While the words are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, in a technical or legal sense, they can carry different weights depending on the industry. A reservation is the broader term used in hospitality and travel to indicate that a specific service (like a hotel room, a table at a restaurant, or a seat on a plane) has been set aside for a specific person for a set time. To "reserve" something is the action of making that reservation. In some contexts, a "reserve" might refer specifically to a "reservation hold" or a "pre-authorization" on a credit card, where funds are "placed on reserve" to ensure payment but haven't been fully processed yet. In the world of nature and land management, a "reserve" (like a nature reserve) is a designated protected area, which is entirely different from a booking. However, if you are calling a hotel and say "I'd like to reserve a room" versus "I'd like to make a reservation," the staff will treat them exactly the same. The only nuance is that a "reservation" usually implies a confirmed booking with a reference number, whereas "reserving" can sometimes be the preliminary step before a deposit is paid.