When you write a hotel guest message to explain a problem, you often need to say what you have already tried to fix it. This is one of the most useful skills in hotel communication because it shows the staff that you are not just complaining—you have taken reasonable steps yourself. The direct answer is: use the present perfect tense (I have tried, I have checked, I have restarted) to describe actions you completed recently, and then state the result. For example: “I have already tried restarting the router, but the Wi-Fi still does not work.” This article will give you the exact phrases, tone guidance, and practice you need to write this clearly in any hotel message.
Quick Answer: The Formula for Saying What You Tried
Use this simple three-part structure in your message:
- State the action you took (use present perfect: I have + past participle)
- Add a time word if helpful (already, just, several times)
- Explain the result (but, however, still, yet)
Example: “I have already adjusted the thermostat, but the room is still too cold.”
This formula works for emails, in-app messages, and even polite conversation with front desk staff.
Why This Matters in Hotel Guest Messages
Hotel staff receive many problem reports every day. When you explain what you tried, you do two important things. First, you save the staff time because they do not need to suggest basic fixes you already attempted. Second, you show that you are a reasonable guest who tried to solve the issue independently. This often leads to faster and more helpful responses.
For example, if you write “The air conditioner is not working,” the staff might reply with “Have you checked the thermostat?” But if you write “I have checked the thermostat and set it to 18°C, but the room is still warm,” the staff knows immediately that the problem is more serious.
Formal vs. Informal Tone: When to Use Each
Your choice of tone depends on how you are sending the message and your relationship with the hotel.
| Context | Tone | Example Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Email to hotel management | Formal | “I have already attempted to resolve the issue by restarting the device.” |
| In-app chat or SMS | Neutral/Informal | “I tried restarting it, but no luck.” |
| Speaking to front desk | Polite informal | “I’ve already tried that, but it didn’t help.” |
| Written complaint | Formal | “Despite my efforts to adjust the settings, the problem persists.” |
Nuance note: In formal writing, use complete sentences and avoid contractions. In casual chat, contractions like I’ve and didn’t are natural and friendly.
Natural Examples for Common Hotel Problems
Wi-Fi or Internet Issues
- “I have already tried reconnecting to the network and restarting my phone, but the connection keeps dropping.”
- “I’ve checked the password three times, and it still says ‘incorrect password’.”
- “I tried using the cable in the desk drawer, but the internet is still very slow.”
Air Conditioning or Heating
- “I have set the thermostat to 22°C and waited for 30 minutes, but the room is still cold.”
- “I tried switching the mode from cool to heat, but nothing changed.”
- “I’ve already pressed the reset button on the unit, but it did not turn on.”
TV or Entertainment System
- “I have tried turning the TV off and on again, but the screen stays black.”
- “I checked all the HDMI connections, but there is still no signal.”
- “I’ve already used the remote control to change the input source, but it didn’t work.”
Plumbing or Bathroom Issues
- “I have already let the water run for five minutes, but it is still cold.”
- “I tried adjusting the shower handle, but the water pressure is very low.”
- “I’ve checked the drain and removed visible hair, but the sink still drains slowly.”
Room Cleanliness or Maintenance
- “I have already tried closing the window tightly, but I can still hear noise from the street.”
- “I tried using the extra blanket from the closet, but it is not enough.”
- “I’ve already checked under the bed, but I cannot find the missing item.”
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
| Mistake | Why It Is Wrong | Correct Version |
|---|---|---|
| “I tried already restart the router.” | Missing “to” before verb; word order is awkward. | “I have already tried to restart the router.” |
| “I have tried restart the router.” | Missing “to” or “-ing” form after “tried”. | “I have tried restarting the router.” |
| “I tried to restart the router already.” | “Already” at the end is acceptable but less natural in writing. | “I have already tried restarting the router.” |
| “I have tried to restart the router but not working.” | Incomplete second clause; missing subject. | “I have tried to restart the router, but it is not working.” |
| “I tried restarting, but still problem.” | Missing article or verb in the second clause. | “I tried restarting, but the problem is still there.” |
Better Alternatives for Common Phrases
Sometimes the first phrase that comes to mind is not the most natural one. Here are better alternatives for saying what you tried.
| Instead of saying… | Say this | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| “I did it already.” | “I have already done that.” | When the staff suggests something you tried. |
| “I tried everything.” | “I have tried several steps, including [list steps].” | When you want to be specific and credible. |
| “It’s still broken.” | “The issue remains after I tried [action].” | In formal emails or complaints. |
| “I can’t fix it.” | “I was unable to resolve it on my own.” | When you want to politely ask for help. |
| “I checked.” | “I have checked and confirmed that…” | When you want to sound thorough. |
Mini Practice Section
Read each situation and choose the best sentence to say what you tried. Answers are below.
1. The TV in your room will not turn on. You pressed the power button on the remote and on the TV itself. What do you write?
A) I tried pressing the button but not working.
B) I have already pressed the power button on both the remote and the TV, but the screen stays off.
C) I tried already press the button.
2. The room is too hot. You set the thermostat to 18°C and waited 20 minutes. What do you say to the front desk?
A) I set the thermostat but still hot.
B) I’ve already set the thermostat to 18°C and waited 20 minutes, but the room is still too warm.
C) I tried to set the thermostat already.
3. The Wi-Fi password does not work. You typed it three times carefully. What do you write in the chat?
A) I typed the password three times, but it still says wrong.
B) I have typed the password three times carefully, but it still says incorrect.
C) I tried type the password.
4. The sink is clogged. You removed visible hair and ran hot water. What do you say?
A) I tried removing hair and run hot water but still clogged.
B) I have already removed visible hair and run hot water, but the sink is still draining slowly.
C) I tried already remove hair.
Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I always use present perfect when saying what I tried?
Yes, in most hotel messages, present perfect is the best choice because it connects a past action to the present situation. It shows that you tried something recently and the problem still exists. Simple past (I tried) is also acceptable, but present perfect sounds more natural and polite in writing.
2. Can I say “I have already tried” in a very short message?
Absolutely. Short messages are fine in chat or SMS. For example: “I’ve already tried restarting it. Still not working.” This is clear and polite. Just make sure you include the result so the staff knows the action did not solve the problem.
3. What if I tried many things? Should I list all of them?
Yes, but keep the list short and relevant. List two or three main actions. For example: “I have already tried restarting the router, reconnecting my device, and using the cable. The internet is still not working.” This shows you are thorough without overwhelming the reader.
4. Is it rude to say “I already tried that” when the staff suggests something?
It can sound rude if you say it bluntly. Instead, soften it with a polite phrase: “Thank you for the suggestion. I have actually already tried that, but unfortunately it did not help.” This shows appreciation while still explaining the situation.
Final Tips for Writing About What You Tried
When you write a hotel guest message about a problem, always include what you tried. It makes your message more helpful and speeds up the solution. Remember these key points:
- Use present perfect tense: I have tried, I have checked, I have adjusted.
- Add the result: but it still does not work, but the problem remains.
- Be specific: name the exact action you took.
- Keep your tone polite and patient.
- If the staff suggests something you already tried, thank them first before explaining.
For more help with starting your messages, visit our Hotel Guest Message Starters section. To practice polite requests, see Hotel Guest Message Polite Requests. If you want to practice replying to common situations, check Hotel Guest Message Practice Replies. For more problem explanation guides, browse Hotel Guest Message Problem Explanations.
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