Hotel Description Translations

[njjen3953]

We all know how misleading the description of hotels and motels can
be. So we put together a translation table to help you out... So when
you see one of the phrases listed on the left, you will know what it
really means by reading the translation on the right!

Old world charm ............ No bath
Tropical ................... Rainy
Majestic setting ........... A long way from town
Options galore ............. Nothing is included in the itinerary
Secluded hideaway .......... Impossible to find or get to
Pre-registered rooms ....... Already occupied
Explore on your own ........ Pay for it yourself
Knowledgeable trip hosts ... They've flown in an airplane before
No extra fees .............. No extras
Nominal fee ................ Outrageous charge
Standard ................... Sub-standard
Deluxe ..................... Standard
Superior ................... One free shower cap
Cozy ....................... Small
All the amenities .......... Two free shower caps
Plush ...................... Top and bottom sheets
Gentle breezes ............. Occasional Gale-force winds
Light and airy ............. No air conditioning
Picturesque ................ Theme park nearby
Open bar ................... Free ice cubes
Concierge .................. Stand with tourist brochures
Continental breakfast ...... Free muffin

 

[Haltickling]

more hotel lingo...

I used to hold seminars for travel agency beginners, e.g. ‘How to read hotel descriptions’. Here are a few more:

New, upstart tourism area: full of construction sites and according noise
Natural beach: nobody ever cleans it
Centrally located: lots of traffic, loud, near a highway
Family-friendly: lots of loud kids around
For the younger travelers: no comfort, loud parties almost every night
Sea view: if you hang halfway over the balcony railing, you’ll see the sea
Oceanside: view-blocking building between your hotel and the sea
(if you want to see the ocean without any obstacles, choose ‘direct sea view’)
Garden View: mostly streetside, view often towards hotel parking
Hotel is air-conditioned: lobby and restaurants are, but not the rooms
Heatable Pool: not always heated

Especially for travelers to Europe:

American Breakfast: not necessarily bacon and eggs. Minimum: toast or roll, at least one egg per breakfast (mostly boiled), plus 1 glass of orange juice
Continental Breakfast: Usually 2 rolls, butter, jam, coffee or tea
Buffet Breakfast: basically self-service, often just another variety of ‘Continental’
French Breakfast: 2 Croissants, butter, jam, café au lait
European Plan: no meals included

Bed types :
Double: 1 queen-size bed for 2 people
Single: 1 small bed, usually the lousiest rooms in any hotel
Junior Suite: 1 bedroom with integrated couch, chair, and table

Generally spoken: if an amenity is not mentioned specifically, the hotel doesn’t have it. If they don’t mention a restaurant or individual air-condition, there’s none. When in doubt, have your travel agent confirm it to you IN WRITING!
Have a nice trip! 😛