International Business: Hotels lost and found in translation

Until every hotel adopts these best practices for culturally and linguistically appropriate services to international clientele, we will all benefit from reading amusing language gaffes. Some will cause frustration, and others will be rather endearing, like the enthusiastic hotel sign in China that reads, “Honorlfic (sic) guest: Howdy! Welcome you go into the Wu Mao Hotel. … The enthusiasm, thoughtful service will bring you the unprecedented warm and fragrant and romantic. … Welcome to ask about or gracious presence!”

What are the funniest hotel mistranslations you have seen on your travels? Did they cause “awaful” frustration or “magical” amusement?

Adam Wooten is director of translation services at Lingotek. He also teaches a course on translation technology at Brigham Young University. Email: awooten@lingotek.com. Follow him on Twitter at AdamWooten.