Describe an exceptional hotel where you have stayed – IELTS Speaking section 2, 3

1. Describe an exceptional hotel where you have stayed – IELTS Speaking section 2, 3

Describe a special hotel you have stayed in. You should say:

• Where it is  
• You went there
• Why you went there  
• And why you think it is a special hotel.

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Exemplar 1

I would like to talk about Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel, an upscale hotel in Đà Lạt city which I had the opportunity to visit a couple years ago. Being a big fan of learning about history, I always knew that I had to visit this spectacular place.

As its name suggests, it was built over a hundred years ago in the heart of Đà Lạt city in the Central Highland of Vietnam. The area surrounding the hotel is scenic and culturally rich as there are the solemn Đà Lạt cathedral and numerous petit cafes and bars. My first impression about this place was that the building itself was grand and majestic.

The interior of the hotel was decorated elegantly and luxuriously with vintage furniture and old European paintings throughout its halls and corridors. The room that I stayed in was even furnished with a pair of Art deco armchairs and a rotary phone on top of the bedside table. From the window of my room, I could see the romantically tranquil Xuân Hương lake.

Above all, what I enjoyed the most about this place was the clever design that integrated the old and new ways of life. Besides the vintage features, other modern amenities such as Wifi, a modern gym and even a karaoke room could also be found here. When I was there I joined a group of people and we sang in the Karaoke room until midnight. I think that this blend of past and present is what makes Dalat Palace stand out.

Glossary:

• Upscale (adj): sang trọng
• Spectacular (adj): ngoạn mục
• Culturally rich (adv + adj): giàu về văn hóa  
• Solemn (adj): trang nghiêm
• Petit (adj): nhỏ nhắn 
• Majestic (adj): lộng lẫy
• Vintage (adj): xưa
• Hall (n): sảnh
• Corridor (n): hàng lang
• To be furnished with (n): được trang bị (dùng cho nội thất)
• Rotary phone (n): điện thoại quay số cổ
• To Integrate (v): kết hợp
• Amenity (n): các tiện nghi
• Blend (n): sự hòa quyện

Exemplar 2

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I describe myself as a passionate traveler, having explored various destinations in Vietnam and gaining diverse experiences while staying in different hotels. I’d like to recount my recent experience with a particularly remarkable hotel.

To begin with, I embarked on a journey to Da Nang last month and selected this hotel as my accommodation during my vacation. My decision was influenced by a friend who had previously enjoyed an exceptional stay there.

In terms of location, this hotel enjoys an ideal setting. It strikes a perfect balance, being close to downtown while offering just the right amount of distance to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Additionally, its prime location right by the beach was a great advantage, especially since I enjoy swimming during my vacations.

This establishment is a 5-star hotel with a standout feature - its distinctive architectural design resembling a lotus flower. My room was spacious and well-appointed, featuring modern furnishings and amenities that enhanced my overall sense of comfort and convenience.

However, what truly distinguishes this hotel is its centerpiece - the largest infinity pool in Vietnam. This impressive feature is available to hotel guests at no additional cost. I spent a significant amount of time swimming and enjoying the pool’s charm during my stay. In my opinion, this hotel certainly deserves its well-earned 5-star rating, and I fully intend to select it again for my next visit to Da Nang.

2. Sample IELTS Speaking part 3: Hotel

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2.1. What factors can impact people’s hotel choices?

From my perspective, when choosing a hotel, people’s decisions are influenced by three factors. Travelers’ top concern is typically related to the cost. Some travelers merely seek basic lodging with a tidy room and a strong wifi signal, whereas others would rather stay in a luxurious setting.

The hotel’s location, namely whether it is close to the travelers’ travel destinations, is another thing I’d like to bring up. People who live close to popular destinations can reduce their commuting expenses and use their money for other things like festivals or meals.

• Basic lodging: chỗ ở cơ bản
• Bring up (v): nói tới
• Commuting expenses: chi phí đi lại

2.2. Does people's feedback influence their decisions?

Yes. These days, before booking a room, guests look at the hotel’s rating and reviews. Since people characterize the positive and negative aspects of a location, but management always emphasizes the positive aspects, people who have already stayed at a hotel can define it better than hotel management.

• Characterize (v): có góc nhìn riêng biệt
• Emphasize (v): nhấn mạnh, đề cao

2.3. How do individuals make reservations for hotel rooms?

Most of the time, whether someone books a hotel stay in person or online, they will need to pay a deposit. The down payment typically ranges from 20 to 30 percent of the entire cost. Additionally, before a week of their stay, visitors frequently must pay the full amount or risk having their reservation canceled.

• Deposit (n): khoản tiền đặt cọc

2.4. How do people currently make hotel bookings?

To assure availability, most people reserve hotel rooms a few days in advance. Hotel rooms can be reserved online through the hotel’s website or through independent websites like Goibibo or Make My Trip. Since internet facilities and services have significantly improved recently, fewer individuals are now booking hotels immediately upon arrival.

• Assure (v): chắc chắn
• In advance: trước

2.5. What are the distinctions between domestic and international hotels?

• Attire (n): trang phục
• Receptionist (n): người làm lễ tân
• Take into account (v): xem xét đến
• Counterpart (n): đối tác