cabs, etc.

• takes care of customers' coats, hats etc.

• connects the outgoing and incoming calls.

• is responsible for the elevators/lifts.

• is in charge of linen, decorations and general cleanliness of the hotel.

• is responsible for the cleanliness and often also room service of a special floor.

• cleans the guest rooms.

• is in charge of the sauna section.

• is in charge of the stores.

• takes care of the technical equipment in a hotel.

3. Fill in the missing words.

……work during the night shift.

A ………… shows guests to their rooms.

A ………… counts the bills and changes currency.

………… are responsible for registration

………… take care of keys.

A ………… carries suitcases and bags

A ………… orders taxi-cabs.

………… take care of flowers, linen etc

………… clean guest rooms

A ………… is responsible for the guests' coats.

4. Answer the following questions:

• What duties are the most difficult to perform for the hotel personnel?

• What qualities should hotel personnel possess?

• Who is likely to have problems with the hotel guests?

8. Translate into English

Швейцари першими зустрічають гостей на неофіційному рівні. Одягнені в примітну уніформу, вони стоять у дверей, вітають гостей, допомагають їм вийти з машини, викликають для них таксі, чемно відповідаючи на всі їхні запитання про готель та його околиці. Також до їхніх обов'язків входить контроль за чистотою і порядком у вестибюлі; чищення дверей, ручок дверей, сходинок при виході; контроль за збереженням майна у вестибюлі; контроль за своєчасним включенням освітлювальних приладів у вестибюлі і світлових реклам; контроль за роботою світлових завіс, їхнє вимикання.

Посильні супроводжують гостей, доставляють багаж у їхні номери. Їм теж корисно знати дещо про околиці готелю й усе про сам готель і його різні служби. Постійно контактуючи з гостями, вони повинні бути послужливими, приємними в спілкуванні. Допомагаючи гостям розміститися в номері, вони мають пояснити, що і як працює (освітлення, TV, кондиціонер, телефон, пральня, чищення і прасування одягу, обслуговування в номерах, ресторан, плавальний басейн; цілющі ванни тощо).

Основним заданиям служби портьє є прийом і реєстрація прибулих гостей, розміщення в заброньовані й підготовлені до заселення номери. Портьє несе відповідальність за правильну видачу і зберігання ключів від номерів, стежить за порядком у вестибюлі.

Покоївки і старші покоївки повинні швидко і високоякісно прибирати місця загального користування, житлові номери, туалет, ванну, щоб гість, потрапляючи у свій номер після переїзду і тривалої стомлюючої дороги, відразу відчув турботу про нього персоналу і створений затишок. Покоївка здійснює прибирання і провітрювання номерів, незалежно від того, зайняті вони або вільні. Постійно утримує у чистоті житлові номери, санвузли та інші приміщення, замінює постільну білизну і рушники.