Indonesian for Hotel Guests: Essential Phrases for Your Stay
You’ve booked your accommodation in Indonesia – whether it’s a five-star resort in Bali, a cozy guesthouse in Yogyakarta, or a simple losmen (budget inn) on a remote island. Here are the phrases that will make your stay smoother, more comfortable, and more connected.
Checking In
"Saya sudah pesan kamar" (SAH-yah SOO-dah PEH-sahn KAH-mar) – I already booked a room.
This is your opening line at the front desk. "Pesan" means "to order" or "to book" – the same word you’d use to order food at a restaurant.
If you haven’t booked: "Ada kamar kosong?" – Are there any vacant rooms?
The WiFi Question
"Ada WiFi?" (AH-dah WHY-fye) – Is there WiFi?
The word "ada" is one of the most useful in the entire Indonesian language. It means "there is" or "is there?" and you can use it to ask about anything:
- Ada WiFi gratis? – Is there free WiFi?
- Ada AC? – Is there air conditioning?
- Ada air panas? – Is there hot water?
- Ada sarapan? – Is breakfast included?
- Ada kolam renang? – Is there a swimming pool?
Follow up with: "Apa password WiFi-nya?" – What’s the WiFi password?
Room Key Issues
"Kunci kamar" (KOON-chee KAH-mar) – Room key.
Accommodations range from modern key-card systems to actual physical padlocks at budget guesthouses. If you’re locked out:
- "Saya kehilangan kunci kamar" – I lost my room key
- "Kunci kamar tidak berfungsi" – The room key doesn’t work
Requesting Cleaning
"Bisa tolong bersihkan?" (BEE-sah TOH-long ber-SEE-kahn) – Can you please clean?
This phrase uses the polite request formula: bisa (can) + tolong (please) + the action. It’s the most courteous way to ask for anything in Indonesian. Use the same pattern for:
- Bisa tolong tambah handuk? – Can you please add towels?
- Bisa tolong tambah bantal? – Can you please add pillows?
- Bisa ganti seprei? – Can you change the bed sheets?
AC and Hot Water
Two essential amenity words:
- AC – Pronounced "ah-seh" in Indonesian (NOT the English "ay-see")
- Air panas – Hot water
Not all Indonesian accommodations include AC or hot water by default. You might see rooms listed as "kamar AC" (air-conditioned room) vs "kamar kipas" (fan room) at different price points. If your AC breaks: "Bisa tolong perbaiki AC?" – Can you please fix the AC?
Tipping Etiquette
Housekeeping staff in Indonesia typically appreciate a small tip – around 10,000-20,000 rupiah per day (about $0.60-$1.25 USD). It’s not obligatory, but it’s a kind gesture that’s warmly received.
The Indonesian Hospitality Difference
Indonesian hotel and guesthouse staff take genuine pride in their work and go above and beyond. Don’t be surprised by creative towel origami on your bed, fresh flower arrangements, or staff who remember your name and preferences after one interaction. A simple "terima kasih banyak" (thank you very much) goes a long way.
Learn all these phrases with proper pronunciation in our Hotel & Accommodation module!