What's the difference between school and university in British English?

"School" refers to primary and secondary education (ages 4-18); "university" is higher education after that. Britons don't call university "school" the way some other English speakers do.

What's the difference between a degree and a diploma?

A degree is an academic qualification from a university (Bachelor's, Master's); a diploma is usually a shorter, more practical qualification from a college.

What does "to revise" mean in British English?

To study and review material before an exam, not to "change" something, which is the more common meaning of "revise" elsewhere: "I'm revising for my exams this week."

What's the difference between a lecture and a seminar?

A lecture is a formal talk to a large group with little interaction; a seminar is a smaller, discussion-based class with more student participation.

What does "to drop out" mean?

To leave a course or school before finishing it: "He dropped out of university in his second year."

Is education vocabulary tested in the SELT?

Yes — describing your education, qualifications and studies is a common, predictable everyday speaking topic.

Hotels & Accommodation — English Vocabulary (B1 – B2)

Topic level: B1 – B2 · Category: General English

📋 What's in This Guide

Introduction
Essential vocabulary
Natural collocations
Common mistake
Exercises
Mini quiz
Exam & speaking focus
Frequently asked questions

1. Introduction

These words and phrases help you book accommodation, solve problems during a stay and discuss travel experiences naturally.

2. Essential Vocabulary

Word / Phrase	Meaning
accommodation	a place where someone stays temporarily
reservation	an arrangement to keep a room or service for someone
availability	whether rooms or services are free to book
reception	the hotel area where guests check in and ask for help
single room	a room intended for one person
double room	a room intended for two people, usually with one double bed
en-suite	having a private bathroom connected to the bedroom
facilities	services or equipment provided for guests
check-in	the process of registering when you arrive
check-out	the process of leaving and settling the final account
deposit	money paid in advance to secure a booking
cancellation policy	rules about cancelling a reservation and possible charges

3. Natural Collocations

Phrase	Example
make a reservation	I'd like to make a reservation for three nights.
check availability	I'll check availability for those dates.
pay a deposit	We paid a deposit when we booked.
request a late checkout	Can I request a late checkout on Sunday?

4. Common Mistake

❌ Incorrect	✅ Correct	Why
We stayed in an accommodation near the beach.	We stayed in accommodation near the beach.	Accommodation is normally uncountable in British English.

5. Exercises

A. Gap Fill — Complete correctly

1. Does the room have an ___ bathroom? (en-suite)

2. We need to ___ availability for next weekend. (check)

3. The hotel requires a 20% ___. (deposit)

4. Please read the cancellation ___. (policy)

Answers: 1. en-suite 2. check 3. deposit 4. policy

B. Multiple Choice

1. The process when you arrive at a hotel is...
(a) check-in (b) check-out

2. Services such as a pool and gym are...
(a) facilities (b) reservations

3. Whether rooms are free is...
(a) availability (b) accommodation

Answers: 1. a 2. a 3. a

6. Mini Quiz

Without looking back, define three words from this topic and use two collocations in your own sentences. Then explain the topic for 60 seconds using at least five target expressions.

7. Exam & Speaking Focus

For Cambridge, IELTS and general speaking practice, avoid memorising isolated words. Use the vocabulary to develop an opinion, give an example, compare situations and explain a consequence. Aim to use two or three strong collocations naturally rather than forcing every new word into one answer.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I say 'accommodations'?

In British English, 'accommodation' is normally uncountable. Say 'types of accommodation' or 'places to stay'.

What's the difference between booking and reservation?

They are often interchangeable. 'Booking' is especially common in British English; 'reservation' is also standard.

9. Related Guides

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Hotels & Accommodation: Essential Vocabulary