At a Hotel

When people travel they almost always stay at hotels or guesthouses. The first thing to do is to book a room in advance by letter, telephone or telegram, or you may arrive at the hotel and be told that there are no rooms available. On arrival at the hotel go to the reception desk and confirm your reservation. The clerk will then give you a registration form to fill in and sign (the form is usually filled in block letters). Let the hotel manager know in advance the day and the time of your departure.

All the hotels run a special laundry service for their guests. You can have your laundry done and your clothes pressed. The maid who does your room will also make your bed. Some hotels also provide computerized safes for their guests' documents and values. In all hotels you can make a request for an early call to wake you up.

Hotels offer a lot of facilities, such as 24 hours daily room service, coffee bars for quick meals and grill-rooms, beauty parlors. Barber's shops, laundry, dry cleaning, etc. For conferences and banquets some hotels can accommodate participants and guests, and there are smaller rooms for seminars and individual parties. Among other facilities, there are swimming pools, saunas, other recreational facilities. Hotels can organize car hire sightseeing tours, entertainments.

Questions:

1. What thing should travellers do before staying at the hotel?

2. Where at the hotel can guests confirm their reservation?

3. What are the hotel formalities?

4. What service do the hotels provide?

5. What recreational facilities are there in most hotels?

6. Summarize the text.

Tipping etiquette

Part I

Legend has it, the word ‘tip’ came years ago from a pub owner who used the acronym on a box “To Insure Promptness“. In that spirit, tipping should be thought of first and foremost as a reward for prompt and attentive service.

Depending on the timing, tipping can be a reward for good service rendered, or a subtle bribe. Keep several one dollar bills handy in an accessible pocket. You don't want to be digging for them when you're juggling luggage. According to tipping etiquette a very awkward situation to ask for change from the person you are tipping. You can get change from somewhere else, and return with your tip at some point in the future. Studies show women tend to tip men more generously (and men tip women better). Attractive women earn higher tips, as do attentive men, so don't make mistakes. Higher-end hotels are instituting “no tipping policy“ that include gratuities in the price of the room. Some, particularly resorts, are charging a daily fee that covers all gratuities. Ask when you book.