Butlers are NOT who you think they are !

Disclaimer :  read before proceeding >>> If you are from the hospitality industry, have worked as a Butler or have Butlers as your work mates, there's gonna be nothing new in this post for you. Perhaps, you can add your views to this post. 

Who are Butlers and where do they work?

• Butlers are not cooks as how it is commonly known in some societies and they are more than the impeccably groomed people we see in luxury hotels in their black suits.Their tasks are far more complex and they have a multi-faceted personality with immense professional training.

• Butlers are not just seen in luxury hotels but in palaces, private residences of Ultra High Net worth Individuals (UHNWI), official residences of the heads of state, private yachts     corporate offices that host visitors, business luncheons and high teas and so on.

• Not all hotels will have or require Butlers to serve their guests.

• Some hotels will have butler services available in all its rooms while in other hotels, it is provided exclusively to guests staying in their higher category suites while in some other hotels, butler services are available on demand only during certain occasions ( say, when hosting heads of state)

The 13 ‘flying butlers’ all currently work as in-flight chefs or food and beverage managers onboard Etihad Airways’ long-haul fleet.PC: https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/

What are their tasks and skills?

Let's delve into the fascinating world of butlers and explore a dozen of their diverse tasks and responsibilities👇

1. Impeccable Service and Etiquette

Butlers are masters of etiquette, ensuring that every interaction is conducted with grace and professionalism.They provide personalized and anticipatory service, catering to the unique needs and preferences of each guest or household.

2. Property Management

For UHNW individuals, butlers manage and oversee their residences, ensuring they are in pristine condition at all times.This includes supervising staff, organizing maintenance and repairs, and maintaining security protocols.

3. Valet Services

Butlers often assist with valet services, such as parking and retrieving vehicles, arranging transportation, and even managing luggage and personal belongings.Butlers in hotels are trained in packing and unpacking of luggage of guests.

4. Culinary Expertise

Contrary to the misconception, butlers possess culinary skills that go far beyond rudimentary cooking.They plan and execute gourmet meals, catering to specific dietary requirements and with an extensive knowledge on par with a Sommelier about the Wine and beverage pairings.

5. Wardrobe Management

For UHNW clients, butlers may curate and manage extensive wardrobes, ensuring that clothing is organized, cleaned, and prepared for various occasions.

6. Event Planning

Butlers excel in event coordination, from private gatherings to extravagant parties.They handle invitations, decor, entertainment, and every detail to ensure a seamless and memorable event.

7. Personal Shopping

Shopping for luxury items, gifts, and daily necessities is a common responsibility.Butlers must have an understanding of their employer's tastes and preferences.

8. Travel Arrangements

Managing travel logistics, including booking flights, hotels, and transportation, is a crucial aspect of a butler's role.They often accompany UHNW clients on trips to provide personalized service.

9. Confidentiality and Discretion

Butlers are entrusted with sensitive information and must maintain the utmost confidentiality in all matters.They are skilled at handling confidential documents and discreetly managing personal affairs.

10. Cultural and Language Expertise

In the hospitality industry, butlers often serve a diverse clientele and must be knowledgeable about various cultures and languages.This ensures that they can provide appropriate service and communication.

11. Technology and Crisis Management

In modern times, butlers also manage smart home systems, security systems, and other advanced technologies to enhance convenience and security.

Butlers are trained to handle emergencies and crises, ensuring the safety and well-being of their employers and guests.

12. Personal Well-being

Caring for the physical and emotional well-being of their employers, including arranging spa treatments, personal training, and wellness activities.

What do Butlers get in return?

In return, a highly skilled Butler with certifications from Internationally acclaimed Butler training schools are in high demand and are paid extremely well $$$ + enjoy the perks of travelling, staying in luxury hotels, flying private jets for providing their services in a highly challenging environment.

In hotels, Butlers who are assigned for the guests staying in top categories of rooms are gossiped as people making big, unimaginable amount of tips and most of the times, it's true.

Wondering where this phrase "Butler English" came from ?

The phrase, "Butler English" is used to refer the style of broken English that is highly influenced by mother tongue of South Asians spoken during the colonial era by the house maids and domestic assists who were locals, not with a high level of mastery and with their accents, grammar, pronunciations influenced by the local languages( Hindi, Tamil, Bangla, Urdu etc.,).As they were assisting in all household tasks of their masters as the modern day butlers and were speaking English in this style, the phrase Butler English became popular in a humorous way and this has nothing to do with the English language skills of the modern day butlers.