Italian Phrases: At the Hostel

Ho prenotato un letto in dormitorio.

I booked a bed in a dormitory.

At hostel reception when checking in. Always confirm your bed type and room number.

Dov'è il mio letto?

Where is my bed?

After receiving your room assignment, ask to confirm or locate your specific bed number in the dormitory.

Ho bisogno di un lucchetto per l'armadietto.

I need a padlock for the locker.

Ask at reception if you did not bring a padlock. Most Italian hostels sell or rent them.

A che ora chiude l'ostello di notte?

What time does the hostel close at night?

Ask at check-in, especially if you plan to be out late. Some Italian hostels have a midnight curfew.

Dov'è la cucina in comune?

Where is the shared kitchen?

Ask on arrival so you can cook your own meals and save money. Italian hostel kitchens are usually well-equipped.

Dove sono le docce?

Where are the showers?

One of the first questions to ask on arrival — essential practical information for hostel stays.

Posso lasciare i bagagli mentre esploro la città?

Can I leave my luggage while I explore the city?

Ask before or after check-in if you want to leave bags at the hostel while sightseeing. Italian hostels almost always accommodate this.

C'è una sala comune?

Is there a common room?

Ask to find the social hub of the hostel — common rooms are where travellers meet, socialise, and share travel tips.

La colazione è inclusa nel prezzo?

Is breakfast included in the price?

Ask at check-in. Many Italian hostels include breakfast; others charge extra or do not offer it at all.

Dove si trovano i bagni?

Where are the bathrooms?

Ask on arrival or any time you need to find the bathroom facilities in an unfamiliar part of the hostel.

Posso cambiare il mio letto con uno diverso?

Can I swap my bed for a different one?

Ask at reception if you were assigned a top bunk and prefer the bottom, or if your dormitory is noisier than expected.

Le lenzuola sono incluse?

Are sheets included?

Ask at check-in. Some Italian budget hostels provide sheets; others require you to rent or bring a sleep sack.

Si può cucinare in cucina?

Can one cook in the kitchen?

Ask to confirm cooking is permitted and to learn the kitchen rules before using the shared facilities.

Organizzate tour o visite guidate?

Do you organise tours or guided visits?

Ask at reception when you arrive — many Italian hostels organise free or low-cost tours of local sites.

Come si arriva al Colosseo da qui?

How do you get to the Colosseum from here?

Ask hostel staff for directions to major attractions. They know the best routes by public transport and on foot.

C'è un computer disponibile per gli ospiti?

Is there a computer available for guests?

Ask if you need to print something, check email, or do online booking and do not have your own device.

Ho trovato uno zaino nel dormitorio.

I found a backpack in the dormitory.

Report found items to reception. Never take items that do not belong to you from a hostel dormitory.

Posso ricaricare il telefono qui?

Can I charge my phone here?

Ask when your phone battery is low. Hostels usually have USB ports and power strips near beds and in common areas.

Il dormitorio è troppo rumoroso di notte.

The dormitory is too noisy at night.

Report this to reception so they can address the issue with other guests. Snoring is a particular challenge in dormitories.

Posso prenotare un tour da qui?

Can I book a tour from here?

Ask at the hostel reception desk where tours to nearby sites and attractions can often be booked at a discount.

Avete una cuffia per dormire?

Do you have a sleep mask?

Ask when light from other guests' activities prevents sleep. Sleep masks and earplugs are essential hostel accessories.

C'è una lavanderia a gettoni vicino?

Is there a coin laundry nearby?

Ask the hostel staff who know the local area. Italian coin laundries are called 'lavanderie a gettoni' or 'lavanderie self-service'.

C'è una navetta per l'aeroporto?

Is there a shuttle to the airport?

Ask at reception when planning your departure. Italian hostels in transport hubs often arrange group shuttles or book individual transfers.

Avete sconti per ristoranti o attrazioni?

Do you have discounts for restaurants or attractions?

Ask at reception — Italian hostels often have partnerships with local restaurants and attractions offering guest discounts.

Mi hanno rubato il portafoglio.

My wallet has been stolen.

Report theft to hostel staff immediately. They will help you contact the police and your bank.

Puoi consigliarmi un compagno di viaggio?

Can you suggest a travel companion?

Ask hostel staff if they know of other guests going in the same direction. Hostels are natural meeting points for solo travellers.

La stanza ha odore di umido.

The room smells of damp.

Report this to reception — a damp smell indicates moisture or mould and is a legitimate reason to request a different room or dormitory.

Avete la tessera dell'ostello?

Do you offer a hostel membership card?

Ask if the hostel is affiliated with Hostelling International (HI) and whether a membership card gives discounts.

Dove posso comprare del cibo economico qui vicino?

Where can I buy cheap food nearby?

Ask hostel staff for budget eating recommendations. They know the best cheap options for budget travellers in the area.

Avete una mappa della città?

Do you have a city map?

Ask at hostel reception — they always have free city maps and will often mark the key attractions and the hostel's location for you.

Ci sono regole per il dormitorio?

Are there rules for the dormitory?

Ask at check-in to understand dormitory etiquette, especially if this is your first hostel experience.

Posso rientrare tardi senza problemi?

Can I return late without problems?

Ask before going out in the evening to confirm whether the hostel door will be locked and how to re-enter.

Posso cucinare la pasta stasera?

Can I cook pasta tonight?

A simple and very Italian request for the shared kitchen. Cooking pasta in Italy is almost a right rather than a privilege.

Quanto tempo rimani a Roma?

How long are you staying in Rome?

A natural conversation starter with other hostel guests. This is how travellers connect and share plans.

Vendete sacchi lenzuolo?

Do you sell sleep sacks?

Ask if the hostel does not provide sheets and you do not have a sleep sack. These lightweight liners are essential for hostels requiring them.

C'è una lista delle attività per questa settimana?

Is there a list of activities for this week?

Ask at reception or check the hostel noticeboard for organised activities during your stay.