Letter to a Hotel About Building Noise

The question

How to approach this semi-formal letter question

A semi-formal letter goes to someone you know a little, such as a neighbour or a teacher. Be polite but warmer than in a formal letter.

1. Use the person's name (Dear Mr Hall,) and a friendly but respectful opening.
2. Cover each bullet point in its own paragraph.
3. Some contractions are fine; keep the language clear and courteous.
4. Close with "Yours sincerely," and your name.

How to plan this answer

Structure

1. Opening: 'Dear' and the hotel manager's name, then a context line giving your room number and the dates of your stay.
2. Paragraph 2: describe the noise, including the 6 a.m. start on the first morning and the work that continued through the day.
3. Paragraph 3: explain how the noise affected your stay, such as being unable to rest or work and having to leave the room.
4. Paragraph 4: make one clear request, such as a discount on the room rate or a move to a quieter room away from the works.
5. Closing: thank the manager for considering your request and sign off 'Kind regards'.

Points to cover

• Noise: drilling and heavy machinery from 6 a.m. on the first morning, continuing through the afternoon.
• Effect: you could not rest after a long journey, and you had to spend the afternoon outside the hotel.
• Stay: a three-night stay for a family event, with a room facing the building work.
• Request: a discount on the first night, or a room on the other side of the hotel away from the works.
• Reception: you raised the issue at the front desk, and staff said guests had not been informed about the works.

Useful vocabulary

• I am writing regarding my recent stay: I am writing regarding my recent stay in room 214 from 3 to 6 June.
• I was woken at: I was woken at 6 a.m. by construction work next to my room.
• construction work next to my room: Construction work next to my room began early and continued all day.
• the noise continued throughout the day: The noise continued throughout the day and into the evening.
• disruption: The disruption to my stay was considerable.
• I would be grateful if you could consider: I would be grateful if you could consider a reduction in the room rate.
• a room on the opposite side of the building: I would appreciate a room on the opposite side of the building.
• I was not notified in advance: I was not notified in advance of the works.
• I trust the matter will be: I trust the matter will be addressed promptly.

Common mistakes

• Opening without context, such as 'The noise was terrible', instead of a line that sets out your stay.
• Describing the noise without the start time, which is a key detail in the first body paragraph.
• Asking for compensation without a specific request, such as a discount or a change of room.
• Using too many contractions, such as 'wasn't' and 'didn't', when the task asks you to keep them to a minimum.
• Being rude to the staff rather than describing what happened and what you want changed.

Examiner tip: Open with the dates of your stay, then give the 6 a.m. start and its effect on you before making one clear request.