Stay comfortably — in Bangla.

Accommodation in Bangladesh: What to Expect

Bangladesh offers a wide spectrum of accommodation — from world-class five-star hotels in Dhaka (the Radisson, the Pan Pacific Sonargaon, the InterContinental) through comfortable mid-range business hotels to the গেস্ট হাউস (guest house, pronounced "guest hawsh") and সাধারণ হোটেল (ordinary hotel) that are the mainstay of domestic travel. Outside of internationally branded hotels, English-language ability among staff can vary significantly, making your Bangla particularly valuable.

A distinctive feature of Bangladesh's accommodation landscape is the popularity of the "residential hotel" — essentially a budget guesthouse offering basic but clean rooms, often patronised by domestic business travellers. These can be excellent value and an immersive cultural experience, but communication will almost certainly need to be in Bangla. This page gives you everything you need for any accommodation situation.

Part 1: Booking and Enquiry — বুকিং ও জিজ্ঞাসা

Making a Booking by Phone or In Person

While many upmarket hotels in Dhaka accept online reservations and have English-language websites, smaller hotels and guesthouses across Bangladesh are often best booked by phone or in person. These phrases will help you secure accommodation at any level of the market.

Part 2: Check-In — চেক-ইন

Arriving at the Front Desk

Hotel check-in in Bangladesh follows broadly international norms. You'll be asked for your passport (all hotels are legally required to take a copy of your passport or NID), your expected check-out date, and sometimes your purpose of visit. The conversation at the front desk is one where Bangla will be particularly appreciated.

Part 3: Room Requests and Facilities — ঘরের সুবিধা

Essential Room Vocabulary

Making Requests at the Front Desk

• আরেকটা তোয়ালে দিন। (Arekta toale din.) — Please bring another towel.
• বালিশ দরকার। (Balish dorkar.) — I need a pillow.
• ঘর পরিষ্কার করুন। (Ghor porishkar korun.) — Please clean the room.
• জেগে তোলার ব্যবস্থা করুন। (Jege tolar byabostha korun.) — Please arrange a wake-up call.
• সকাল ছটায় জাগাবেন। (Shokal chotay jagaben.) — Please wake me at 6 AM.
• লাগেজ রাখার ব্যবস্থা আছে? (Laggage rakhar byabostha ache?) — Is there luggage storage?
• ইস্ত্রি করার ব্যবস্থা আছে? (Istri korar byabostha ache?) — Is there ironing available?
• লন্ড্রি সার্ভিস আছে? (Laundry service ache?) — Is there laundry service?
• রেস্তোরাঁ কোথায়? (Restaurant kothay?) — Where is the restaurant?
• সুইমিং পুল কোথায়? (Swimming pool kothay?) — Where is the swimming pool?
• ব্যায়ামাগার কোথায়? (Byayamagar kothay?) — Where is the gym?
• ট্যাক্সি ডাকতে পারবেন? (Taxi daktte parben?) — Can you call a taxi?

Part 4: Reporting Problems — সমস্যার কথা জানানো

Problems in hotel rooms are universal. Whether it's a faulty air conditioner, a noisy neighbour, or a leaking tap, knowing how to report the issue clearly in Bangla will get it resolved much faster than mime and frustration.

Common Room Problems

• আমার ঘরে সমস্যা আছে। (Amar ghore shomoshsha ache.) — There is a problem in my room.
• এসি কাজ করছে না। (AC kaj korchhe na.) — The air conditioning is not working.
• গরম পানি আসছে না। (Gorom pani ashchhe na.) — Hot water is not coming.
• বাথরুমের কল বন্ধ হচ্ছে না। (Bathroom-er kol bondho hochhhe na.) — The bathroom tap won't turn off.
• টয়লেট নষ্ট হয়ে গেছে। (Toilet noshto hoye gechhe.) — The toilet is broken.
• আলো জ্বলছে না। (Alo jolchhe na.) — The light is not working.
• ওয়াই-ফাই কাজ করছে না। (Wi-Fi kaj korchhe na.) — The Wi-Fi is not working.
• প্রতিবেশী ঘর থেকে অনেক শব্দ আসছে। (Protibeji ghor theke onek shobdo ashchhe.) — There is a lot of noise from the next room.
• ঘরে পোকামাকড় আছে। (Ghore pokamakod ache.) — There are insects in the room.
• ঘর বদলে দিন। (Ghor bodle din.) — Please change my room.
• কেউ ঠিক করতে আসুন। (Keu thik korte ashun.) — Please send someone to fix it.
• এটা জরুরি। (Eta joruri.) — This is urgent.

Part 5: Hotel Facilities Vocabulary

Around the Hotel

• রিসেপশন (Reception) — Front desk / Reception
• লিফট (Lift) — Elevator / Lift
• সিঁড়ি (Shiri) — Stairs
• রেস্তোরাঁ (Restaurant) — Restaurant
• কনফারেন্স রুম (Conference room) — Conference room
• লবি (Lobby) — Lobby
• পার্কিং (Parking) — Car park
• প্রবেশদ্বার (Probeshdwar) — Entrance / Main door
• জরুরি বহির্গমন (Joruri bohirgomon) — Emergency exit

Breakfast Phrases

If breakfast is included, the dining room can be a great opportunity to practise your Bangla with hotel staff in a relaxed setting.

• ব্রেকফাস্ট কোথায়? (Breakfast kothay?) — Where is breakfast?
• ব্রেকফাস্ট কখন? (Breakfast kokhon?) — What time is breakfast?
• বাফেট কি আছে? (Buffet ki ache?) — Is there a buffet?
• ডিম পাওয়া যাবে? (Dim paoa jabe?) — Can I get eggs?
• চা / কফি দিন। (Cha / Coffee din.) — Please bring tea / coffee.
• খাবার অনেক ভালো। (Khabar onek bhalo.) — The food is very good.

Part 6: Check-Out — চেক-আউট

• আজকে চেক-আউট করব। (Ajke check-out korbo.) — I will check out today.
• বিল তৈরি করুন। (Bil toiri korun.) — Please prepare the bill.
• বিলটা একটু দেখাবেন? (Bilta ektu dekhaben?) — Could you show me the bill?
• এই চার্জটা কীসের? (Ei charjeta kiisher?) — What is this charge for?
• ক্রেডিট কার্ডে দিতে পারব? (Credit card-e dite parbo?) — Can I pay by credit card?
• রশিদ দিন। (Roshid din.) — Please give me a receipt.
• চাবি এখানে রেখে যাব। (Chabi ekhane rekhe jabo.) — I will leave the key here.
• অনেক ভালো লাগলো এখানে। (Onek bhalo laglo ekhane.) — I really enjoyed staying here.
• পরের বার আবার আসব। (Porer bar abar ashbo.) — I'll come back again next time.
• ধন্যবাদ — সবকিছু অনেক ভালো ছিল। (Dhonnobad — shobkichhu onek bhalo chhilo.) — Thank you — everything was very good.

আতিথেয়তা বাংলাদেশের সংস্কৃতির গভীরে গ্রোথিত। — "Hospitality is deeply rooted in Bangladeshi culture." You will experience this warmth everywhere you stay.