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PhrasesChecking Into HotelA che ora è la colazione?
A1formal

A che ora è la colazione?

What time is breakfast?

Pronunciation

co-la-TZYO-ne — four syllables, stress on the third.

When to use it

Ask this at check-in so you can plan your morning. Italian hotel breakfast hours are often shorter than you might expect.

What it means

'A che ora' literally means 'at what hour' and is used for all time questions in Italian. 'È' is the third person singular of 'essere' (to be). This is one of the most useful question structures to memorize.

Variations

La colazione è inclusa?

Is breakfast included?

Ask this before assuming — many Italian hotels charge extra for breakfast

Dove si fa la colazione?

Where is breakfast served?

Ask if the hotel is large and you are not sure which floor or room

Posso avere la colazione in camera?

Can I have breakfast in my room?

Room service breakfast is available at higher-end hotels

Mini Dialogue

— A che ora è la colazione? — La colazione è dalle sette alle dieci. — E dove si svolge? — Al secondo piano, la sala breakfast è sulla sinistra dell'ascensore.

— What time is breakfast? — Breakfast is from seven to ten. — And where is it held? — On the second floor, the breakfast room is to the left of the elevator.

Cultural Note

Italian hotel breakfast ('prima colazione') is typically lighter than Northern European or American versions: coffee, croissants ('cornetti'), bread, jam, and perhaps cold cuts. Do not expect scrambled eggs or a cooked spread at a standard hotel.