Learning English

A place for love in Cuba

Cuban lovers looking for some privacy can now rent rooms by the hour. So-called 'love motels' are opening again after 20 years.

Language challenge

Cuba is to reopen its ‘posadas’, a range of love motels where couples can rent rooms by the hour. The word 'motel' is a portmanteau, a word made from two words put together, but which two words make motel?

a) meet and hotel
b) motor and hotel
c) minute and hotel 

Watch the video and complete the activity

______________________________________________________________________________________

Did you like that? Why not try these? 

 _______________________________________________________________________________________________

The story

Cuba has decided to reopen its state-run love motels, or “posadas” – which is a place lovers can go to rent a room hourly.

Cuba had many before but they closed in the 90s and were converted into hurricane shelters.

The rooms provide affordable privacy for lovers who cannot find any at home.

Key words and phrases

comeback
when something or someone becomes popular again

rousing
exciting and inspirational

exorbitant
a price which is too high

To do

Try our quiz to see how well you've learned today's language.

Downloads

You can download the audio and PDF document for this episode here. 

Language challenge - answer

b) motor and hotel

End of Session 2

Join us in Session 3 for Pronunciation in the News - our video which teaches you pronunciation using the latest BBC World News bulletins.