Reporting a hotel heating problem | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: From a hotel room, a guest calls the front desk about broken heating and asks about repair or another room..

EN → ES / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Reporting a hotel heating problem to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Estoy llamando desde mi habitación porque la calefacción no funciona.

es-TOY yah-MAN-doh DES-deh mee ah-bee-tah-SYOHN POR-keh lah kah-leh-fak-SYOHN noh foon-SYOH-nah. I am calling from my room because the heating is not working.
B

Lo siento. ¿La habitación ha estado fría desde que llegó?

loh SYEN-toh. ahs lah ah-bee-tah-SYOHN ah es-TAH-doh FREE-ah DES-deh keh yeh-GOH? I am sorry about that. Has the room been cold since you arrived?
A

Ha estado fría desde que me registré esta tarde.

ah es-TAH-doh FREE-ah DES-deh keh meh reh-hees-TRAY es-tah TAR-deh. It has been cold since I checked in this afternoon.
B

Puedo enviar al personal de mantenimiento para que la revise ahora mismo.

PWEH-doh en-BYAR al pehr-soh-NAL deh man-teh-nee-MYEN-toh pah-rah keh lah reh-BEE-seh ah-OH-rah MEES-moh. I can send maintenance to inspect it right away.
A

Si no se puede arreglar esta noche, ¿hay otra habitación disponible?

see noh seh PWEH-deh ah-rreh-GLAR es-tah NOH-cheh, eye OH-trah ah-bee-tah-SYOHN dee-spoh-NEE-bleh? If it cannot be fixed tonight, is another room available?
B

Comprobaré la disponibilidad y dejaré apartada una habitación similar si tenemos alguna.

kom-proh-bah-RAY lah dee-spoh-nee-bee-lee-DAHD ee deh-hah-RAY ah-par-TAH-dah OO-nah ah-bee-tah-SYOHN see-mee-LAR see teh-NEH-mos ahl-GOO-nah. I will check availability and hold a similar room if we have one.
A

No necesito una habitación de categoría superior, solo una habitación cálida para dormir.

noh neh-seh-SEE-toh OO-nah ah-bee-tah-SYOHN deh kah-teh-goh-REE-ah soo-peh-RYOR, SOH-loh OO-nah ah-bee-tah-SYOHN KAH-lee-dah pah-rah dor-MEER. I do not need an upgrade, just a warm room for sleeping.
B

Primero intentaremos repararla y dejaremos otra habitación preparada por si hace falta.

pree-MEH-roh en-ten-tah-REH-mos reh-pah-RAR-lah ee deh-hah-REH-mos OH-trah ah-bee-tah-SYOHN preh-pah-RAH-dah por see AH-seh FAL-tah. We will try the repair first and keep another room ready if needed.
A

Por favor, llámeme antes de que suba el personal de mantenimiento.

por fah-BOR YAH-meh-meh AN-tes deh keh SOO-bah el pehr-soh-NAL deh man-teh-nee-MYEN-toh. Please call before maintenance comes up.
B

Le llamaré antes de que suban y otra vez cuando tenga novedades.

leh yah-mah-RAY AN-tes deh keh SOO-bahn ee OH-trah BES KWAHN-doh TEN-gah noh-beh-DAH-des. I will call you before they come up and again when I have an update.

Word by Word

Estoy “Estoy” means “I am” in “Estoy llamando”, introducing what the speaker is doing now. It is used with a gerund such as “llamando” to describe an ongoing action. A new example is “Estoy esperando en la recepción” for saying that you are waiting at the front desk.
llamando “llamando” means “calling” in “Estoy llamando desde mi habitación”. Together with “Estoy”, it describes the call as happening now. A new example is “Estoy llamando al hotel” when you are calling the hotel.
desde “desde” means “from” in “desde mi habitación”, identifying the place where the call begins. It commonly comes before a place: “desde + place”. A new example is “Trabajo desde casa” for saying that you work from home.
mi “mi” means “my” before “habitación” in “mi habitación”. It identifies the room as belonging to or being assigned to the speaker. A new example is “mi reserva” for referring to my reservation.
habitación “habitación” means “room” in “mi habitación”, specifically the hotel room from which the guest is calling. It commonly appears with a possessive or an article, such as “mi habitación” or “la habitación”. A new example is “La habitación está en el tercer piso” when describing a hotel room.
porque “porque” means “because” in “porque la calefacción no funciona”, giving the reason for the call. It introduces a reason clause after a statement. A new example is “Llamo porque necesito ayuda” when explaining why you are calling.
la “la” appears as the feminine singular article in “la calefacción” and “La habitación”, meaning “the” before those nouns. In “para que la revise”, “la” is instead an object pronoun referring to the feminine item being inspected. Its exact function depends on the surrounding words, so use the full phrase to identify it.
calefacción “calefacción” means “heating” in “la calefacción no funciona”, referring to the hotel room’s heating system. It is commonly used with a form of “funcionar” when reporting whether the heating works. A new example is “La calefacción está encendida” when saying that the heating is on.
no “no” makes “la calefacción no funciona” negative, meaning that the heating does not work. It normally comes before the verb or verb phrase being negated. A new example is “No tengo frío” when saying that you are not cold.
funciona “funciona” means “works” in “la calefacción no funciona”, reporting that the heating is not operating. It is used with a thing that operates or functions, such as “la calefacción”. A new example is “El ascensor funciona” when saying that the elevator works.
Lo siento “Lo siento” is the complete expression used to say “I am sorry” in response to the guest’s problem. “Lo” refers to the situation being regretted, while “siento” supplies the meaning of feeling or regretting it; together they form the apology. A new example is “Lo siento por la espera” when apologizing for the wait.
ha “ha” is the auxiliary used in “La habitación ha estado fría”, helping express that the room has been cold over the relevant period. It is followed here by “estado”. A new example is “Ha cambiado” when saying that something has changed.
estado “estado” contributes “been” in “ha estado fría”, describing the room’s condition. Together with “ha”, it links the room to the adjective “fría” over the time mentioned. A new example is “Ha estado ocupado” when saying that a place has been busy.
fría “fría” means “cold” in “La habitación ha estado fría”, describing the room’s temperature. It describes “La habitación” and matches that noun in the dialogue. A new example is “El agua está fría” when saying that the water is cold.
que “que” means “that” in “desde que llegó”, introducing the clause that marks when the room began to be cold. The reusable pattern is “desde que + clause” for a starting point in time. A new example is “desde que empezó el invierno” for saying since winter began.
llegó “llegó” means “arrived” in “desde que llegó”, referring to the guest’s arrival at the hotel. It completes the time clause after “desde que”. A new example is “Cuando llegó, llamó a recepción” for describing what happened after someone arrived.
me “me” appears in “me registré” and shows that the speaker carried out the check-in action for themself. Together with “registré”, “me registré” means “I checked in”. A new example is “me registré en el hotel” when saying that you checked in at the hotel.
registré “registré” means “checked in” within “me registré”, referring to the speaker completing hotel check-in. The reusable expression is “me registré en + place”. A new example is “me registré esta mañana” when saying that you checked in this morning.
esta “esta” means “this” in “esta tarde”, identifying the afternoon connected with the current situation. It is used directly before the time expression “tarde”. A new example is “esta noche” when referring to tonight.
tarde “tarde” means “afternoon” in “esta tarde”, locating the check-in in time. Together, “esta tarde” means “this afternoon”. A new example is “Nos vemos esta tarde” when arranging to meet this afternoon.
Puedo “Puedo” means “I can” in “Puedo enviar al personal de mantenimiento”, offering or stating the ability to send someone. It is followed here by the infinitive “enviar”. A new example is “Puedo ayudarle” when offering help politely.
enviar “enviar” means “send” in “Puedo enviar al personal de mantenimiento”. It follows “Puedo” as the action being offered. A new example is “enviar un mensaje” when saying to send a message.
al “al” means “to the” before “personal de mantenimiento” in “enviar al personal de mantenimiento”. It introduces the person or group being sent. A new example is “Llamé al recepcionista” when saying that you called the receptionist.
personal “personal” means “staff” in “el personal de mantenimiento”, referring to the hotel employees responsible for maintenance. The reusable pattern is “el personal de + area or function”. A new example is “el personal de recepción” for referring to the reception staff.
de “de” links “personal” with “mantenimiento” in “el personal de mantenimiento”, specifying what kind of staff they are. This pattern, “personal de + function”, identifies a staff group by its role. A new example is “personal de limpieza” for cleaning staff.
mantenimiento “mantenimiento” means “maintenance” in “el personal de mantenimiento”, the department or work handled by the staff. It commonly follows “personal de” to identify maintenance workers. A new example is “Necesitamos mantenimiento” when reporting that maintenance is needed.
para “para” means “so that” in “para que la revise”, introducing the purpose of sending the maintenance staff. The reusable pattern is “para que + clause” when one action is intended to make another action possible. A new example is “Lo llamo para que me ayude” when calling someone so that they can help.
revise “revise” means “inspect” in “para que la revise”, describing what the maintenance staff will do to the problem. The full pattern “para que la revise” expresses the purpose of sending them, with “la” referring to the feminine item being checked. A new example is “para que revise el calentador” when asking someone to inspect the heater.
ahora “ahora” means “now” in “ahora mismo”, placing the action in the present. Together with “mismo”, it emphasizes that the action will happen immediately. A new example is “Lo necesito ahora” when saying that you need it now.
mismo “mismo” adds emphasis to “ahora” in “ahora mismo”, giving the sense of “right now”. Here it strengthens the time expression rather than describing a separate object. A new example is “Ven ahora mismo” when asking someone to come immediately.
Si “Si” means “if” in “Si no se puede arreglar esta noche”, introducing a condition about the repair. The reusable pattern is “si + condition, result” for discussing what will happen under a particular circumstance. A new example is “Si hay otra habitación, avíseme” when making a request based on availability.
se “se” is part of the impersonal construction “se puede arreglar”, which expresses whether something can be repaired without naming a specific repairer. It does not mean that the object repairs itself here. A new example is “Se puede cambiar” when saying that something can be changed.
puede “puede” means “can” or “is possible” in “se puede arreglar”, expressing the possibility of repairing the problem. It is followed by the infinitive “arreglar”. A new example is “¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta?” when asking whether card payment is possible.
arreglar “arreglar” means “fix” in “se puede arreglar”, naming the repair action that may be possible. It follows “puede” as an infinitive. A new example is “arreglar la calefacción” when referring to fixing the heating.
noche “noche” means “night” in “esta noche”, setting the deadline or time for the possible repair. The full time expression is “esta noche”, meaning tonight. A new example is “Trabajan por la noche” when saying that people work at night.
hay “hay” means “there is” or “is there” in “¿hay otra habitación disponible?”, asking whether another available room exists. It is commonly followed by the thing whose existence or availability is being asked about. A new example is “¿Hay una mesa libre?” when asking whether a free table exists.
otra “otra” means “another” in “otra habitación”, referring to one more room different from the current one. It comes before the noun and matches “habitación” in the dialogue. A new example is “otra opción” when asking about another option.
disponible “disponible” means “available” in “otra habitación disponible”, describing a room that can be offered to the guest. It commonly follows the noun it describes in this kind of availability question. A new example is “¿Está disponible mañana?” when asking whether something is available tomorrow.
Comprobaré “Comprobaré” means “I will check” in “Comprobaré la disponibilidad”, promising to verify the information. It is followed by the object being checked, here “la disponibilidad”. A new example is “Comprobaré la reserva” when promising to check a reservation.
disponibilidad “disponibilidad” means “availability” in “comprobaré la disponibilidad”, referring to whether another room can be offered. It commonly follows “comprobar” when staff verify available places or services. A new example is “consultar la disponibilidad” when asking about what is available.
y “y” means “and” in “Comprobaré la disponibilidad y dejaré apartada...”, linking two actions by the same speaker. It connects the checking action with the action of setting aside a room. A new example is “Llamo y pregunto” when linking two related actions.
dejaré “dejaré” means “I will leave” or “I will keep” in “dejaré apartada una habitación”, referring to reserving a room for possible later use. It is followed by the room and the description “apartada”. A new example is “Dejaré la llave en recepción” when saying that you will leave the key at reception.
apartada “apartada” means “set aside” or “reserved” in “dejaré apartada una habitación similar”. It describes the room as being kept for the guest if needed. A new example is “una mesa apartada para usted” when saying that a table has been set aside for someone.
una “una” means “a” or “one” in “una habitación similar”, introducing one possible room. It comes before the feminine noun “habitación”. A new example is “una solución sencilla” when referring to a simple solution.
similar “similar” means “similar” in “una habitación similar”, describing a room of a comparable type to the current one. It follows the noun in this dialogue. A new example is “un problema similar” when describing a comparable problem.
tenemos “tenemos” means “we have” in “si tenemos alguna”, referring to the hotel’s available rooms. It is used here with “alguna”, which stands for one available room. A new example is “Tenemos otra opción” when offering another option.
alguna “alguna” means “one” or “any” in “si tenemos alguna”, standing for an available feminine noun such as “habitación”. It avoids repeating the noun after the condition. A new example is “Si necesita una, tenemos alguna” when offering one available option.
necesito “necesito” means “I need” in “No necesito una habitación de categoría superior”, stating what the guest does not require. It is followed by the thing needed or not needed. A new example is “Necesito ayuda” when asking for help.
categoría “categoría” means “category” in “una habitación de categoría superior”, referring to the hotel room’s category or level. The pattern “de categoría + description” specifies the type or level of a room. A new example is “una habitación de categoría estándar” when describing a standard-category room.
superior “superior” means “higher” in “una habitación de categoría superior”, describing a room in a higher category. It follows “categoría” to specify the room level. A new example is “un piso superior” when referring to a higher floor.
solo “solo” means “just” or “only” in “solo una habitación cálida”, limiting the request to a warm room rather than a higher category. It introduces the thing that is sufficient for the speaker. A new example is “Solo necesito una noche” when saying that only one night is needed.
cálida “cálida” means “warm” in “una habitación cálida”, describing the temperature the guest wants for sleeping. It describes “habitación” in the dialogue. A new example is “una bebida cálida” when asking for a warm drink.
dormir “dormir” means “to sleep” in “para dormir”, explaining the purpose of the warm room. The pattern “para + infinitive” states the purpose of a thing or action. A new example is “una habitación para descansar” when describing a room for resting.
Primero “Primero” means “first” in “Primero intentaremos repararla”, showing the order in which the hotel will handle the problem. It is placed at the beginning to make the sequence clear. A new example is “Primero voy a comprobar la reserva” when explaining the first step.
intentaremos “intentaremos” means “we will try” in “intentaremos repararla”, expressing the hotel’s planned first action. It is followed by the action they will try to carry out. A new example is “Intentaremos resolverlo hoy” when promising to try to solve something today.
repararla “repararla” means “repair it” in “intentaremos repararla”. It combines “reparar” with the attached object pronoun “la”, referring to the feminine item being repaired in the situation. A new example is “Voy a repararla mañana” when saying that you will repair a feminine object tomorrow.
preparada “preparada” means “ready” or “prepared” in “dejaremos otra habitación preparada”, describing the other room as ready for use if necessary. It refers to the room being kept available. A new example is “La mesa está preparada” when saying that the table is ready.
por “por” is part of “por si hace falta”, meaning “in case it is needed” in this dialogue. The construction “por si + clause” introduces a possible situation that the speaker is preparing for. A new example is “Lleve un abrigo por si hace frío” when preparing for the possibility of cold weather.
hace falta “hace falta” means “is needed” in “por si hace falta”, referring to the possible need for the other room. Together, “hace” and “falta” form this expression: “hace” is the verb form used in the expression, and “falta” conveys the idea of lack or need. A new example is “Avíseme si hace falta algo” when asking someone to say if anything is needed.
Por favor “Por favor” means “please” in “Por favor, llámeme”, making the request polite. “Por” and “favor” form a fixed politeness expression rather than two separate instructions. A new example is “Por favor, espere aquí” when politely asking someone to wait here.
antes “antes” means “before” in “antes de que suba el personal de mantenimiento”, setting the time of the requested call. The reusable pattern is “antes de que + clause” for saying that one event should happen earlier than another. A new example is “Llámeme antes de que salga” when asking someone to call before you leave.
llámeme “llámeme” means “call me” in “Por favor, llámeme”, expressing a polite request for a call. It combines the call command with “me”, the person who should receive the call. A new example is “Llámeme cuando llegue” when asking someone to call after arriving.
suba “suba” means “comes or goes up” in “antes de que suba el personal de mantenimiento”, referring to the maintenance staff going up to the room. It appears in the time clause introduced by “antes de que”. A new example is “Espere hasta que suba el técnico” when referring to the technician going upstairs.
el “el” means “the” in “el personal de mantenimiento”, introducing the specific hotel staff being discussed. It comes directly before “personal”. A new example is “el ascensor” when referring to the elevator.
Le “Le” refers politely to “you” in “Le llamaré”, identifying the guest as the person who will receive the call. It is used here in the formal address of the hotel conversation. A new example is “Le enviaré la información” when telling a guest that you will send the information to them.
llamaré “llamaré” means “I will call” in “Le llamaré antes de que suban”, promising a future call to the guest. It is followed by “Le”, which identifies the person being called. A new example is “Le llamaré mañana” when promising to call someone tomorrow.
suban “suban” means “they come or go up” in “antes de que suban”, referring to the maintenance staff going up to the room. The subject is understood from the earlier mention of the maintenance staff. A new example is “Avíseme cuando suban” when asking to be informed when they go upstairs.
vez “vez” means “time” or “occurrence” in “otra vez”, which means “again”. The reusable expression is “otra vez” when an action happens one more time. A new example is “Explíquelo otra vez” when asking someone to explain it again.
cuando “cuando” means “when” in “cuando tenga novedades”, introducing the time at which the speaker will make another call. It commonly introduces a clause describing the timing of an action. A new example is “Le aviso cuando llegue” when saying that you will inform someone when you arrive.
tenga “tenga” means “have” in “cuando tenga novedades”, referring to the point when the speaker has new information. It completes the clause after “cuando”. A new example is “cuando tenga tiempo” when referring to when someone has time.
novedades “novedades” means “updates” or “news” in “cuando tenga novedades”, referring to new information about the repair or room. It commonly appears with “tener” when someone receives or has new information. A new example is “Le llamaré cuando tenga novedades” when promising to call after receiving an update.

Grammar Points

antes de que + subjuntivo

antes de que suba

AN-tes deh keh SOO-bah

before you come up / go up

After antes de que, Spanish uses the subjunctive; suba can mean “you come up” or formal “he/she comes up.”

futuro simple: infinitivo + terminación

Comprobaré la disponibilidad.

kom-proh-bah-RAY lah dee-spoh-nee-bee-lee-DAHD

I will check availability.

The simple future expresses a later action. For regular verbs, add a future ending directly to the infinitive.

Spanish Vocabulary

calefacción noun
kah-leh-fak-SYOHN heating

la calefacción no funciona

desde prep
DES-deh since; from

desde que llegó

enviar verb
en-BYAR to send

Puedo enviar al personal de mantenimiento.

frío adj
FREE-oh cold fría

La habitación ha estado fría.

funcionar verb
foon-SYOH-NAR to work; to function funciona

la calefacción no funciona

habitación noun
ah-bee-tah-SYOHN room

desde mi habitación

llamar verb
yah-MAR to call llamando

Estoy llamando desde mi habitación.

llegar verb
yeh-GAR to arrive llegó

desde que llegó

lo siento phrase
loh SYEN-toh I am sorry Lo siento

Lo siento.

poder verb
poh-DEHR can; to be able to Puedo

Puedo enviar al personal de mantenimiento.

registrarse verb
reh-hees-TRAR-seh to check in me registré

desde que me registré esta tarde

tarde noun
TAR-deh afternoon

esta tarde

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

since; from

Show Answerdesde

to call

Show Answerllamando

room

Show Answerhabitación

cold

Show Answerfría