[Vocabulary] What's behind the front door?

[englishhobby]

Hello, everyone,
how should I refer to the part of a block of flats which you get in when you enter the front door? In Russia there is a staircase leading to a small ground where there are rows of postboxes (or how should I call them?) with the number of flat on each and there is a lift. I could call this place "staircase" or "stairs". In Russian we can say "I'll wait for you IN (this place)" or "Some guys are smoking IN the (...)." What word should I use instead of this place, if possible?
Thanks in advance )

 

[emsr2d2]

The area at the bottom of the stairs before the main front door, and which contains the postboxes is usually called the "lobby" or the "foyer".

 

[shannico]

How about hall as well?
The flat area between flights of stairs may be referred to as landing instead.

 

[englishhobby]

Thank you. I thought that "lobby" or "foyer" are used only for hotels, not for blocks of flats where people live permanently, Can they be used for both?

 

[emsr2d2]

How about hall as well?
The flat area between flights of stairs may be referred to as landing instead.

Yes, it could be the "hall" too. A landing is indeed between two flights of stairs.

 

[Barb_D]

Thank you. I thought that "lobby" or "foyer" are used only for hotels, not for blocks of flats where people live permanently, Can they be used for both?

Yes, and even private homes can have a foyer.