Views #1236 | Intermediate (B1)

Hotel for Her

Erina talks with Mike about what she likes and dislikes in a hotel on vacation.

Mike: So we're talking about ideal hotels. What do you think is an ideal hotel for you?

Erina: That's a tough question but when I choose a hotel I would look at where the hotel's located.

Mike: Right.

Erina: And also the food. So as long as the hotel is surrounded by nature, you know, preferably on the water.

Mike: OK.

Erina: And maybe some mountains in the back and if the food, the breakfast and dinner and all the food that they have is amazing, I'm good, I'm set.

Mike: Now what about facilities? I mean, you know, hotels have various facilities whether it's gyms or movie rooms or computer rooms that allow you to do, you know, internet and various things. You know some hotels have pools. Would those be things that you would want in your ideal hotel?

Erina: Oh, yeah. Gym, I'm not so interested in because I can, you know, play sports outside when I'm surrounded by nature. Why would I be, you know, inside working out?

Mike: Right.

Erina: But in terms of swimming pool, I'm actually interested because when I was looking at pictures, I don't know which country it was, but there's an outdoor pool, infinity pool, that looked like it was connected to the ocean.

Mike: Oh, wow.

Erina: And it was just so beautiful and, you know, before I thought why would I swim in the swimming pool when I have an ocean in front of me but, you know, if there is a swimming pool like that at the hotel, I would definitely stay there for a long time.

Mike: Right. Now what about spa facilities? You know, massages and different spa treatments. Is that something that would interest you in your ideal hotel?

Erina: Oh, yes, yes, for sure. I'm so into massages and yeah, I would definitely want massage room and spas in the hotel. That would be perfect.

Mike: OK. And, you know, there are some really expensive hotels that offer the service of a personal butler. Do you think that would be necessary for you in your ideal hotel or would that be one amenity that you could do without?

Erina: I think it depends but I don't really, when I'm staying at the hotel I would usually, you know, want to be alone and want to enjoy my time with my family or my, you know, my husband or myself that I actually don't want anyone following me everywhere I go. So, you know, to a lot of people it might be that's a good idea, you know, it's a nice treat to have but I am personally not up for that.

Mike: OK, well it sounds like a pretty nice hotel you've just described.

Learn Vocabulary from the Lesson

preferably

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So long as the hotel is surrounded by nature, preferably on the water.

What is 'preferable' to you is what you would like the best. Notice the following:

  1. We are looking for someone with at least two years of experience, preferably more.
  2. You have to be there by three o'clock, preferably earlier.

I'm set

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If all the food that they have is amazing, I'm good; I'm set.

You can say 'I'm set' when you are completely content and have everything that you need. This is an informal phrase. Notice the following:

  1. Okay. I'm set. I have everything I need.
  2. I just need about five more minutes to get ready, and then I'm set.

personal butler

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There are some really expensive hotels that offer the service of a personal butler.

A 'butler' is a male servant who is usually in charge of food and drinks. A 'personal butler' would be one that only works for you, not other people staying in the hotel. Notice the following:

  1. We do offer the option of a personal butler. Is that something you would be interested in?
  2. A lot of the expensive hotels in Las Vegas include personal butler services with their most expensive rooms.

amenity

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Would that be necessary for you in your ideal hotel, or would that be one amenity that you could do without?

An 'amenity' is any feature of something like a house or hotel that makes it more comfortable, convenient or desirable. Notice the following:

  1. What kind of amenities are you looking for in a new house?
  2. I think the balcony is a fantastic amenity in this apartment.

not up for

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A butler would be a nice treat to have, but I'm personally not up for that.

If you are 'not up for' something, you are not interested in doing it. Notice the following:

  1. His stomach hurts a little, so I don't think he'd be up for spicy food tonight.
  2. I'm really not up for going out tonight, but I would love to watch a movie at home.

Vocabulary Quiz

preferably • set • butler
amenity • up for
  1. It's so hot here that a pool is an that you almost can't live without.
  2. We need a table for two, by the window.
  3. He's been sick most of the week, so I don't know if he'll be a party this weekend.
  4. Just give me two more minutes, and then I'm to go.
  5. I wish I had a personal right now, because I'm too tired to make something to eat.
Answer the following questions about the interview.

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Hello, and welcome to elllo. My name is Todd Beuckens. I've been an ESL teacher for 25 years. I created elllo to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.
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