ESL Podcast 223 – A Mistake in the Hotel Bill

Hotel clerk: Here’s the bill for your four- night stay. Would you like the incidentals charged to your credit card?

May: Incidentals? I think there’s some mistake. I didn’t order any pay-per-view movies and I never ordered room service. And, I didn’t have any spa services, either.

Hotel clerk: Are you sure? We show three movies and two room service orders.

May: I’m positive. Could I speak to a supervisor¹, please?

Hotel clerk: He’s not on duty right now, but let me see if I can resolve this for you. How many of these charges were made in error?

May: All of the them. Is it possible that my bill was switched with another room’s? As I said, I didn’t order any movies, I haven’t had any room service, and I haven’t visited the spa since I checked in to the hotel.

Hotel clerk: I see. I’ll need to check with each of those departments to determine whether a mistake has been made.

May: How long will this take?

Hotel clerk: Not long, I’m sure. If you could take a seat in the lobby²...

May: I have a plane to catch and I don’t have a lot of time. Is there a general manager I can speak to?

Hotel clerk: I’m not sure. If you’ll have a seat, I’ll see if I can get Ms. Cardenes for you.

May: Thank you. I’d appreciate it.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 supervisor   

n.监督人，管理人，检查员，督学，主管，导师

参考例句：

• Between you and me I think that new supervisor is a twit.我们私下说，我认为新来的主管人是一个傻瓜。
• He said I was too flighty to be a good supervisor.他说我太轻浮不能成为一名好的管理员。

2 lobby   

n.前厅，（剧院的）门廊

参考例句：

• As he walked through the lobby,he skirted a group of ladies.他穿过门厅时，绕过了一群女士。
• The delegates entered the assembly hall by way of the lobby.代表们通过大厅进入会场。