115. Making Every Effort: The Dumbbell Request

During a project work trip with this well-known Leading Hotels of the World property in Thailand, I met a butler, Tour, who impressed me with her sense of creativity. 

On the second day of my stay, I requested for a yoga mat and two 1-kg weights to be placed in the room so that I could do some stretches and light weight workout. 

When I returned to the room in the late afternoon, I saw the the rolled up yoga mat and two foam blocks placed neatly in the living room. On the side table was a small wicker basket containing the "dumbbells" and a handwritten personalised note that reads:

"Dear (guest name), Here are your 1kg dumbbells. Happy Exercise and have a nice day." 

As the resort only had a minimum of 5kg weights available and the team could not locate any 1kg dumbbell being sold nearby, Tour came up with the DIY weights made up of 500ml plastic bottles, sand and elastic bands. The two bottles were then neatly wrapped up with foil and the elastic bands acted as some sort of hand grip. 

Later, I learned that Tour had actually gone to the kitchen to weigh the plastic bottles filled with sand to ensure the weight of 1kg each. (I imagine the amusement of the kitchen team!). She had checked with Fitness team if they could get hold of lighter weights, and to standby the 5kg just in case. Tour had also discussed with fellow colleagues to explore suitable alternatives, including checking out shops in town, asking those who were into fitness if they had any 1kg weights at home, etc. 

This is exemplary of what the service standard "Did employee make every effort to meet guest's request.......?"

Well done, Tour! Khorpkhun mâak kha. 

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