Butler Service Sets Red Carnation Hotels Apart

This desire to deliver memorable experiences necessitates constant innovation, and the family-run collection is continuing to redefine luxurious hospitality by offering guests the option of a highly trained butler in their collection of properties throughout London and South Africa.

Butlers undergo a thorough hiring process and an exhaustive training period. Examples of foundation training include courses such as “Cultural Awareness,” “The Effortless Experience,” and “TNT's (Tiny Noticeable Touches)” as well as required guest service/technical skills such as the art of packing and unpacking, shoe cleaning, and pressing.

“I believe the most important qualities a successful butler should have are great guest empathy, unwavering discretion, and the ability to communicate clearly on all levels,” said Andrew Pike, General Manager of The Milestone Hotel. “They should have excellent attention to detail and possess the ability to accurately read guest needs. Our butlers are unique because they are empowered and encouraged to use their initiative to make sure our guests have the most enjoyable stay possible. Often, butlers are viewed as aloof and stand-offish, but Red Carnation butlers are always friendly, warm and professional.”

When high-profile guests are in-house, butlers often move into the hotel for the duration of their stay in order to be available 24/7. Daily duties include hotel and room orientations and room preference checks, but many requests are sudden and unplanned so butlers must have the ability to think on their feet and prioritize duties.

“One of our guests wanted to propose to his girlfriend during his stay, but he had no idea how,” said Malcolm Hendry, General Manager for ‘41.' “He asked us to come up with some ideas, and one of our butlers spent quite a bit of time brainstorming with him. After some sleuthing, our butler discovered that the couple loved stargazing and that one of their most romantic evenings was under the stars. He came up with the idea to place a telescope on our roof and then attach the proposal message on a far-away building. That night, on our candlelit and rose-petal covered roof, our guest directed the telescope to the proposal message. We are delighted to report that she said ‘Yes!'”

For more information about The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, please visit us at www.redcarnationhotels.com or email book@rchmail.com.