How to Professionally Give Directions in a Hotel Politely

Giving accurate and polite directions is an essential skill for hotel staff. Guests often ask for directions to hotel facilities, nearby attractions, or transportation options, and knowing how to give directions in a hotel professionally enhances their experience. Clear and courteous communication ensures guests feel comfortable, confident, and well cared for during their stay.

This guide covers essential phrases, best practices, and department-specific scenarios where hotel staff may need to give directions professionally.

5 Steps to Giving & Following Instructions in the Workplace

Best Practices to Give Directions in a Hotel

1. Be Clear and Specific

• Use simple and direct language.

• Avoid overly technical or vague instructions.

✅ “The restaurant is on the second floor, to the right of the elevators.”
❌ “Go upstairs, and you’ll find it somewhere around there.”

2. Use Landmarks to Help Guests Navigate

• Mention recognizable hotel features (elevators, reception, lounge).

• Refer to nearby attractions if giving directions outside the hotel.

✅ “The gym is past the lobby, next to the pool entrance.”

3. Confirm Understanding

• Politely ask if the guest understood your directions.

• Offer to walk them part of the way if possible.

✅ “Does that make sense? I’d be happy to show you the way.”

4. Be Patient and Friendly

• Maintain a helpful and professional attitude.

• Never rush or dismiss a guest’s request for directions.

✅ “Let me double-check that for you to make sure you have the right directions!”

Easily Give Directions to Guests in English

Common Situations to Give Directions in a Hotel

1. Giving Directions to Hotel Facilities

Example: Directions to the Restaurant

Guest: “Where is the hotel restaurant?”
Front Desk Staff: “Our restaurant is on the first floor. From here, walk straight past the elevators, and you’ll see it on your left. If you’d like, I can show you the way.”

Example: Directions to the Pool

Guest: “How do I get to the pool?”
Hotel Staff: “The pool is on the rooftop. Take the main elevator to the 10th floor, turn right when you step out, and you’ll see the entrance ahead.”

2. Giving Directions to Guest Rooms

Example: Guiding a Guest to Their Room

Guest: “Where is my room?”
Front Desk Staff: “Your room is on the 5th floor. Take this elevator up, exit to your right, and your room will be the third door on the left, number 512.”

Tip: For VIP guests or those with accessibility needs, consider escorting them to their room.

3. Give Directions in a Hotel to Tourist attractions

Example: Directions to a Tourist Attraction

Guest: “How do I get to the city center?”
Concierge: “You can take a taxi from the front entrance, which takes about 10 minutes. If you prefer public transport, the bus stop is just outside the hotel on your left. The No. 10 bus will take you directly there in about 20 minutes.”

Example: Directions to a Popular Restaurant

Guest: “Can you recommend a good local restaurant?”
Hotel Staff: “Certainly! I recommend [Restaurant Name]. It’s a five-minute walk from here. Exit the hotel, turn left, and walk two blocks. You’ll see it on the right-hand side.”

4. Explaining Transportation Options

Example: Directions to the Airport

Guest: “What’s the best way to get to the airport?”
Concierge: “You can take a taxi from the hotel entrance, which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, the airport shuttle leaves from the bus stop in front of the hotel every hour.”

Example: Directions to the Train Station

Guest: “How do I get to the train station?”
Front Desk Staff: “The train station is about 15 minutes away. You can take a taxi, or if you prefer, the metro station is a short walk from the hotel—just turn right at the main entrance and walk two blocks to find the metro entrance.”

How To Be Well-Spoken (With Tips for Improvement)

Give Directions in a Hotel for Various Hotels 

1. Front Desk & Concierge Staff

• Often provide directions to hotel amenities, local attractions, and transport options.

• Always have maps, brochures, or QR codes available to help guests.

Example: “The spa is on the third floor, right next to the fitness center. Just take the elevator up, turn left, and you’ll see the entrance.”

2. Housekeeping & Room Service

• May give directions to laundry services, extra amenities, or lost-and-found areas.

Example: “If you need extra towels, our housekeeping desk is on the ground floor, next to the reception desk.”

3. Restaurant & Bar Staff

• Often guide guests to buffet areas, private dining rooms, or bar lounges.

Example: “The bar is just across from the restaurant entrance. If you walk straight ahead, you’ll see it on your left.”

Phrases for Giving Directions in a Hotel Professionally

Basic Directional Phrases

• “Walk straight ahead and you’ll see it on your right/left.”

• “Take the elevator to the [floor number] and turn [right/left].”

• “Go past the [landmark], and it will be straight ahead.”

Polite and Helpful Responses

• “I’d be happy to help you find it!”

• “Let me show you on this map for easier reference.”

• “Would you like me to escort you there?”

Confirming Understanding

• “Does that make sense?”

• “Would you like me to repeat the directions?”

• “If you have any trouble finding it, just let us know!”

Final Thoughts 

Providing clear, professional directions is a fundamental part of guest service in the hospitality industry. Whether guiding guests to hotel facilities, local attractions, or transport options, hotel staff should always be polite, specific, and patient.

By using landmarks, confirming understanding, and offering maps or assistance, hotel employees can ensure guests feel confident and well-supported throughout their stay.

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