Meaning
To book a table, room, or ticket in advance.
Cultural Background
In Spain, reservations for dinner are rarely made before 8:30 PM. If you book for 7:00 PM, you might be the only one in the restaurant. It is very common to use the word 'reservación' instead of 'reserva'. Both are perfectly understood. In Buenos Aires, popular 'parrillas' (steakhouses) require reservations weeks in advance. Don't just show up! People are very polite. When making a reservation, it's common to start with 'Hágame el favor de...' (Do me the favor of...).
Use 'Me gustaría'
Instead of 'Quiero' (I want), use 'Me gustaría' (I would like) to sound more polite when making a reservation.
Check the 'H'
Never pronounce the 'H' in 'hacer'. It is always silent.
Meaning
To book a table, room, or ticket in advance.
Use 'Me gustaría'
Instead of 'Quiero' (I want), use 'Me gustaría' (I would like) to sound more polite when making a reservation.
Check the 'H'
Never pronounce the 'H' in 'hacer'. It is always silent.
The Name Game
When they ask '¿A qué nombre?', just give your last name. It's more common than using your first name.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form (Present Tense).
Yo ____ una reserva para el restaurante.
The first person singular (yo) of 'hacer' is 'hago'.
Which is the correct way to book for 4 people?
Quiero hacer una reserva...
We use 'para' to indicate the number of people a reservation is for.
Complete the dialogue.
Recepcionista: ¿A qué nombre? Cliente: ____ una reserva a nombre de Carlos.
The client is referring to a reservation they already made in the past.
Match the phrase to the context.
Hacer una reserva de una habitación doble.
'Habitación doble' (double room) is specific to hotels.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Hacer una reserva'
Travel
- • Hotel
- • Vuelo
- • Coche
Leisure
- • Restaurante
- • Teatro
- • Spa
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo ____ una reserva para el restaurante.
The first person singular (yo) of 'hacer' is 'hago'.
Quiero hacer una reserva...
We use 'para' to indicate the number of people a reservation is for.
Recepcionista: ¿A qué nombre? Cliente: ____ una reserva a nombre de Carlos.
The client is referring to a reservation they already made in the past.
Hacer una reserva de una habitación doble.
'Habitación doble' (double room) is specific to hotels.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with a waiter or a luxury hotel clerk. It's always safe.
Yes, 'reservar' is the verb form and is very common. 'Quiero reservar una mesa' is perfect.
You say: 'Quiero cambiar mi reserva'.
Yes, 'reserva' is a count noun here, so 'hacer reserva' sounds slightly incomplete, though understood.
Related Phrases
Confirmar la reserva
builds onTo confirm the booking.
Cancelar la reserva
contrastTo cancel the booking.
Reserva confirmada
similarConfirmed reservation.
Lista de espera
specialized formWaiting list.
