I’d like to talk about the Fairmont Empress, which is a historic landmark hotel located right on the Inner Harbour in Victoria, British Columbia. It’s an iconic building, instantly recognisable by its ivy-covered stone façade and majestic copper-roofed towers that dominate the waterfront skyline. Walking into the lobby feels like stepping back in time, as it’s filled with ornate chandeliers, high ceilings, and plush, velvet-upholstered furniture that exudes an old-world elegance. In terms of facilities, the hotel is quite comprehensive. It boasts a world-class wellness centre, a luxurious indoor pool, and several high-end restaurants, including one famous for its traditional afternoon tea service. They also have expansive conference rooms and a well-equipped fitness centre that overlooks the gardens. Personally, I think it is a fantastic place to stay if you appreciate character and history. While modern, minimalist hotels have their own appeal, there is something truly special about staying in a place with such a rich heritage. The service is impeccable, and the location is simply unbeatable for anyone wanting to explore the city on foot. Although the room rates can be rather steep, the overall atmosphere and the sheer attention to detail make it feel like a worthwhile investment for a special occasion. Staying there isn't just about having a bed for the night; it’s about experiencing a piece of architectural history that has been carefully preserved for over a century. It’s the kind of hotel that leaves a lasting impression, and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting the area who wants a memorable, sophisticated experience.
The cue card
Describe a hotel that you know.
You should say:
- →Where this hotel is?
- →What does this hotel look like?
- →What facilities does this hotel have?
- →And explain whether you think this is a nice hotel to stay in.
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
A place
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Choose a hotel you have actually seen or visited to make your description more vivid.
- 2
Use descriptive adjectives for the physical appearance to help the examiner visualise the building.
- 3
Link your final opinion to the specific benefits or feelings the hotel provides you.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
Say it out loud and get a band
Record this card with the AI examiner: one minute of prep, two minutes to speak, then a band for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation with the words that cost you.
Say it and get a band free →8 words
Useful vocabulary for this cue card
façade
The principal front or face of a building.
ornate
Made in an intricate shape or decorated pattern.
old-world elegance
A style associated with classic, sophisticated, traditional charm.
comprehensive
Including all or nearly all elements of something.
impeccable
In accordance with the highest standards; faultless.
steep
Used to describe prices that are very high.
heritage
Valued objects and qualities passed down from history.
sophisticated
Having a great deal of worldly experience and fashion.
6 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1Do you think staying in a luxury hotel is a waste of money?
- 2Why do some people not like staying in hotels?
- 3What things are important when people are choosing a hotel?
- 4Do you think hotel work is a good career for life?
- 5How does working in a big hotel compare with working in a small hotel?
- 6What skills are needed to be a successful hotel manager?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.
Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe a hotel that you know."?+
Choose a hotel you have actually seen or visited to make your description more vivid.
How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+
You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.
How is the cue card scored?+
Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.
Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+
Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.
Keep practising
More cue cards: a place
- Describe a beautiful place to visit in your country
- Describe a beautiful waterfall in a forest
- Describe a big city you would like to visit
- Describe a bookshop you like visiting
- Describe a boring place
- Describe a busy outdoor swimming pool
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