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PhrasesChecking Out of HotelMi sembra ci sia un errore nel conto.
B1formal

Mi sembra ci sia un errore nel conto.

I think there is an error in the bill.

Pronunciation

er-RO-re — three syllables, stress on the second.

When to use it

When you notice a discrepancy between what you ordered/used and what you are being charged. Always check your bill carefully.

What it means

'Mi sembra' (it seems to me) is a diplomatic way to raise a concern without being accusatory. The subjunctive 'ci sia' (there is) is triggered by 'sembra'. This phrasing is more polite and effective than the more direct 'C'è un errore nel conto'.

Variations

Questa voce non la riconosco.

I do not recognise this item.

Point to a specific line item on the bill without making a direct accusation

Non ho usato il minibar.

I did not use the minibar.

A clear, factual statement to dispute a minibar charge

La colazione era inclusa nella prenotazione.

Breakfast was included in the reservation.

Use when charged for something that should have been free

Mini Dialogue

— Mi sembra ci sia un errore nel conto. Vedo una voce 'minibar' di quindici euro. — Andiamo a verificare... — Non ho aperto il minibar per niente. — Ha ragione, mi scusi. Era un errore di sistema. Glielo tolgo subito.

— I think there is an error in the bill. I see a 'minibar' item for fifteen euros. — Let me check... — I did not open the minibar at all. — You are right, I apologise. It was a system error. I will remove it right away.

Cultural Note

Minibar errors are among the most common billing mistakes at Italian hotels. Housekeeping sometimes marks items as consumed when they are simply rearranged. Always check the minibar on arrival and take a photo if you are concerned about false charges.