IELTS Speaking Test Part 2 Candidtae Task Card: Describe a Hotel You Stayed InDescribe A Hotel You Stayed In An Interesting, Unusual Experience
- In Part 2 (long turn) of the IELTS Speaking Test, you get a candidate task card (cue card) with a topic.
- You need to respond by talking for 1-2 minutes about the topic.
- In this example, the topic is: Describe a hotel you stayed in.
- You should explain where the hotel was, why you stayed there, and why it was special.
- Before responding, you have 1 minute you can use to make notes and organize your answer.
- Make brief notes: name of hotel, location, reason to stay there, view from the window, and anything special about the place.
- Your notes will help you remember the most important points on the cue card to include in your answer during the IELTS speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Test Candidate Task card
Describe a hotel you have stayed in
You should say:- where the hotel is
- why you stayed at that particular hotel
- what the view from the hotel is like
Below is a model answer for this IELTS speaking test candidate task card.
IELTS Speaking Sample Answer
About 6 months ago, my company sent me to solve a problem for a client. The client was on a remote island off the mainland. I had to drive to the coast and take a flight to the island to do the job.
I had never been to the place before. It was the first time I had been in such a small plane.
There were only six passengers and there wasn’t much room. But the most amazing thing was that the plane landed on the beach when we arrived at the island.
Well, I say beach, the place was more like a field which was beside the sea – with a bit of sand.
Anyway, the plan was to go there early in the morning and I had a reservation to fly back late afternoon.
There were two flights that day; one in and one out. Unfortunately, while I was there the weather turned bad and a really strong storm moved in from the sea. So it was impossible to fly out in the afternoon.
After a short discussion, someone at the company I had been visiting arranged a special hotel for me to stay at. I hoped I would be able to fly out the next day.
A company representative drove me there. The place, like the plane, was small – I think there were four rooms, but it was cool!
It was like an old farmhouse with a big open fire. And the owner, a middle-aged lady, was friendly and made sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed.
When they served dinner in the evening I met another guest, and we chatted while eating and had a coffee after dinner. The owner joined us and told us a little more about life there and her hotel.
It was fascinating to listen to her – I’d never stayed anywhere so remote before, and it was an adventure.
The view from the window in my room that night wasn’t impressive. All you could see was the rain and some lights along the coast.
The next morning, when the sun came up, the place looked spectacular. I could see the light bouncing off the ocean. There were also a lot of birds flying around.
The storm had passed but the waves were crashing onto the shore. You could see some fishing boats in the harbor as well. It was a picturesque view.
Anyway, by about midday the pilot had gotten the all-clear to fly again. Shortly after that we were off and flying back to the mainland.
I’ve stayed in a few different places over the years, but I’ll never forget that one. It was a special hotel; more like staying with an old friend in their house.
The atmosphere was very homey and unlike most commercial hotels my company usually make reservations at.
I don't usually give hotel ratings, but I would give it five stars because it was so unique!
Follow-Up Questions
Sample answers for follow-up questions:What are some features which make a good hotel?
There is a wide range of features that I would associate with a good hotel. How easy it is to check in, food service, and reception. It should be clean and have all the basic service amenities available too.
Then there are features like how friendly the staff that work there are. The cost of a room per night, and the quality of the food. Not to mention the place, or environment.
Something else that often features in many online reviews is the overall experience.
Are there any advantages to staying in a hotel rather than staying with a relative in their home?
As for the advantages, when you stay in a hotel, your relative doesn't need to make any special arrangements to accommodate you.
They might have a busy schedule, so not staying with them means you won't give them any extra responsibilities as a guest.
There's also the fact that a hotel may be more conveniently located than wherever your relative lives. You might need to go to the city. But if your relative lives in the country, it might be inconvenient.
Of course, when you stay with a relative at their place, you don't normally tip them! But bear in mind that you should bring them a gift to say thank you for offering you accommodation while on your trip.
How would you answer this IELTS speaking test cue card question about describing a special hotel you stayed in?
There are various versions of IELTS speaking test candidate task cards which feature hotels as the topic.
You should practice creating model answers including useful vocabulary to describe the features of a hotel you like/dislike. Also, how to describe services, the manager, and staff.
Practice will make you feel more confident when you take your test.
Good luck with your IELTS speaking test!