Portuguese at a Hotel: Explain a Room Problem and Ask for Help
Learn polite phrases for reporting a room issue, describing what is happening, and checking what the hotel can do next.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Start with Estou com um problema no quarto (I have a problem in the room), then name what is happening. Use não está funcionando for equipment that does not work, está fazendo barulho for something making noise, or não tem água quente when the shower has no hot water. A short description helps the staff identify the right next step.
Describe the issue with one clear detail
Say where the issue is and when you noticed it. If you are calling from the room, give the room number only to hotel staff through an appropriate channel.
O ar-condicionado não está funcionando.
The air conditioner isn’t working.
A torneira está fazendo barulho desde ontem.
The faucet has been making noise since yesterday.
Não tem água quente no chuveiro.
There’s no hot water in the shower.
Request a repair or another solution
Ask whether someone can check the issue and when they expect to come. If you need to leave the room, agree on a time or ask what alternative the hotel can offer. Be specific about urgency while staying factual: preciso sair às dez (I need to leave at ten) gives the staff a useful constraint.
The words consertar (repair) and verificar (check) are useful for equipment or facilities. You can ask whether there is another room, but availability and hotel policy depend on the property.
Alguém pode verificar o ar-condicionado hoje?
Can someone check the air conditioner today?
A equipe pode consertar antes das dez?
Can the team repair it before ten?
Se não for possível, há outro quarto disponível?
If that isn’t possible, is another room available?
Confirm the plan and follow up politely
Repeat the agreed time and action so both sides have the same expectation. If nobody arrives, call reception again and explain when you first reported the problem. Mention the earlier conversation without assuming the staff member remembers it.
This is different from checking in: our hotel check-in guide covers arrival details and questions at the front desk, while this guide helps you describe a problem during your stay.
Então alguém vai subir às nove para verificar?
So someone will come up at nine to check?
Liguei mais cedo sobre o chuveiro e ainda não foi resolvido.
I called earlier about the shower, and it hasn’t been resolved yet.
Obrigado pela ajuda. Vou aguardar no quarto.
Thank you for your help. I’ll wait in the room. (speaker: man)
Put it into practice
Prepare a one-sentence description, one request, and one time constraint. Repeat the staff member’s response to confirm the plan before ending the call.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Can someone check the air conditioner today”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.