Italian Phrase
È gratis per gli ospiti dell'hotel?
Meaning
This phrase is used to inquire if a particular service, amenity, or item is provided without charge specifically for individuals staying at a hotel. It's a direct and practical question to clarify costs.
When to use
You would use this phrase when checking into a hotel, asking about facilities like the gym, pool, Wi-Fi, breakfast, or shuttle services. It's perfect for clarifying what's included in your stay.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ègratispergliospitidell'hotel
È (Essere)
'È' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'essere' (to be). It means 'it is' or 'is it?' in a question. It's fundamental for describing states or qualities.
Gratis
'Gratis' is an invariable adjective and adverb meaning 'free of charge'. It's commonly used in Italian for anything that doesn't require payment.
Per
'Per' is a versatile preposition meaning 'for', 'to', 'by', or 'through'. In this context, it indicates the beneficiary or purpose: 'for the guests'.
Gli ospiti
'Gli' is the masculine plural definite article, used before nouns starting with a vowel, 'z', 's' + consonant, 'gn', 'pn', 'ps', 'x', 'y'. 'Ospiti' means 'guests'.
Dell'hotel
'Dell'hotel' is a contraction of 'di' (of) + 'l'' (the) + 'hotel'. It means 'of the hotel' and indicates possession or association.
🗨In Conversation
Scusi, la piscina è aperta?
Excuse me, is the pool open?
Sì, è aperta fino alle 20:00. È gratis per gli ospiti dell'hotel?
Yes, it's open until 8 PM. Is it free for hotel guests?
✕Common Mistakes
È libero per gli ospiti dell'hotel?
While 'libero' means 'free' in the sense of 'available' or 'not occupied', 'gratis' is used for 'free of charge'.
È gratis a gli ospiti dell'hotel?
The correct preposition for 'for' in this context is 'per'. Also, 'a gli' is incorrect; it should be 'agli' if 'a' were used.
↔Alternatives
È incluso nel prezzo?
Is it included in the price?
Devo pagare per questo?
Do I have to pay for this?
È gratuito per i clienti dell'albergo?
Is it free for hotel clients?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, it's common to ask directly about costs, especially in tourist settings. Don't be shy about clarifying if something is 'gratis' (free) or 'a pagamento' (for a fee). While some services might be complimentary, others like mini-bar items or certain spa treatments are usually extra. It's always best to ask to avoid surprises.