Inklingo

How to Say "lobby" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recepción

nounA1
Use 'recepción' for the area where you check in or find a reception desk, typically in hotels, offices, or medical centers.

Examples

¿Dónde está la recepción? Necesito registrarme.

Where is the front desk? I need to check in.

vestíbulo

nounB1
Choose 'vestíbulo' for the main, often large and impressive, entrance hall of a public building like a hotel, theater, or museum.

Examples

El vestíbulo del hotel era lujoso, con un suelo de mármol.

The hotel lobby was luxurious, with a marble floor.

portal

poor-TAHL/poɾˈtal/

nounA2
Use 'portal' primarily in Spain for the entrance hall or doorway of a building, especially a residential building or a church.
A colorful storybook illustration of a large, inviting main entrance to a building, featuring a heavy wooden door framed by a stone archway.

Examples

El portal de la iglesia estaba decorado con flores.

The main entrance of the church was decorated with flowers.

Esperamos en el portal hasta que llegó la vecina.

We waited in the lobby until the neighbor arrived.

Es un portal antiguo con mucha historia.

It is an old doorway with a lot of history.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though many Spanish words ending in -al are adjectives (like 'normal'), 'portal' is a masculine noun, so you always use 'el' (el portal).

Confusing 'recepción' and 'vestíbulo'

Learners often use 'recepción' for any large entrance area. Remember that 'recepción' specifically refers to the desk and waiting area for check-in, while 'vestíbulo' describes the grander main hall itself.

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