Staying at a Hostel
These everyday Italian phrases will help you check in, find your way around, and make new friends when staying at a hostel.
Key Phrases
Salve, ho una prenotazione per il dormitorio.
politeHello, I have a reservation for the dorm.
A polite way to start checking in with the hostel staff.
Ciao, ho prenotato un letto in camerata per stasera.
neutralHi, I booked a bed in the dorm for tonight.
Both 'camerata' and 'dormitorio' are common words for a shared dorm.
È possibile avere il letto di sotto per favore?
politeIs it possible to have the bottom bed please?
Bottom beds ('di sotto') are popular, so it is best to ask politely.
Posso prendere il letto di sotto in questa camera?
neutralCan I take the bottom bed in this room?
Use this more direct question if you are asking a roommate who is already there.
Come funziona l'armadietto? Serve un lucchetto per chiudere?
neutralHow does the locker work? Do I need a padlock to lock it?
Lockers ('armadietti') sometimes have tricky mechanisms or require you to provide your own lock.
Scusa, dov'è il bagno in comune su questo piano?
neutralExcuse me, where is the shared bathroom on this floor?
'In comune' is the standard way to say shared with other people.
A che ora chiude la cucina in comune stasera?
neutralWhat time does the shared kitchen close tonight?
Good to know before you buy food for dinner.
A che ora inizia il silenzio notturno nell'ostello?
neutralWhat time do quiet hours start in the hostel?
Hostels usually have strict rules for 'silenzio notturno' at night.
Ciao, io sono nuovo qui. Di dove sei?
casualHi, I'm new here. Where are you from?
The most common way to start talking in a dorm.
Posso prenotare il tour a piedi della città qui?
neutralCan I book the walking city tour here?
Ask this at the reception desk to join group activities.
Andiamo a bere una birra. Vuoi uscire con noi stasera?
casualWe are going to drink a beer. Do you want to go out with us tonight?
Perfect for making plans with your new hostel friends.