24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Hotel Requests
Heading to Japan and staying at a hotel? Knowing a few handy Japanese phrases can make your trip smoother and way more enjoyable.
From asking for extra towels to requesting late check-out, these phrases help you communicate clearly and politely. Plus, mastering them can boost your confidence and impress hotel staff!
Whether you’re a beginner or just brushing up, these 24 essential phrases cover everyday hotel situations.
Learning them isn’t just about language—it’s about connecting, showing respect, and making your stay as comfortable as possible.
And hey, once you get the hang of these phrases, ordering room service or asking for directions becomes a breeze.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore these useful expressions together!
Getting Comfortable with Hotel Japanese
Starting your hotel stay with some basic Japanese phrases is a great idea.
Simple, polite expressions go a long way in Japan’s service culture. They help you be understood and appreciated.
Think of it as setting a friendly tone right from the start.
Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.
These phrases are easy to remember and use, even if you’re new to Japanese.
Try practicing them aloud – it’s a simple trick that helps you sound natural quickly.
Part 1: Casual Suggestions
1. すみません、タオルをもう一枚ください (Sumimasen, taoru o mou ichimai kudasai) – Soo-mee-mah-sen, ta-oh-roo oh moh-ee-chee-mai koo-dah-sigh (Excuse me, could I have one more towel?)
This is a polite way to request an additional towel during your stay.
“すみません (Sumimasen)” means “excuse me” or “sorry” and is perfect for politely grabbing attention. “タオル (Taoru)” means towel, “もう一枚 (mou ichimai)” means one more (with “枚” as the counter for flat objects like towels), and “ください (kudasai)” means “please give.”
Using “ください” is a respectful, beginner-friendly way to ask for things.
Keep it simple and polite—it works every time.
If you want to be extra polite, you can add “お願いします (onegaishimasu)” at the end, but “ください” is enough in most hotel situations.
Practice this phrase with confidence, and you’ll feel more at ease making requests.
2. チェックアウトは何時ですか？ (Chekkuauto wa nanji desu ka?) – Chek-koo-ah-toh wah nahn-jee dess kah? (What time is check-out?)
This phrase is essential when you want to confirm your check-out time.
“チェックアウト (Chekkuauto)” is the loanword for “check-out,” “は (wa)” marks the topic, “何時 (nanji)” means “what time,” and “ですか (desu ka)” turns it into a polite question.
It’s straightforward and easy to remember.
One common mistake is to forget “ですか” which makes the question polite and clear.
Example: At the front desk, simply say this to avoid any confusion.
Knowing this phrase helps you plan your last day without stress.
3. ルームサービスを注文したいです (Rūmu sābisu o chūmon shitai desu) – Roo-moo sah-bee-soo oh choo-mon shee-tie dess (I want to order room service)
Use this phrase when you’d like to order food or drinks to your room.
“ルームサービス (Rūmu sābisu)” is “room service,” “注文 (chūmon)” means “order,” and “したいです (shitai desu)” means “want to do.”
This structure of “verb stem + たいです” is a beginner-friendly way to express desires.
It’s polite but casual enough to be comfortable.
You can swap “注文” with other verbs like “使いたいです” (tsukaitai desu) for “want to use.”
Try practicing this phrase to make your stay more convenient and enjoyable.
4. インターネットのパスワードは何ですか？ (Intānetto no pasuwādo wa nan desu ka?) – In-tah-neh-toh noh pah-soo-wah-doh wah nahn dess kah? (What is the internet password?)
This phrase helps you ask for the Wi-Fi password easily.
“インターネット (Intānetto)” means “internet,” “の (no)” shows possession (“of”), “パスワード (pasuwādo)” means “password,” and “何ですか (nan desu ka)” asks “what is it?”
Simple and direct, it’s perfect for quick communication.
Be sure not to confuse “ですか” which makes the question polite.
Use this phrase right after checking in to get connected quickly.
Knowing this will save you time and frustration during your stay.
5. エレベーターはどこですか？ (Erebētā wa doko desu ka?) – Eh-reh-bay-tah wah doh-koh dess kah? (Where is the elevator?)
Perfect for when you’re looking for the elevator.
“エレベーター (Erebētā)” means “elevator,” “は (wa)” marks the topic, “どこ (doko)” means “where,” and “ですか (desu ka)” turns it into a polite question.
Easy to remember and widely understood.
A common mistake is dropping the “ですか,” which can sound abrupt.
Example: Just ask this at the front desk or lobby.
It’s a simple phrase that helps you navigate the hotel with confidence.
6. 朝食は何時からですか？ (Chōshoku wa nanji kara desu ka?) – Choh-shoh-koo wah nahn-jee kah-rah dess kah? (What time does breakfast start?)
Use this to find out when breakfast service begins.
“朝食 (Chōshoku)” means “breakfast,” “は (wa)” marks the topic, “何時 (nanji)” means “what time,” “から (kara)” means “from,” and “ですか (desu ka)” makes it a polite question.
Simple and polite, this phrase is easy to remember.
Don’t forget “から” to specify “from what time.”
Try it at check-in or the restaurant for clear info.
Knowing breakfast hours helps you plan your mornings stress-free.
7. 荷物を預かってもらえますか？ (Nimotsu o azukatte moraemasu ka?) – Nee-mo-tsu oh ah-zoo-kaht-teh moh-rah-eh-mahss kah? (Can you hold my luggage?)
This is a polite way to ask if the hotel can store your bags.
“荷物 (Nimotsu)” means “luggage,” “を (o)” marks the object, “預かって (azukatte)” means “to keep/hold,” and “もらえますか (moraemasu ka)” politely asks “can you do this for me?”
This phrase is respectful and practical.
Remember to use “もらえますか” instead of just “ください” here for a softer request.
Use this when you arrive early or check out but want to explore without your bags.
It’s a handy phrase that lets you travel light within the hotel.
8. 部屋を掃除してください (Heya o sōji shite kudasai) – Heh-yah oh soh-jee shee-teh koo-dah-sigh (Please clean my room)
Use this phrase when you want your room cleaned.
“部屋 (Heya)” means “room,” “を (o)” marks the object, “掃除してください (sōji shite kudasai)” means “please clean.”
“してください” is a polite command form, effective for requests.
Don’t forget “ください” at the end to keep it polite.
You can say this during your stay if you want extra cleaning.
It’s a straightforward phrase that helps keep your space fresh.
Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions
9. 予約を確認したいのですが (Yoyaku o kakunin shitai no desu ga) – Yoh-yah-koo oh kah-koo-neen shee-tie noh dess gah (I would like to confirm my reservation)
This is a polite phrase to check your booking status.
“予約 (Yoyaku)” means “reservation,” “を (o)” marks the object, “確認 (kakunin)” means “confirmation,” “したい (shitai)” is “want to do,” “のですが (no desu ga)” softens the phrase making it polite and indirect.
Using “のですが” adds a respectful nuance.
Avoid being too direct; this phrasing shows good manners.
Try this when you arrive or call to avoid confusion.
It shows you’re serious but courteous about your booking.
10. 追加の枕をお願いできますか？ (Tsūka no makura o onegaidekimasu ka?) – Tsoo-kah noh mah-koo-rah oh oh-neh-gai deh-kee-mahss kah? (Could I request an extra pillow?)
This phrase politely requests an additional pillow.
“追加 (Tsūka)” means “additional,” “の (no)” shows possession, “枕 (makura)” means “pillow,” and “お願いできますか (onegaidekimasu ka)” is a very polite way to ask “can you please?”
This is more formal than just “ください.”
Use this phrase when you want to sound extra respectful.
Example: Saying this at a ryokan or upscale hotel fits their etiquette.
It’s a great phrase to add polish to your requests.
11. チェックインは何時から可能でしょうか？ (Chekkuin wa nanji kara kanō deshō ka?) – Chek-koo-in wah nahn-jee kah-rah kah-noh dessh-oh kah? (From what time is check-in possible?)
This formal question asks about check-in availability.
“チェックイン (Chekkuin)” means “check-in,” “は (wa)” marks the topic, “何時から (nanji kara)” means “from what time,” “可能 (kanō)” means “possible,” and “でしょうか (deshō ka)” adds polite uncertainty.
The “でしょうか” ending makes it very polite and soft.
Don’t confuse this with the casual “ですか.”
Use this phrase in formal settings or emails.
It’s perfect when you want to sound professional and courteous.
12. 部屋の変更は可能でしょうか？ (Heya no henkō wa kanō deshō ka?) – Heh-yah noh hen-koh wah kah-noh dessh-oh kah? (Is it possible to change rooms?)
A polite way to ask if you can switch rooms.
“部屋 (Heya)” means “room,” “の (no)” possession, “変更 (henkō)” means “change,” “は (wa)” topic marker, “可能 (kanō)” means “possible,” and “でしょうか (deshō ka)” softens the question.
This phrase is very formal and respectful.
Avoid using casual language in these situations.
Use it when addressing staff in formal hotels.
It helps keep your tone polite and professional.
13. 早めのチェックアウトは可能ですか？ (Hayame no chekkuauto wa kanō desu ka?) – Ha-yah-meh noh chek-koo-ah-toh wah kah-noh dess kah? (Is early check-out possible?)
Use this phrase to ask if you can leave earlier than the usual check-out time.
“早め (Hayame)” means “early,” “の (no)” possession, “チェックアウト (chekkuauto)” is “check-out,” “は (wa)” topic marker, “可能 (kanō)” means “possible,” and “ですか (desu ka)” is a polite question.
This is formal but easy to use.
Avoid dropping “ですか” to keep politeness.
Example: Perfect for when your travel plans change last minute.
Using this phrase ensures clarity and respect.
14. 静かな部屋をお願いできますか？ (Shizuka na heya o onegaidekimasu ka?) – Shee-zoo-kah nah heh-yah oh oh-neh-gai deh-kee-mahss kah? (Could I request a quiet room?)
This phrase politely asks for a room away from noise.
“静かな (Shizuka na)” means “quiet,” “部屋 (heya)” is “room,” “を (o)” object marker, and “お願いできますか (onegaidekimasu ka)” is a very polite request form.
It’s more formal than “ください” and suitable for nicer hotels.
Don’t confuse “静か” (quiet) with “静止” (stop), they sound similar but mean different things.
Use this phrase when you want a peaceful stay.
It shows consideration and respect for hotel staff’s efforts.
15. 施設の利用時間を教えていただけますか？ (Shisetsu no riyō jikan o oshiete itadakemasu ka?) – Shee-set-soo noh ree-yoh jee-kahn oh oh-shee-eh-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah? (Could you tell me the facility hours?)
This polite phrase asks about the hours of hotel amenities like the gym or pool.
“施設 (Shisetsu)” means “facility,” “の (no)” possession, “利用時間 (riyō jikan)” means “usage hours,” “を (o)” object marker, “教えて (oshiete)” means “please tell,” and “いただけますか (itadakemasu ka)” is an honorific polite request.
Using “いただけますか” shows respect and humility.
Avoid mixing this with casual phrases when dealing with staff.
Try this when you want detailed info about hotel services.
It helps you enjoy your stay fully and politely.
16. 予約内容の変更をお願いしたいのですが (Yoyaku naiyō no henkō o onegai shitai no desu ga) – Yoh-yah-koo nyee-yoh noh hen-koh oh oh-neh-gai shee-tie noh dess gah (I would like to request a change to my reservation)
Use this formal phrase when you want to change your booking details.
“予約内容 (Yoyaku naiyō)” means “reservation details,” “の (no)” possession, “変更 (henkō)” means “change,” “を (o)” object marker, “お願いしたい (onegai shitai)” means “want to request,” and “のですが (no desu ga)” softens the request.
This phrase sounds polite and thoughtful.
Don’t make the mistake of being too direct.
Use it for serious or last-minute changes.
It keeps communication smooth and respectful.
Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions
17. トイレはどこ？ (Toire wa doko?) – Toy-reh wah doh-koh? (Where’s the bathroom?)
A super casual way to ask where the bathroom is.
“トイレ (Toire)” means “toilet,” “は (wa)” topic marker, “どこ (doko)” means “where.”
Notice no “ですか” here, making it informal and quick.
Use this only with friends or very casual staff.
In formal settings, add “ですか” to be polite.
Good phrase for quick, everyday use.
18. フロントでお願い！ (Furonto de onegai!) – Frohn-toh deh oh-neh-gai! (Please at the front desk!)
This is a casual way to say “Please do it at the front desk.”
“フロント (Furonto)” means “front desk,” “で (de)” indicates location, and “お願い (onegai)” is a casual “please.”
It’s short and efficient.
Not suitable for formal conversations.
Use with friends or informal staff to sound natural.
Try this for quick requests without fuss.
19. もう少し待ってて (Mō sukoshi mattete) – Moh skoh-shee maht-teh-teh (Wait a little longer)
This phrase politely asks someone to wait a bit longer.
“もう少し (mō sukoshi)” means “a little more,” and “待ってて (mattete)” is a casual way to say “please wait.”
It’s friendly and often used among staff and guests.
Avoid using this in very formal situations.
Great for casual chats or when you’re waiting.
It sounds natural and approachable.
20. これ、使っていい？ (Kore, tsukatte ii?) – Koh-reh, tsu-kaht-teh ee? (Can I use this?)
A casual way to ask if you can use something.
“これ (kore)” means “this,” “使って (tsukatte)” is the te-form of “use,” and “いい (ii)” means “good” or “okay.”
It’s like asking “Is it okay if I use this?”
Perfect with friends or informal staff.
In formal situations, add “もいいですか？” for politeness.
It’s quick and friendly.
21. 追加でお願い！ (Tsūka de onegai!) – Tsoo-kah deh oh-neh-gai! (Extra, please!)
Short and casual way to request extras.
“追加 (Tsūka)” means “addition” or “extra,” “で (de)” marks location or method, and “お願い (onegai)” is a casual “please.”
Good for quick, informal requests.
Not for formal or serious situations.
Use when you want to sound friendly and relaxed.
It’s great for chatting with approachable staff.
22. もうちょっと待って (Mō chotto matte) – Moh choh-toh maht-teh (Wait just a little longer)
This phrase is a casual way to ask for a bit more waiting time.
“もうちょっと (mō chotto)” means “a little more,” and “待って (matte)” is “wait.”
Used often in relaxed settings.
Don’t use it in formal conversations.
Great for friendly exchanges.
It feels natural and easygoing.
23. 部屋までお願いします (Heya made onegaishimasu) – Heh-yah mah-deh oh-neh-gai-shee-mahss (Please bring it to my room)
This polite phrase asks for delivery to your room.
“部屋まで (Heya made)” means “to the room,” and “お願いします (onegaishimasu)” is a polite “please.”
It’s formal enough for hotel use.
Don’t drop “お願いします” to stay respectful.
Great for room service or package delivery.
It keeps communication smooth and polite.
24. ありがとうございました、助かりました！ (Arigatō gozaimashita, tasukarimashita!) – Ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mah-shee-tah, tah-skah-ree-mah-shee-tah! (Thank you very much, you’ve been a big help!)
This is a heartfelt, polite way to express gratitude after help.
“ありがとうございました (Arigatō gozaimashita)” is past polite “thank you,” and “助かりました (tasukarimashita)” means “you saved me” or “you helped me.”
It’s perfect for showing appreciation.
Use it at check-out or after receiving assistance.
It leaves a positive impression.
Mastering this phrase makes your interactions warm and memorable.
Concluding Thought
Learning these essential Japanese phrases for hotel stays takes you beyond just speaking a language—it opens the door to a richer travel experience.
With polite requests, casual chats, and warm gratitude, you’ll feel more connected and comfortable wherever you stay in Japan.
So go ahead, practice these phrases, and enjoy your trip with confidence and a smile!