Of course! "A special hotel" is a great topic for IELTS Speaking Part 2. It allows you to talk about experiences, descriptions, and feelings, which are all key areas the examiners look for.

Here is a complete guide to help you answer this question, including a sample answer, key vocabulary, and tips for a higher score.

The IELTS Cue Card

Describe a special hotel you have stayed in. You should say:

• Where it was
• What it looked like
• What you did there
• And explain why you thought it was special.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9 Level)

"That's a wonderful question. I'd like to talk about a truly unique hotel I stayed in a couple of years ago. It wasn't a five-star luxury resort, but its character and the experience it offered made it incredibly special to me.

Where it was: The hotel was located in the heart of Luang Prabang, a charming and ancient town in Laos, which is a country in Southeast Asia. Nestled right by the Mekong River, it was the perfect base for exploring the town's temples and markets.

What it looked like: What made it so special was its design. It wasn't a modern, glass-and-steel building at all. Instead, it was a beautifully restored colonial-style villa. The architecture was stunning, with high ceilings, large wooden louvered windows, and a beautiful wrap-around veranda. The entire place was filled with antiques and local art, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. The courtyard in the center was a peaceful oasis, with a small, crystal-clear swimming pool and lush tropical plants. It felt like stepping back in time.

What you did there: My days there were incredibly relaxing. I would start my mornings with a delicious home-cooked breakfast on the veranda, watching the local life unfold by the river. During the day, I would use the hotel as a starting point to explore the town. In the evenings, I loved to come back and unwind. I remember one particular evening where I sat by the pool with a good book and a Lao coffee, just listening to the sounds of the cicadas and the distant chanting from the nearby temples. It was pure bliss.

And explain why you thought it was special: I found it special for a few reasons. Firstly, the ambiance was completely different from any other place I've stayed. It wasn't just a place to sleep; it was an experience in itself. The combination of history, art, and tranquility created a very immersive environment. Secondly, the staff were exceptionally warm and welcoming. They weren't just employees; they treated you like a guest in their home, offering personal recommendations and sharing stories about the town. It made me feel like a part of the local community, even if just for a few days. It wasn't about luxury, but about authenticity and a genuine sense of place, which is something I value deeply when I travel."

Key Vocabulary & Phrases (Use these to boost your score!)

Describing the Hotel's Appearance:

• Colonial-style / heritage villa: (殖民地风格/历史悠久的别墅)
• Restored / converted: (修复的/改造的)
• Stunning architecture / picturesque: (令人惊叹的建筑/如画的)
• Louvered windows / shuttered windows: (百叶窗/有遮光窗的窗户)
• Veranda / balcony / patio: (走廊/阳台/庭院)
• Nostalgic / charming / quaint: (怀旧的/迷人的/古雅的)
• An oasis of tranquility: (一个宁静的绿洲)
• Lush greenery / tropical plants: (郁郁葱葱的绿色植物/热带植物)
• Antiques / artefacts: (古董/手工艺品)
• Exquisitely decorated / tastefully furnished: (精致地装饰/品味十足地布置)

Describing the Atmosphere & Experience:

• Ambiance / vibe: (氛围/感觉)
• Immersive experience: (沉浸式体验)
• A sense of place / authentic: (地方感/真实的)
• Warm and welcoming / hospitable: (热情好客的)
• A home away from home: (第二个家)
• Tranquil / serene / peaceful: (宁静的/安详的/和平的)
• Charming / quaint / picturesque: (迷人的/古雅的/如画的)
• Unique / one-of-a-kind: (独特的/独一无二的)

Describing Your Activities & Feelings:

• To unwind / to de-stress: (放松/减压)
• To soak up the atmosphere: (沉浸于氛围中)
• Home-cooked / locally-sourced food: (家常菜/当地食材)
• To explore the surroundings / to wander around: (探索周边/闲逛)
• Unforgettable / memorable: (难忘的)
• Blissful / idyllic: (极乐的/田园诗般的)
• A sense of calm / rejuvenation: (平静感/焕然一新的感觉)

Tips for a Higher Score

1. Tell a Story: Don't just list facts. Structure your answer like a mini-story. Start with the hotel, describe it, tell what you did, and explain why it was special. This shows you can connect ideas logically.
2. Use a Range of Vocabulary: Don't repeat "special" or "beautiful". Use the synonyms and phrases from the list above. This is crucial for a high Lexical Resource score.
3. Use a Variety of Grammar: Mix up your sentence structures. Use some complex sentences (e.g., "What made it special was not its facilities, but the feeling it evoked.") and some simple ones. Use different tenses correctly (past simple for what you did, present perfect for experiences in your life).
4. Be Specific: Instead of saying "it was nice," say "the staff were exceptionally warm and welcoming, and they treated you like a guest in their home." Specific details make your answer more vivid and impressive.
5. Explain Your "Why": This is the most important part of the cue card. Don't just say "it was special." Explain why. Was it the location? The design? The people? The feeling it gave you? Connect your feelings to the experience.
6. Speak Fluently: Don't worry too much about perfect grammar. Focus on speaking smoothly and confidently. A few natural pauses are better than long, awkward silences. Practice this answer out loud a few times before your test.