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PhrasesChecking Into HotelPosso vedere la camera prima?
A2formal

Posso vedere la camera prima?

Can I see the room first?

Pronunciation

VE-de-re — three syllables, stress on the first.

When to use it

At smaller or family-run hotels (pensioni or B&Bs), it is sometimes acceptable to ask to see the room before committing. Less common at large chain hotels.

What it means

'Prima' here means 'first' or 'beforehand', not 'early'. 'Posso vedere' (can I see) is a polite request. Asking to see the room is more common in Southern Italy and at smaller establishments — it shows you are an informed traveller.

Variations

Ha qualcosa di più grande?

Do you have something larger?

Ask if the first room shown is too small for your needs

Ha una camera con più luce?

Do you have a room with more light?

Rooms on lower floors or courtyard-facing can be very dark

Va bene, prendo questa camera.

That is fine, I will take this room.

What to say once you have decided to accept the room

Mini Dialogue

— Posso vedere la camera prima? — Certo, la accompagno su. — È un po' piccola. Ha qualcosa di più grande? — C'è una doppia con vista al terzo piano. Costa dieci euro in più a notte. — La vedo e poi decido.

— Can I see the room first? — Of course, I will take you up. — It is a little small. Do you have something larger? — There is a double with a view on the third floor. It costs ten euros more per night. — I will see it and then decide.

Cultural Note

At smaller Italian B&Bs and pensioni, asking to see the room ('Posso vedere la camera?') before checking in is a completely normal and accepted practice. The owner will typically be happy to show it to you.