Service Bank Moments

Just this weekend, we flew back from Bologna to Singapore via Emirates and had a very pleasant experience with air steward Jordan during the Dubai-Singapore leg.  To start off with, Jordan has a very effervescence smile and when he speaks with you, he makes you feel like he's happily giving you his full attention - each and every time.  My husband and I both truly appreciated the care he demonstrated towards us. For example, when he offered the pyjamas set for the night flight and I declined, he didn't just walk away but instead, graciously added, "If you change your mind later, please feel free to let me know. Anytime. I'll save one set for you." About an hour into the flight, I did indeed change my mind as I was feeling cold in my short-sleeve blouse and asked Jordan for the pyjamas set (that comes with long-sleeve cotton tee). He returned promptly with the pre-packed set and said with a twinkle and big smile, "Yes, I think it's good to take it, and you...

What are some mention-worthy post-stay surprise you have received from a hotel after you have returned home? Here are some of examples: The mailman arrived with a rather large package from this Bangkok hotel: packets of tom yum paste presented in a woven pouch with recipes of the signature tom yam soup. (The guest had ordered this dish on two occasions during the hotel stay.)  Front office manager at a Japanese property emailed the guest to ask if she was feeling better. The guest had a high fever the day prior to checking out and had requested for a doctor. Email greeting from a Thai resort, with a photo of the butlers standing in front of the villa (in which the guest had stayed), holding several hand-drawn signages with messages such as   "We miss you (guest name)",   "Please come back soon", and "Have a lovely day in (country)!" A handwritten thank-you card, signed by various departments. A personalised email greeting on guest's birthday six months...

We arrived at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur in late afternoon and was feeling a little peckish after two-hour plus car journey. Checking my mini-bar, I decided to open the small can of Pringles - sour cream flavour and soon finished its entire contents. In the evening, we had an incredible dinner experience at the Palace's exclusive pavilion in the midst of the lovely gardens and with panoramic sights of the city beyond. There was even a firework show for the guests! Everything from the weather, food and service were perfect.  The following day, we signed up for an experiential excursion to the beautiful sand dunes. We enjoyed a camel ride into the sunset and reached the amazing view point, where champagne and some beautifully-plated snacks awaited us. Our butler, Yogita, introduced the food items, and added, "Ms. (Name), I have also prepared your favourite Pringles, should you like to have some."  The fact that she had noticed this min...

At Okura Prestige Bangkok, I had asked for a teaspoon and was promptly presented with one placed on a serving tray. Next, I placed my vitamin tablet into a tall glass and filled it with lukewarm water from my pot.  As I awaited to stir the fizzy drink, the same employee returned with a longer spoon AND a stirrer on his tray. He had observed what I had needed the requested teaspoon for, and took the initiative to provide me with more suitable options.  Simply wonderful. ~ While taking the Uber ride in Paris, I started coughing and the driver asked if AC was too cold and if I would like him to adjust the position of the air vent. He also pointed out there was bottled water and mints to soothe the throat.  When I reached the destination, he thanked me for using Uber and wished me a speedy recovery.  I felt so well taken care of by this highly empathetic driver. ~ At Giraffe Manor in Kenya, the waiter informed us that a giraffe has just delivered its ...

At 5-star Forbes Travel Guide hotel in Hong Kong, I asked the concierge if he could help check if a particular boutique in Kowloon has a specific model and colour of wool cardigan available in size S. I asked if they could deliver the said item to the hotel at a separate charge, as I had a day packed with appointments and was departing the following morning. He repeated my request and I thanked him for assisting before stepping out of the hotel. I informed him I would be coming back in about four hours.  Upon my return later in the afternoon, the same concierge approached me to provide an update. While he was certainly helpful, he took quite a while to a) first recap my request again, as well as b) went through in details what he had done and c) said to the boutique.  I felt as if I was being kept in suspense before the grand finale.  I learned about the two calls he had made at 10am and 10.30am, before his third call at 10.45am was picked up. I knew all about how the sho...

The following took place during my trip to Chiangmai. It was early evening on a weekday and I was waiting for a taxi by the busy road. After almost 15 minutes without any luck, I decided to walk towards the intersection, hoping it would increase my chances of getting my ride. (There was no subway available and I did not have data roaming on my phone to call for a Grab car.) After about 50 metres, I saw a security guard by an old building which looked closed for the day. I asked in my conversational Thai if it was easy to get a taxi from there and lamented that I had been waiting for quite a while. The man, probably in his late fifties with a warm smile,  said this was the peak hour and taxis may be hard to come by. After ascertaining my destination, he said in a kind tone, "Don't worry, I will help you look for one" and promptly got up and walked towards the main road to flag at some approaching cabs, which all turned out to be occupied indeed. As he stood by the bu...