Hotel Butlers, The Great Service Differentiators [Paperback]

Steven Ferry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 12, 2009

ASK NOT WHAT THE BUTLER DID, BUT WHAT HE CAN DO FOR YOU

We all know the cliché from the movies and board games about the butler doing it, but what was it the butler did? In the hotel environment, the butler can be a failed experiment or a service facility that commands high-rack rates and keeps occupancy rates at 100%.

Where the butler fails in hotels, it is because he is cast in (frankly) degrading-to-the-profession roles such as "bath butler," "fireplace butler, "technology butler," "baby butler" (who provides rocking chairs and watches children), "dog butler," "ski butler," and "beach butler." The idea being that anything offering superior service in some small area is called a "butler" in an effort to siphon some of the prestige of the profession.

At least when the term valet was extended to "dumb valet," that furniture item upon which one lays out clothing for the following day, there was no pretense that this was the real item. Fortunately for the profession, the public were not fooled or taken in by these "dumb butlers" and the practice has faded relatively rapidly-before it could sour the public mind on the concept of butlers in hotels. Fortunately also for the butlers working in top hotels around the world, who do justice to the profession, and the hotel managements who have recognized the value butlers bring to the bottom line and the repute of their establishments.

In an industry that is completely premised on the idea of service, and in which service is a key differentiator, it's a no-brainer to institute butler service. Butlers have always represented the pinnacle in service quality. This book will go a long way toward bringing about and keeping on track a butler program.

When used in conjunction with standard on-site training, it will cement in place a very successful butler service that will

- Allow rack rates to be raised
- Create a loyal following of repeat visitors
- Enhance word of mouth
- Increase new business
- Raise service standards throughout the facility.

All of which make the investment very sound.

If you would like to become a butler in a hospitality setting, or think your hotel, spa, resort or private villa could benefit from an honest-to-goodness butler program, read this book.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Ask Not What The Butler Did, But What He Can Do For You

We all know the cliché from the movies and board games about the butler doing it, but what was it the butler did? In the hotel environment, the butler can be a failed experiment or a service facility that commands high-rack rates and keeps occupancy rates at 100%.

Where the butler fails in hotels, it is because he is cast in (frankly) degrading-to-the-profession roles such as "bath butler," "fireplace butler, "technology butler," "baby butler" (who provides rocking chairs and watches children), "dog butler," "ski butler," and "beach butler." The idea being that anything offering superior service in some small area is called a "butler" in an effort to siphon some of the prestige of the profession.

At least when the term valet was extended to "dumb valet," that furniture item upon which one lays out clothing for the following day, there was no pretense that this was the real item. Fortunately for the profession, the public were not fooled or taken in by these "dumb butlers" and the practice has faded relatively rapidly—before it could sour the public mind on the concept of butlers in hotels. Fortunately also for the butlers working in top hotels around the world, who do justice to the profession, and the hotel managements who have recognized the value butlers bring to the bottom line and the repute of their establishments.

In an industry that is completely premised on the idea of service, and in which service is a key differentiator, it’s a no-brainer to institute butler service. Butlers have always represented the pinnacle in service quality. This book will go a long way toward bringing about and keeping on track a butler program.

When used in conjunction with standard on-site training, it will cement in place a very successful butler service that will

- Allow rack rates to be raised
- Create a loyal following of repeat visitors
- Enhance word of mouth
- Increase new business
- Raise service standards throughout the facility.

All of which make the investment very sound.

If you would like to become a butler in a hospitality setting, or think your hotel, spa, resort or private villa could benefit from an honest-to-goodness butler program, read this book. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Steven Ferry, born and raised in England, has published twenty books since he began his writing career. Prior to that, he worked as a butler, and before that, was a teacher. He now lives in Florida with his wife, where he continues to write, teach and consult. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 414 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (March 12, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439226482
• ISBN-13: 978-1439226483
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 10 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,723,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

There's a lot that has been written in this world, and some of it by Steven Ferry.

He has a command of the language that can be laid squarely at the door of the English schools that did their best to suffer his presence, and the forthrightness learned in the Americas in which he has lived most of his adult life.

The result: about twenty books and hundreds of articles on no matter what subject or genre, although most of it intended to educate and enlighten entertainingly, rather than entertain alone.

He travels much but is still based in Florida with his wife of many years, where he continues to bang away on his MacBook Pro.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very practical guide, November 29, 2004

By 

Werner Leutert "Home Staffing Network Interna... (Naples, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hotel Butlers: The Great Service Differentiators (Paperback)

Mr. Ferry has produced a handbook for training Hotel Butlers that can be used in a wide variety of hospitality venues from large properties with numerous suites served by butlers to smaller boutique resorts and spas offering butler service in very intimate settings.

The objective of this manual in all of these situations is to train and promote great service and inspire butlers with attitude, skills and focus to wow guests as though they were being served in their own homes.

First there is the discussion of butlers in a historical context and their evolution from servants to professionals over the years. The hotel butler is in a different role than the single family butler because multiple guests replace single employer as the central focus of service. The purpose of the butler remains the same " to smooth the lives of those who he or she serves" Understanding this role is key, and Mr. Ferry then moves on to the skills that enable the butlers to execute their mission with efficiency.

Skills involved include how to handle many of the more common situations that arise in terms of etiquette and navigating the "sticky wickets" or complicated situations that often arise. Then there is excellent discussion of some of the systems that are used for butlers to communicate effectively- the white board, the passport, the radio systems and protocols. Packing and unpacking, shoe care, laundry, setting the table and serving the proper English tea are but some of the many details of the butler trade that are covered in expert fashion.

The book ends up with a wide range of check lists that are wonderful templates ready to be customized to the particular hospitality location. Guest Room readiness checklist, list for organizing a dinner party and a guest record form are just a few of the great organizing tools that Mr. Ferry has provided.

"Hotel Butlers, The Great Service Differentiators" is a clear guide to explaining butler service and how it can be done to a high standard by motivated professionals.

4.0 out of 5 stars Hotel Butlers: The Great Service Differntiatiors, May 16, 2009

By 

Dean Thorstenson "book friendly" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hotel Butlers: The Great Service Differentiators (Paperback)

This book was no longer available at book stores so it was a great find here at Amazon.