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Spanish Phrase

Hola, tengo una reserva.

/ˈo.la ˈteŋ.ɡo uˈna reˈser.βa/
Meaning"Hello, I have a reservation."
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Meaning

Literally “Hello, I have a reservation.” The speaker is informing the listener that they have already booked a service—usually a hotel room, restaurant table, or travel ticket.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you arrive at a place that requires a prior booking, such as a hotel front desk, a restaurant host, or a travel agency. It signals that you expect the staff to locate your reservation in their system.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Holatengounareserva

1

Hola

A common informal greeting meaning “hello”. It can be used at any time of day.

2

tener (tengo)

The verb “to have”. In the first‑person singular present, it becomes “tengo”. Used to express possession or a state.

3

una

Indefinite feminine article, equivalent to “a” or “an”. It agrees in gender with the noun that follows.

4

reserva

A feminine noun meaning “reservation” (e.g., for a table, a room, a ticket).

🗨In Conversation

A

Hola, tengo una reserva.

Hello, I have a reservation.

¡Perfecto! ¿A nombre de quién está la reserva?

Great! Under whose name is the reservation?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Hola, tengo una reservación.

    “Reservación” is understood, but “reserva” is the natural, shorter term for a booking.

  • Hola, tengo un reserva.

    The article must agree in gender with the noun; “reserva” is feminine, so use “una”.

  • Hola tengo reserva.

    Missing the indefinite article makes the phrase sound abrupt; include “una”.

↔Alternatives

  • Hola, he hecho una reserva.

    Hello, I have made a reservation.

  • Buenas, tengo una reserva para esta noche.

    Good evening, I have a reservation for tonight.

  • Disculpe, tengo una reserva a nombre de Pérez.

    Excuse me, I have a reservation under the name Pérez.

es

Cultural Tip

In many Spanish‑speaking countries it’s customary to greet the staff before mentioning your reservation. A friendly “Hola” or “Buenos días/tardes” sets a polite tone. If you’re unsure whether your reservation is confirmed, you can add “¿Podría comprobarlo, por favor?” (Could you check it, please?). Also note that “reserva” is more common for hotels and restaurants, while “cita” is used for appointments (e.g., doctor, salon).