State the problem and your needs clearly, then invite the provider to suggest a solution.

The idea

Use no me sirve porque to explain a problem and ¿podrían ofrecernos...? to request an alternative. Siempre que introduces a condition with the subjunctive.

Examples

  • La habitación ofrecida no me sirve porque solo se accede por escaleras.The room offered does not work for me because it can only be reached by stairs.
  • ¿Podrían ofrecernos un apartamento accesible cerca de la estación?Could you offer us an accessible apartment near the station?
  • Si no queda ninguna habitación tranquila, aceptaríamos otra planta.If no quiet rooms remain, we would accept a different floor.
  • Mi compañera necesita una cocina; ¿sería posible cambiar de alojamiento?My companion needs a kitchen; would it be possible to change accommodation?
  • El otro hotel nos convendría, siempre que el traslado esté incluido.The other hotel would suit us, provided that the transfer is included.
  • ¿Nos confirmarían por escrito el precio y las fechas antes de aceptar?Could you confirm the price and dates in writing before we accept?

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not use the indicative after siempre que when it means “provided that”: say esté, not está.

Try it yourself

  1. The room has no lift access. Could you offer us one on the ground floor? Choose: Podrían / Podrán.

    Show answer or example answer

    Podrían

    Podrían makes the request tentative and polite.

  2. We would accept the change provided breakfast is included. Choose: esté / está.

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    esté

    Esté follows the condition introduced by siempre que.

  3. Before deciding, can you confirm the cost in writing? Choose: por / para.

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    por

    Por escrito means in writing, so the cost can be checked later.

Use it today

Describe an unsuitable room, suggest an alternative and name one condition.