Kempinski in the News
From Soap Service to Boxing Sparring Partners: When the Butler Rings Twice
Geneva, 6 May 2024 – Who wouldn’t want a butler, known as the good spirit of a house, always ready with a smile, making everyday life more pleasant? From iconic movie classics to royal state visits, the essence of luxury and exclusivity is epitomised by the impeccable service, linguistic sophistication and discerning sensitivity of professional butlers. Kempinski Hotels offers this rare, modern butler service upon request in many of its 82 international 5-star hotels, continuously perfecting it for its guests since it was founded 127 years ago.
'‘Tailored service by expert staff who embody our hospitality ethos and anticipate our guests’ unspoken desires is a hallmark of Kempinski Hotels’, says Amanda Elder, Chief Commercial Officer of the Kempinski Group and member of the Management Board. ‘Our butlers worldwide are committed to maintaining this high standard, creating unforgettable moments with their flexible service and expertise. The range of mostly discreet, altruistic deeds performed by our butlers extends from greeting guests with their favourite cocktail in front of the limousine at the airport or their favourite scent in the suite, procuring valuable collectables and translating important documents, and even serving as capable shopping companion’, reveals the seasoned hotel expert.
Reading guests’ every wish from their eyes and preparing a perfect stay–this has been the passion of professionally trained butler Ricardo at the legendary 5-star Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin for over 25 years. When booking one of the hotel’s three luxurious presidential suites at the Brandenburg Gate, Ricardo’s services are included. They can range from protocol-compliant welcomes to afternoon tea service, nightly shoe shines and even assisting with tying bow ties as a special token of trust. He delightedly provided a recipe for an asparagus dish from the Adlon kitchen praised by a visiting queen. If desired, he would keep a freshly ironed copy of a newspaper for guests to protect their hands from printer’s ink. His international background has also enabled the native Mexican to act as an interpreter for Hollywood stars. He generously shares his wealth of experience in the hotel’s own butler training courses, which also reveal the secret to wrinkle-free suitcase packing.
At the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, butler Hamfrey was highly motivated to acquire his first guest experience as a floor waiter, which he expanded under the guidance of the head butler and further training at a technical college. Over the past two years as a butler, he has consistently delivered royal luxury experiences, combining traditional Ghanaian hospitality with European luxury. His services are available round-the-clock and can be booked upon request or reserved for VIP guests in the Presidential Suite. This attentive butler expertly crafts refreshing cocktails and prepares homemade chocolates using Ghana’s finest cocoa beans. He has already assisted an ambassador with a few sentences of the local dialect to complete a speech, which he willingly practised pronouncing with him. Moreover, upon request from a sports-loving guest, he enthusiastically donned boxing gloves to serve as a sparring partner for a boxing training session.
The internationally acclaimed Cirağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul offers guests staying in its luxurious suites a palatial experience reminiscent of the tales from 1001 Nights alongside a variety of classic butler services. The personalised ‘soap and perfume service’ is not exclusive to VIPs alone. While guests enjoy the breathtaking view of the Bosphorus, a seasoned butler with a mobile perfume trolley offers a ritual steeped in centuries-old Ottoman custom, a rarity in today’s world. When presenting the assortment, the butler meticulously cuts the guests’ preferred soap as if slicing a richly decorated cake. One portion of the high-quality soap, produced in harmony with nature to preserve proteins, antioxidants and vitamins, is intended for immediate use. Another awaits the guests upon departure, delicately nestled in a fine linen bag. Infused with refreshing scents of mint-lemon green tea, jasmine or rose-lavender, it serves as a lingering memory of their stay, evoking the ambience of the palace within the confines of their home for years to come.
The opulent Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates in Dubai offers numerous superlatives in the United Arab Emirates, including a genuine snowy landscape offering year-round skiing and tobogganing fun for the whole family. Positioned in close proximity to the Mall of the Emirates luxury shopping centre, hotel guests can enjoy shopping in the company of a fashion-savvy butler or entrust him with their shopping needs. His delivery of the newly acquired treasures to the hotel room gives travellers the luxury to immerse themselves in Dubai’s fascinating world of experiences.
The luxurious Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, architecturally stunning with its panoramic view of Thailand’s capital, gracefully towers above the hectic pace of one of Asia’s most vibrant cities. It has swiftly carved out a niche as a wellness sanctuary for its guests, catering to both body and soul. Whether staying in the lavish Sindhorn Royal Suite or the opulent Sindhorn Presidential Suite, guests are treated to personalised Kempinski butler service around the clock, catering to their every desire and even providing insider tips on tracking down hard-to-find Thai antiques. However, anyone who has had the opportunity to use the hotel’s modern wellness oasis will make these intensively nurturing and relaxing hours the benchmark for perfect relaxation. A highly qualified wellness concierge team advises guests before their arrival and coordinates a personal wellness plan tailored to their needs. For a boost of freshness after training, an inventive juice butler delivers freshly blended juices with superfoods and nutritious ingredients developed daily for the health of each guest.