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2.According to the text, are the following statements true or false? If they are false, say why.

1)Novotel St. Petersburg Centre offers relaxing facilities such as steam bath and massage.

2)Hyatt Place Miami provides free transfer to MiamiInternational Airport.

3)In Hyatt Place guests can use dinner options only during day time.

4)Paris Marriott Hotel rooms are equipped with a bathroom, a minibar and a safety deposit box.

5)Paris Marriott Hotel proposes free private parking with reservation.

6)In Novotel St. Petersburg Centre you can taste a famous home-made cake from La

Brioche Deli-Counter.

7) Paris Marriott Hotel is located at the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées.

1. Read about the unusual hotel and choose the correct word.

Giraffe Manor in Kenya: ‘Charming, stylish and unforgettable’

The Giraffe Manor is situated in the upmarket suburbs of Nairobi’s Karen; just half an hour drive from the central business district and about 35 km from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The hotel provides/converts a uniquely unspoilt wilderness in the heart of one the most spirited cities of Africa. The Giraffe Manor is an upmarket/demolished hotel on forested land with spectacular views of the Ngong Hills.

The most unique feature of the Giraffe Manor is the rare Rothschild giraffes that reside in the hotel’s gardens. Meals are all served/accepted at one time so all of the guests (and giraffes!) eat together at the same table like a big family.

Accommodation/entertainment in the Giraffe Manor in Kenya consists of six rooms, one of which is suitable for a family. Each room unique decor has been preserved intact for decades and equipped/employed with a shower, air conditioning, a TV and a mini refrigerator. In high/low season the hotel has one of the highest prices, and offers $662 for a standard single room, $973 for a double room and $1459 for a triple room.

2. Match the words on the left with their definition on the right.

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3. Search the Internet for some of the most unusual hotels in the world and present them to the group.

SECTION 3

Imagine you have money to buy and run a hotel. Think and answer the following questions.

1)Which country/city/street would it be in? What would you call your hotel?

2)How many rooms would it have? What kinds of rooms would be offered?

3)What kind of clientele would you try to attract?

4)What special facilities would you offer?

5)How many people would you employ? What would their responsibilities be?

Read about internal organization of a hotel and name all the jobs mentioned in the text.

The reputation of a hotel depends on its rooms, food and beverages, and service. All employees realize the importance of correct, prompt and polite service. Usually, the staff of an average hotel is rather big and is like links in a chain. They all work together, yet, each has his/her own particular job.

Let us start by saying that the General Manager has control over the whole operation. The General Manager must make sure that all hotels and business outlets fulfill the overall vision of a company as a whole, and makes money, too.

The structure of a hotel works like this. The House Manager is directly answerable to the General Manager. He or she is responsible for all six in-house departments, and their job is to keep good information flows between the various departments. All departments cannot be run in isolation of each other. They must also make sure that the hotel stays profitable. They have a great deal of freedom to make decisions and don’t have to check with the General Manager about day-to-day issues, although they are in a regular contact.

The Resident Manager has control over the customer-contact side of the business. It is the Resident Manager’s job to ensure close, efficient liaison between the two sectors under his or her control, that is to say Front-of-House Operations and Housekeeping.

The Front Office Manager reports to the Resident Manager on a regular basis but can make a lot of daily operational decisions himself/herself. He/she has to supervise Front-of-House Operations and to do that efficiently. He/she needs to have the assistance of the Head Receptionist, who looks after the reception area in general and has a good deal of contact with both staff and guests. They are concerned with day-to-day issues such as guests’ comfort and security, but they also get involved in training and staff development, so there’s plenty to do on that side, too.

The Housekeeper reports to the Head Housekeeper and gives orders to the chambermaids and cleaners personally.

So, everything is done to please visitors and guests and to create excellent conditions for their staying in a hotel.

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COMPREHENSION CHECK

1. Match the members of the hotel staff with their duties.

2. Complete the simplified staff tree of a medium-sized hotel with the jobs from the text above.

1)

Concierge Clerks

1. A woman reserves a hotel room over the phone. In what order would you expect these questions to be asked?

a)How will you be paying?

b)How many people would that be for?

c)When would that be for exactly?

d)What time will you be arriving?

e)What kind of room would you like?

f)Could I have your name, please?

g)How many nights will you be staying?

2. Read the dialogue between a caller and a receptionist. Check your answers in exercise 1.

Caller: Good afternoon, I’d like to make a booking for myself and my husband. Receptionist: Could I have your name, please?

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Caller: Yes, it’s BakerAnn Baker.

Receptionist: OK. And when would you like to come? Caller: The weekend of 15 July, for two days, please.

Receptionist: I’m sorry Mrs. Baker, will that be one or two nights?

Caller: Oh, yes sorry, two days and two nights, arriving on the 15th and leaving on the 17th. Receptionist: And that would be a double room, would it? Would you prefer smoking or non-

smoking?

Caller: Non-smoking, please. Oh, and the last time we came, we stayed in a room at the back of the hotel overlooking the park. Do you know if we could have the same room? I think it was room 103.

Receptionist: Hold the line, please. I’ll just check. I’m afraid, we don’t have exactly the same room but I can put you in 205, it’s got the same view and a balcony. The rate is slightly more expensive, £110 per person.

Caller: Well, that’s all right, we’ll take that. Receptionist: Fine. How will you be paying, Mrs. Baker? Caller: By credit card, Visa.

Receptionist: Could you give me the number and your address, please? Caller: Yes, it’s 4999 1825 6857 6238. 25 Hill Road, Manchester.

Receptionist: Right, Mrs. Baker, I’ve made the reservation. I would be grateful if you could just confirm in writing.

Caller: Certainly. Thank you for your help.

Receptionist: You’re welcome. We look forward to seeing you. Goodbye.

3. Look at the reservation form on the left. Read the dialogue in exercise 2 again and complete Ann Baker’s booking form.

SECTION 4

In pairs, discuss the following questions.

1)Whose wedding did you attend last? Where was the wedding reception for the guests held?

2)Have you selected the venue for your future wedding reception yet? Would you like to book a luxury hotel with a posh restaurant to entertain your guests and yourself? What hotel would it be?

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Read the text and name the things that make Monte do Casal unique.

World Travel Awards is the most comprehensive, the most prestigious and the biggest awards programme in the travel industry worldwide. Established in 1993, it serves to reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Travel professionals and their clients have come to regard the World Travel Awards as the best endorsement that any travel product could

receive. Candidates for nomination are based upon the previous year’s voting. Voting is cast by travel agents in over 190 countries around the world.

In 2012, once again Monte do Casal was nominated by WTA for World Travel Awards as one of Portugal’s Leading Boutique Hotel. Monte do Casal is the perfect retreat for those who appreciate discreet luxury in a beautiful relaxing atmosphere. Located just outside the historic village of Estoi, this charming country hotel is only a short distance from Faro International Airport and some of the Algarve’s most beautiful sandy beaches and outstanding golf courses. With breathtaking views, Monte do Casal boasts the Algarve’s first private botanical garden complete with lakes, waterfalls, rock pools and ponds.

Dating back to the 18th Century, Monte do Casal has evolved from a 200 year old manor house into a gem of graceful living and is one of the world’s classic small boutique hotels. Monte do Casal is for guests seeking exquisite cuisine and personalized service in a very special relaxed atmosphere.

There are eighteen individually designed, beautifully decorated and spacious suites and bedrooms with specially selected mahogany furniture, fine Egyptian cotton linens, a fluffy duvet, extra large beds and a choice of feather pillows.

The luxury breakfast is brought each morning onto your private terrace by your personal maid, discreetly and directly without disturbing you. Once the table is set, complete with flowers, she announces quietly that breakfast is ready. That is one of the many reasons that make Monte do Casal a superb and unique boutique hotel.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

1. Find the English equivalents in the text for the following:

отмечать превосходство; получать одобрение; сдержанная роскошь; захватывающие виды; старая усадьба; жемчужина роскошной жизни; специально подобранная мебель из красного дерева; бельё из тонкого египетского хлопка; пуховые и перьевые подушки.

2. Which words make up word combinations according to the text? Give their Russian equivalents.

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1. Monte do Casal is an ideal solution for wedding receptions. Read the text and put the words on the right into the gaps.

The Honeymoon, Romance and Hideaway Packages

Treat the one you love with a memorable stay at Monte do Casal. Celebrate your love with a truly romantic experience in the Algarve’s most beautiful and beguiling boutique hotel.

To help create some magical moments from the moment you arrive The Honeymoon, Romance and Hideaway Packages includes:

*two, five or seven nights luxurious accommodation and breakfast;

*glass of chilled champagne upon arrival;

*a bottle of bubbly with strawberries;

*room replenished with rose petals and aromatic candles at turndown;

*relaxation in the jacuzzi, exclusively for two;

*luxury continental breakfast served on your own private terrace in the morning and afternoon tea served in the lounge by the open log fireplace.

Guests may also enjoy complimentary use of the heated swimming pool, gymnasium and the pitch and putt golf.

3.Search the Internet for more information about Monte do Casal and present it to the group.

Read and translate the extract from the poem ‘Monte do Casal’ by Sheila Shaw. What are the rooms in the hotel like? Now, read the poem aloud as expressively as possible.

A beautiful name for a beautiful place a house of unbelievable grace,

to stay a while within its walls whenever relaxation calls

is the perfect way to smooth the mind, to leave life’s cares and stress behind,

as you walk through the doors of this boutique hotel in moments you’ll find yourself under its spell.

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Your room will delight with its comfort and charm a tastefully planned oasis of calm,

with luxurious bed and freshly cut flowers a beautiful bathroom with rainforest shower,

and your own private terrace to drink in the view with loungers and table and parasol, too,

and where each morning your breakfast is laid by a kindly, almost invisible maid!

KEY WORDS TO REMEMBER

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