- It's a good idea to keep a list of staff who can speak foreign languages at reception. When there's a problem, you can call on them to translate.
- Some things are difficult to explain verbally, so you should use written signs - for example, an indication in the bathroom about how long the bath takes to fill.
- Use international terms such as "OK" instead of "all right" and "Visa" instead of "credit card".
- Try to show guests things physically rather than tell them - for example, to confirm a guest's departure date, point to the figures on the check-in card; or, when taking guests to their room for the first time, show them where the hairdryer is and/or how the shower works.
Zeynep Incekara, director of rooms, Four Seasons hotel, London