Hotels & Accommodation – A2 English Listening Exercise

1 Correct Answer: B) A beach resort.

• Explanation: The speaker clearly invites listeners at the beginning: “Come to Sunny Beach Resort for your summer vacation!”
• Trap: Option A is a trap because the ad mentions “seafood restaurants,” but that is just one part of the resort, not the main topic. Option C is a trap using the word “city” (the ad asks if you are tired of the noisy city).

2 Correct Answer: C) A 20% discount for family rooms.

• Explanation: The advertisement says, “…we are giving a 20% discount on all family rooms!”
• Trap: Option A is a plausible resort offer but is never mentioned. Option B is a trap because the discount is specifically for “family rooms,” not just couples.

3 Correct Answer: B) Call and book before Friday.

• Explanation: This is the Twist (the condition). Listeners might think the offer lasts all summer, but the speaker warns: “You must call and book your room before this Friday.”
• Trap: Option A is exactly what they cannot do (“This special price is not available next month”). Option C is incorrect; the ad says “Visit our website or call us,” but doesn’t say you must pay online to get the discount.

Voiceover: Are you tired of the noisy city? Come to Sunny Beach Resort for your summer vacation! We have a beautiful private beach, a large swimming pool, and great seafood restaurants. It is the perfect place for you and your family. And right now, we have a special offer. You might think a luxury resort is too expensive. But this summer, we are giving a 20% discount on all family rooms! However, you cannot wait too long. This special price is not available next month. You must call and book your room before this Friday. Don’t miss out! Visit our website or call us today to save money and have a great holiday.

1 Correct Answer: B) It is near the train station.

• Explanation: The vlogger clearly states, “It is very close to the main train station…”
• Trap: Option A is exactly the opposite of the truth (the room is “very small”). Option C is a trap because she complains later that there is “no elevator” at all.

2 Correct Answer: C) $50

• Explanation: She mentions the price clearly: “I only paid $50 a night.”
• Trap: Option A ($15) is a trap using a similar-sounding number (fifteen vs. fifty). Option B ($40) is a trap because the word “fourth” (4th floor) is mentioned later in the audio.

3 Correct Answer: A) She has to walk up the stairs to the fourth floor.

• Explanation: This is the Contrast/Twist of the review. After praising the hotel, she says, “And the worst part? There is no elevator… so I have to walk up the stairs every day…”
• Trap: Option B is a plausible problem for a hotel near a train station, but she never mentions noise. Option C is incorrect because she explicitly said the price was “really cheap.”

Vlogger: Hi guys, welcome back to my travel vlog! Today, I want to talk about my hotel in Tokyo. First, the good news. The location is amazing! It is very close to the main train station, so I can travel anywhere easily. Also, the price was really cheap. I only paid $50 a night. However, there are some bad things. The room is very small. I can’t even open my big suitcase! And the worst part? There is no elevator. I am staying on the fourth floor, so I have to walk up the stairs every day with my heavy bags. But overall, it’s okay for a short trip. Thanks for watching!

1 Correct Answer: C) At 2:00 PM.

• Explanation: The message clearly states, “Our normal check-in time is from 2:00 PM every day.”
• Trap: Options A and B are traps using other times mentioned in the audio (8:00 PM is the early closing time, and 10:00 PM is the normal closing time).

2 Correct Answer: A) Guests cannot bring any pets.

• Explanation: The recording reminds guests, “…we do not allow pets in any of our rooms, so you must leave your dogs and cats at home.”
• Trap: Option B and Option C are plausible rules for other hotels, but they are not mentioned in this audio. The motel strictly forbids pets.

3 Correct Answer: B) Call the emergency number to get a code.

• Explanation: This is the Twist. Guests might expect the desk to be open late, but today is different. The recording says, “If you arrive after 8:00 PM… You must call our emergency number… and our manager will give you a code…”
• Trap: Option A is a trap because 10:00 PM is when the desk usually closes, not when it opens. Option C is a trap using the word “manager”, but guests just need to call the manager, not go to their house.

Answering Machine: Hello, you have reached the automated answering machine for the Sunset Motel. Our normal check-in time is from 2:00 PM every day. We look forward to seeing you. Also, please remember that we do not allow pets in any of our rooms, so you must leave your dogs and cats at home. Usually, our front desk is open until 10:00 PM. However, today our staff is leaving early. If you arrive after 8:00 PM, the main door will be locked. You must call our emergency number at 555-0192, and our manager will give you a code to open your room. Thank you for calling!

1 Correct Answer: B) A hotel manager.

• Explanation: The speaker introduces himself clearly: “My name is Robert, and I am the hotel manager.”
• Trap: Option A is a trap because he is talking to a “tour group,” but he is not the tour guide. Option C is a trap using the word “bus” mentioned in the audio.

2 Correct Answer: B) The guests are tired from their trip.

• Explanation: He explains why he will be quick: “I know you are all tired from your long bus trip, so I will be quick.”
• Trap: Option A and Option C are plausible reasons for a short speech, but they are not mentioned by the speaker.

3 Correct Answer: A) In the big meeting room on the ground floor.

• Explanation: This is the Twist. He explains that they changed the plan because the group is too big. He says, “…your breakfast will be in the big meeting room on the ground floor.”
• Trap: Option B is a trap because this is where breakfast is usually served, but not for this group tomorrow. Option C is not mentioned at all.

Manager: Welcome everyone to the Grand City Hotel! My name is Robert, and I am the hotel manager. We are very happy to have your tour group here for three nights. I know you are all tired from your long bus trip, so I will be quick. I just want to tell you about breakfast tomorrow. Usually, we serve breakfast in the small café on the second floor. However, because your group is very large, we changed the plan. Tomorrow morning, your breakfast will be in the big meeting room on the ground floor. It starts at 7:00 AM. Now, please get your room keys from the reception desk. Have a good night!

1 Correct Answer: B) They are very expensive.

• Explanation: The host clearly warns listeners: “However, the drinks inside the small fridge are very expensive.”
• Trap: Option A is a trap because the water on the table is free, not the drinks in the fridge. Option C is a trap because the host tells you to buy water at the supermarket instead of using the fridge.

2 Correct Answer: A) They have the lowest prices.

• Explanation: The host talks about what people usually think: “You probably use famous travel apps because you think they have the lowest prices.”
• Trap: Option B is never mentioned in the audio. Option C is a trap because “free breakfast” is what you might get if you book on the hotel’s website, not on the apps.

3 Correct Answer: B) Book directly on the hotel’s website.

• Explanation: This is the Twist. The host tells you that travel apps are not always the cheapest. He advises, “If you book directly on the hotel’s website, it is often cheaper.”
• Trap: Option A is what people usually do, but the host advises against it. Option C is a plausible way to save money, but it is not the host’s advice.

Host: Hello everyone, welcome to the “Travel Smart” podcast! Today, I want to share two simple tips to save money at hotels.

First, be careful with the mini-bar in your room. The bottles of water on the table are usually free. However, the drinks inside the small fridge are very expensive. If you are thirsty, just buy water from a supermarket outside.

Second, how do you book your room? You probably use famous travel apps because you think they have the lowest prices. But actually, that is not always true! If you book directly on the hotel’s website, it is often cheaper. Sometimes, the hotel will even give you a free breakfast.

Remember these tips for your next holiday. Happy travels!