Service Bank Moments

At NH Leidseplein Hotel in Amsterdam, guests are offered a coupon for a hot beverage or small glass of wine/cocktail should they decide to skip Housekeeping services for the day.  During the morning check-out, I returned the 3 unused coupons to the receptionist, who then asked if I would like to use it to have some coffee or tea. I thanked him, but informed I just had my cappuccino from the hotel restaurant.  Evan the receptionist then asked, pointing to the coupons:  "Is there anything you'd like with these?" , to which I replied playfully, "What could you offer?"   He smiled and asked what I would like and he would see what he could do. So I told him I was over at the lounge area writing some postcards with my niece and enquired if he could arrange for a plain croissant for her. He smiled and said he would give it a try.  After quickly informing his colleague he was stepping away for a minute, Evan walked to the breakfast restaurant which was ju...

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...