Instead of saying, ‘Hey, where is the Midtown Hotel?’, or even ‘Excuse me, could you tell me where the Midtown Hotel is?’, venture an ‘In Your Shoes’ way of asking.
‘I know it’s not your job, but could you direct me to the Midtown Hotel?’
‘I bet you’re really tired of people asking, but could you direct me to...?’
‘I bet you’re thinking, “Oh oh, here comes another lost tourist.” And you’re right. But could you...?’