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PhrasesAt the Airbnb

Italian Phrases: At the Airbnb

42 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1

Dove trovo le chiavi?

Where do I find the keys?

The first message you send to your Airbnb host when arriving. Key pickup instructions vary widely — lockboxes, neighbours, in-person handover.

A1informal

Come funziona il riscaldamento?

How does the heating work?

Ask this when you arrive in cooler months and cannot figure out the heating controls. Italian heating systems vary enormously.

A2informal

Dove metto la spazzatura?

Where do I put the rubbish?

Ask your host about rubbish disposal — Italian cities have complex recycling rules that vary by municipality.

A2informal

Come si accende il forno?

How do you turn on the oven?

Ask when you want to cook and the oven controls are unclear. Italian ovens range from simple electric to complex gas ovens with multiple settings.

A2informal

C'è la lavatrice? Come funziona?

Is there a washing machine? How does it work?

Ask on arrival for longer stays. Italian washing machine controls can be confusing — dials with Italian labels and unfamiliar programme symbols.

A2informal

C'è un posto dove parcheggiare?

Is there somewhere to park?

Ask before arriving by car. Italian historic city centres are full of ZTL zones where private cars cannot enter.

A2informal

Qual è il codice del portone?

What is the code for the main door?

Ask before arrival or on arrival if the building has a coded entrance. Italian apartment buildings often have coded front doors.

A2informal

Ci sono supermercati o negozi alimentari vicini?

Are there supermarkets or grocery shops nearby?

Ask your host for grocery shopping tips, especially in smaller Italian towns where not everything is obvious to a visitor.

A2informal

Ci sono regole sull'uso dell'appartamento?

Are there rules about using the apartment?

Ask at the start of your stay to understand house rules — noise curfew, no smoking, no shoes inside, etc.

B1informal

Qual è la password del Wi-Fi?

What is the Wi-Fi password?

Always ask immediately on arrival. In Italy, the Wi-Fi password is often written on a card or a sticker on the router.

A1informal

Come si usa il condizionatore?

How do you use the air conditioning?

Ask in summer months. Italian split-unit air conditioners have multiple modes — cooling, heating, fan-only, dehumidifier — which can be confusing.

A2informal

Dove sono le lenzuola extra?

Where are the extra sheets?

Ask when you arrive and want to know where spares are, or if you need fresh sheets during a longer stay.

B1informal

La caldaia non funziona.

The boiler is not working.

Report this immediately — a broken boiler means no hot water and no heating. Italian hosts are responsible for maintenance.

B1informal

Posso invitare degli amici per una sera?

Can I invite some friends for an evening?

Always ask the host before having guests over. Most Airbnb house rules address this — some hosts allow it, others prohibit it.

B1informal

Qual è il trasporto pubblico più vicino?

What is the nearest public transport?

Ask your host to understand how to get around the city from your specific location.

A2informal

Cosa faccio in caso di emergenza?

What do I do in case of emergency?

Ask your host at the start of the stay for emergency contacts, the nearest hospital, and what to do if something goes wrong.

B1informal

Entro che ora devo liberare l'appartamento?

By what time do I need to vacate the apartment?

Ask at least the day before departure. Airbnb check-out times are typically 10am or 11am — stricter than hotels.

A2informal

Dove lascio le chiavi alla partenza?

Where do I leave the keys on departure?

Confirm key return procedure the evening before departure. Leaving keys in the wrong place or taking them with you causes serious problems.

A2informal

Come si fa la differenziata qui?

How does the recycling work here?

Ask your host specifically about local recycling rules — they vary by municipality and are strictly enforced in Italy.

B1informal

Ho rotto qualcosa per sbaglio. Come mi comporto?

I accidentally broke something. What should I do?

When you accidentally damage something in the Airbnb. Always report it immediately and honestly — hiding damage creates much bigger problems.

B1informal

Come si chiude il portone quando esco?

How do I close the main door when I go out?

Ask on arrival to understand the door-locking mechanism. Italian building doors often have unusual locking systems.

A2informal

Posso usare la terrazza?

Can I use the terrace?

Ask if the listing mentions a terrace but you are not sure about access rules or shared use.

A1informal

È saltata la luce.

The electricity has gone off.

Report to the host immediately if the electricity goes off. It is often just a tripped circuit breaker.

B1informal

C'è una macchina del caffè?

Is there a coffee machine?

Ask on arrival — coffee is essential in Italy and knowing what equipment is available shapes your morning.

A1informal

Dove posso stendere i panni?

Where can I hang the laundry to dry?

Ask after doing laundry — Italian apartments almost always have a designated drying area but it may not be obvious.

B1informal

Il vicinato fa molto rumore. È normale?

The neighbours are very noisy. Is this normal?

Ask the host if unusual noise from neighbours is a recurring issue. They may know about ongoing construction or a particularly noisy neighbour.

B1informal

L'appartamento è esattamente come nelle foto.

The apartment is exactly as in the photos.

Share this positive feedback with your host on arrival — it is reassuring and starts the stay on a warm note.

A2informal

Devo segnalare un piccolo problema.

I need to report a small problem.

A diplomatic opener before mentioning a minor issue. The word 'piccolo' (small) signals that you are not angry, just informative.

B1informal

È possibile prolungare il soggiorno?

Is it possible to extend the stay?

Ask the host directly if you want to extend your booking. Do it through the Airbnb app to keep everything official.

B1informal

Come funziona il citofono?

How does the intercom work?

Ask on arrival to understand how to let people into the building. Italian intercom systems vary from simple buzzers to video systems.

A2informal

Grazie per tutto! L'appartamento era perfetto.

Thank you for everything! The apartment was perfect.

Your farewell message to the host at check-out. A warm, genuine goodbye that sets up a positive review exchange.

A1informal

C'è abbastanza acqua calda per due persone?

Is there enough hot water for two people?

Ask when travelling with a partner and you want to know whether you can both shower without running out of hot water.

B1informal

Posso usare il cortile?

Can I use the courtyard?

Ask if the listing mentions a courtyard but you are unsure of its availability. Italian apartment courtyards are often shared spaces.

A2informal

Posso ricevere posta all'appartamento?

Can I receive post at the apartment?

Ask if you are expecting a delivery or want to send yourself something to the Airbnb address during your stay.

B1informal

Posso avere asciugamani extra?

Can I have extra towels?

Ask your host when the provided towels are insufficient, or when you need towels for the beach or pool.

A1informal

La chiave non entra nella serratura.

The key does not go into the lock.

Contact the host immediately if you cannot enter the apartment. This is an urgent situation that requires prompt resolution.

B1informal

Posso avere una ricevuta del pagamento?

Can I have a receipt for the payment?

Ask if you need documentation of the payment for expense reports. Airbnb provides receipts automatically in the app, but sometimes a formal receipt is needed.

B1informal

È possibile fare il check-in in anticipo?

Is it possible to check in early?

Ask the host in advance if you are arriving earlier than the listed check-in time. Many are flexible if the previous guest has left.

B1informal

L'appartamento è caldo d'estate senza aria condizionata?

Is the apartment hot in summer without air conditioning?

Ask before booking if the listing does not mention air conditioning and you are visiting in summer.

B1informal

Devo pulire l'appartamento prima di partire?

Do I need to clean the apartment before leaving?

Ask the host about check-out cleaning expectations. Requirements vary widely between Italian Airbnbs.

B1informal

C'è un'area barbecue?

Is there a barbecue area?

Ask for villa or countryside stays where outdoor cooking might be available. City apartments rarely have barbecue facilities.

A2informal

Ci sono biciclette disponibili?

Are there bicycles available?

Ask at stays outside city centres where cycling might be the best way to explore — countryside, coastal areas, small towns.

A2informal