Tourism Intermediate Conversation Lesson: Hospitality – Excelsior Hotel, Saint-Raphaël, France
Before your trial lesson, listen to the audio recording whilst reading the text. Additionally, study the 5 questions to gain an understanding of the topics and themes that will be covered during your online trial conversation lesson.
Originally built in 1882 by the architect Pierre Aublé, the Excelsior Hotel is a beautiful and elegant white building with a unique location next to the Mediterranean on the “Promenade des Bains” in Saint-Raphaël on the famous French Riviera. This historic hotel is regarded as an architectural institution and is an important part of the history of the town. Furthermore, the Excelsior is renowned throughout the world of hospitality and has won many prestigious awards.
Today, the third generation of the Courjon family-owned hotel and restaurant welcomes guests from around the world who enjoy discovering the local tourism treasures of Saint-Raphaël and the French Riviera. In addition to the mostly clear blue skies, the town enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate and hotel guests also enjoy the gentle and relaxed way of daily life year-round.
The rooms of the Excelsior Hotel combine the charm of the Belle Époque with the 4-star comfort of today. Certain rooms offer a beautiful sea view, while others look out onto the 1883 basilica, “Notre Dame de la Victoire”. Historically, during the latter half of the 19th century, the town developed into a seaside resort which quickly became very popular with artists, sportsmen and politicians. All the hotel’s guests greatly enjoy its charming location right in the city centre and, at the same time, right by the sea.
The town of Saint-Raphaël is well known for the many vacation opportunities available not only to the guests of the Excelsior Hotel but also to the thousands of international and French tourists who visit the French Riviera every year. For example, there are many outdoor activities including hiking, boating, equitation, open-air concerts and markets. The renowned professional staff at the hotel always give the highest level of customer service and go the extra mile to ensure that guests are offered the best advice on activities available in the town and the local area.
5 Key topics for discussion in the conversation lesson
1. Summarise briefly the article in your own words and your initial reaction to it.
2. Detail the history of the Excelsior Hotel and the town of Saint-Raphaël.
3. Describe the hotel’s location in France.
4. Give a description of the hotel rooms and the kind of activities available to hotel guests in the town and surrounding area.
5. Typify the staff who work at the Excelsior Hotel.
https://excelsior-hotel.com/en/
