Nothing calls to mind the ultimate service experience as does having a butler in attendance. Such pampering is available in many hotels and resorts and here's a sample list of who's offering this sought-after perk.
BANYAN TREE
Who're you going to call? Villa Hosts – the butler equivalent at Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts – go on duty even before the guests arrive at the resort. They liaise with travel agents who handled the guest booking so as to understand the needs and expectations of the particular customers.
Once the VIPs show up, Villa Hosts help plan their holiday itineraries, arrange meals, always assuming a "never say 'no'’’ policy, going as far as they can to accommodate requests.
Who benefits? Guests staying in the DoublePool Villa
Who's got them? Selected Banyan Tree properties
Website: www.banyantree.com
DHARMAWANGSA JAKARTA
Who're you going to call? Dharmawangsa butlers are backed by at least 90 hours of intensive training provided by the International Institute of Modern Butlers. Besides basic butler services such as arranging transportation and sightseeing tours and drawing bath spas, butlers at this bolthole go further even accompanying a guest to the hospital or buying special ingredients for another who felt like preparing a special dish that day.
Who benefits? All guests at The Dharmawangsa Jakarta, although those in higher room categories enjoy one who also serves as a personal assistant during their stay.
Website: www.the-dharmawangsa.com
GRAND HYATT
Who're you going to call? Grand Hyatt butlers see to it that suites are impeccably set up before the guest arrives, help reconfirm his flights and provide secretarial services if needed. They are also ready to escort the guest on shopping trips, dinners and events, and even personally pick up valuable packages or items.
Who benefits? Guests staying in certain suites, depending on the property
Who's got them? Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Grand Hyatt Taiwan and Park Hyatt Beijing among other hotels in the chain.
Website: www.hyatt.com
ITC LUXURY COLLECTION
Who're you going to call? Women travellers can buzz for the Lady Butler assigned to the female-only Eva Floors in ITC Luxury Collection Hotels. Besides providing a more comfortable environment, they are highly knowledgable about places of interest around the city and can accompany "Madam" on outings if requested. They can also arrange alterations to her garments or run errands for her.
Who benefits? Female guests staying on the Eva Floors
Who's got them? ITC Maurya at New Delhi, ITC Maratha and ITC Grand Central at Mumbai, ITC Kakatiya at Hyderabad, ITC Sonar at Kolkata, ITC Mughal at Agra, ITC Windsor and ITC Royal Gardenia at Bengaluru.
Website: www.itcwelcomgroup.in
THE RITZ-CARLTON
Who’re you going to call? Club Concierges at the Ritz-Carlton are on 24-hour standby at the hotel’s club lounge and preside over the arrival and departure rituals. They are also ready to pack and unpack luggage, fulfill errands, book tickets to the opera or even help arrange and set up a cocktail or dinner party.
Who benefits? Club floor guests. Guests need only pay supplement (at The Ritz-Carlton Milennia Singapore) the charge is S$100/US$73.92) to enjoy club amenities and perks, including the Club Concierge service, use of meeting rooms and champagne breakfasts.
Who’s got them? All Ritz-Carlton properties
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
ST REGIS
Who’re you going to call? The company name is synonymous with a tradition of delivering highly attentive service. And it just keeps getting better, with today’s generation of butlers now equipped with personal handheld devices. This means that they can respond to their charge’s needs even when they are not in the hotel. Guests need only email or text their requests to their assigned butlers such making sure they get the best table in the town's hottest restaurant.
Who benefits? All guests at St Regis hotels
Who's got them? All St Regis properties
Website: www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis
Natasha Hong
