Lesson 20 – Questioning Unexpected Charges at Check-out
🎯 Lesson goal
You will practise asking about unexpected charges during hotel check-out. You will learn to explain and clarify billing problems politely.
💬 Travel dialogue
🧳 Good morning. I would like to check out, please.
🏨 Good morning. Can I have your room number and ID, please?
🧳 Sure. It’s room 502, and here is my ID.
🏨 Thank you. Let me check your bill. It looks like there is an extra charge for minibar items.
🧳 I did not use the minibar at all. Can you explain this charge?
🏨 I understand. Sometimes guests do not remember using it. Would you like me to review the minibar list with you?
🧳 Yes, please. I want to make sure everything is correct.
🏨 Here is the list. It shows a soda and two snacks taken on the second day.
🧳 I was not in the room that day. Could it be a mistake?
🏨 It could be. I will speak to the cleaning staff and double-check for you.
🧳 Thank you. I appreciate your help.
🏨 After checking, we will update the bill if needed. Please wait a moment.
🏨 I checked with the staff; there was an error. We have removed the minibar charges.
🧳 That is great news. Thank you for fixing it quickly.
🏨 You are welcome. Here is your updated bill and receipt.
🧳 Thanks again. Have a nice day!
🧠 Explanation
This lesson helps you practise asking about unexpected charges when checking out of a hotel. You will learn to explain your problem and ask follow-up questions clearly. This is useful to solve billing mistakes politely and confidently.
🧳 Survival English
🧳 Can you explain this charge? (Ask about an unexpected fee.)
🧳 I did not use this service. (Explain the situation clearly.)
🧳 Could you check the bill again? (Politely ask for a review.)
💡 Common English mistake
❌ I no use minibar.
✅ I did not use the minibar.
🔊 Pronunciation
Focus on the ‘ch’ sound in ‘charge.’ It sounds like ‘ch’ in ‘chair’ with a clear ending.
🌍 Travel tip
Always check your bill carefully before paying and ask politely if you see any unexpected charges.
🎧 Listen and repeat
🎧 Good morning. I would like to check out, please.
🎧 Sure. It’s room 502, and here is my ID.
🎧 I did not use the minibar at all. Can you explain this charge?
🎧 Yes, please. I want to make sure everything is correct.
🎧 I was not in the room that day. Could it be a mistake?
🎧 Thank you. I appreciate your help.
🎧 That is great news. Thank you for fixing it quickly.
🎧 Thanks again. Have a nice day!
🧩 Mini Practice
Repeat these sentences aloud.
Ask: Can you explain this charge on my bill?
Say: I did not use the minibar during my stay.
Ask: Could you please check the bill again?
Say: There seems to be an extra fee I do not understand.
Ask: Can you tell me what this charge is for?
Say: I was not in the room when this charge was added.
Say: Please double-check with the cleaning staff.
Ask: Can you remove the minibar charges from my bill?
Say: I want to make sure the bill is correct before I pay.
Say: Thank you for helping me with this problem.
🧳 Glossary
| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| check out | To pay the bill and leave a hotel |
| unexpected charge | A fee on the bill that was not planned or clear |
| minibar | A small fridge in a hotel room with drinks and snacks |
| bill | A list of costs for services used |
| receipt | A paper showing what you paid |
| review the bill | To check the cost list carefully |
| follow-up question | A question you ask after the first answer for more information |
| polite request | Asking something respectfully and kindly |
✅ Quick check
Can you understand the dialogue and repeat the important sentences?