C'è una palestra nell'hotel?

Is there a gym in the hotel?

Pronunciation

pa-LES-tra — three syllables, stress on the second.

When to use it

Ask at check-in if fitness facilities are important to you. Many Italian hotels, especially older ones, do not have gyms.

What it means

'Palestra' literally means 'gymnasium' and refers to both school gyms and fitness centres. 'Nell'hotel' = 'in the hotel' (nel = in + il, contracted). The phrase 'nell'hotel' uses an elision because 'hotel' begins with a vowel sound.

Variations

A che ora è aperta la palestra?

What time is the gym open?

Ask to plan your workout around your daily schedule

C'è uno spa?

Is there a spa?

'Spa' is used in Italian too, often referring to a wellness centre with sauna and treatments

C'è la sauna?

Is there a sauna?

Ask specifically if a sauna is important to you — it is often separate from the gym

Mini Dialogue

— C'è una palestra nell'hotel? — Sì, al piano interrato. È aperta dalle sei del mattino alle ventidue. — È necessario prenotare? — No, può accedere liberamente con la chiave della camera.

— Is there a gym in the hotel? — Yes, in the basement. It is open from six in the morning until ten at night. — Is it necessary to book? — No, you can access it freely with your room key.

Cultural Note

Hotel gyms in Italy are often a recent addition and may be small compared to what travellers from Northern Europe or the US expect. Major international chain hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton) typically have the most comprehensive fitness facilities.

← Previous

C'è una piscina?

Posso fare il check-in online?

← All phrases: Checking Into Hotel