Where to stay (Edexcel GCSE French): Revision Notes
Where to stay
This topic covers essential vocabulary and phrases for talking about different types of accommodation in French. You'll need to know how to describe where you stay during holidays and be able to discuss past, present and future accommodation arrangements.
Types of accommodation
Understanding different accommodation options is crucial for tourism conversations and exam tasks. Here are the main types you need to know:
| French | English |
|---|---|
| le logement | accommodation |
| l'appartement (m) | flat |
| le camping (m) | campsite |
| la chambre (f) | bedroom |
| l'hôtel (m) | hotel |
| privé(e) | private |
| inclus(e) | included |
| libre | free, available |
Pay special attention to the gender of each noun (le/la/l') as this affects the articles and adjectives you use with them.
Worked Example: Using Accommodation Vocabulary
- Je passe toujours mes vacances dans un hôtel. (I always spend my holidays in a hotel.)
- L'appartement est confortable et j'aime bien y dormir. (The flat is comfortable and I like sleeping there.)
Hotel vocabulary
When staying at hotels, you'll encounter specific terms for facilities and services:
| French | English |
|---|---|
| complet / complète | full |
| le déjeuner (m) | lunch |
| le départ (m) | departure |
| dormir | to sleep |
| l'étage (m) | floor, storey |
| la fenêtre (f) | window |
| le petit-déjeuner (m) | breakfast |
| le repas (m) | meal |
| la tente (f) | tent |
Worked Example: Hotel Vocabulary in Context
- Le petit-déjeuner est inclus dans le prix. (Breakfast is included in the price.)
- Ma chambre est au premier étage. (My room is on the first floor.)
Time markers for describing stays
Time markers help you explain when accommodation was booked or used. These are essential for exam writing tasks and speaking assessments.
Present tense markers
- toujours (always)
- normalement (normally)
Example: Je passe toujours mes vacances dans un hôtel. (I always spend my holidays in a hotel.)
Past tense markers
- l'été dernier (last summer)
- il y a deux semaines (two weeks ago)
Example: L'été dernier, j'ai fait du camping. (Last summer I went camping.)
Future tense markers
- l'année prochaine (next year)
- dans trois semaines (in three weeks' time)
Example: L'année prochaine, je vais passer une semaine dans un appartement. (Next year I'm going to spend a week in a flat.)
Using appropriate time markers demonstrates your ability to use different tenses correctly and helps structure your writing chronologically.
At the hotel - useful phrases
Hotels are common exam settings, so practise these key phrases for different situations:
Availability
- Avez-vous une chambre libre? (Do you have a room available?)
Problems
- La télé dans ma chambre ne marche pas. (The TV in my room doesn't work.)
- Ma chambre est trop froide. J'ai besoin de couvertures. (My room is too cold. I need some blankets.)
Location
- Ma chambre est au premier étage. (My room is on the first floor.)
Length of stay
- Je vais passer une semaine ici. (I'm spending a week here.)
Opinion
- C'est très intéressant. (It's very interesting.)
Questions about facilities
- Le petit-déjeuner est inclus? (Is breakfast included?)
- Où est le restaurant? (Where is the restaurant?)
These phrases cover the most common hotel scenarios you'll encounter in exams. Practice using them with different vocabulary to create varied responses.
Translation practice
Worked Example: Translation Practice
Translate into English:
- Je choisis les vacances sont très importantes.
- L'été dernier, nous avons passé dix jours intéressants en Amérique.
Translate into French:
- My room is too cold.
- Is breakfast included?
Answers:
- I think holidays are very important. / Last summer, we spent ten interesting days in America.
- Ma chambre est trop froide. / Le petit-déjeuner est inclus?
Exam tip
When writing about accommodation, remember to include specific details such as location, facilities, and your opinions. Aim for 40-50 words in shorter writing tasks and always check you've covered all bullet points in the question.
Key Points to Remember:
- Learn accommodation vocabulary with correct genders (le/la/l')
- Time markers help structure your writing about past, present and future stays
- Hotel phrases cover common situations like availability, problems and facilities
- Always include opinions and specific details in exam writing tasks
- Practice using different tenses when describing accommodation experiences