The Emirates Academy
The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
Butler Service
in a Luxury Hotel Operation
Margaret Mitchell-Smith - The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management

Margaret Mitchell – Smith

Margaret’s career began at The Berkeley and The Savoy in London – from there to private households and palaces, working for the Jordanian Royal Family in the 1980s. A design consultant for a senior member of the Saudi Royal Family, Margaret travels regularly to Riyadh. As programme leader and presenter of the first City & Guilds Diploma for Butlers, she plans training sessions at Buckingham Palace and The Lanesborough Hotel, London.

Dates to be announced

Course Overview

The orchestration of flawless skills, the perfection of communication and the constancy of service in a quiet, secure and artistic setting ensures a fine reputation - offering the ultimate in luxurious comfort.  

The first welcome and service to resident and guests -  the care of the wardrobe, unpacking, pressing of clothes and shoe cleaning - the detailed servicing of rooms, selection of favourite newspapers, magazines and drinks tray - bath oils, candles, pillow selection etc  

This is an art form – necessary to gain and hold position in an ever competitive market. The focus is always on the expectation of the guest – and on the subtlety and smoothness of service.  

The synergy within such a sophisticated environment requires that each colleague fully understands the interpretation of service – from the guest perspective and the team interaction.     



Target Audience
  


Butlers - consisting of senior and junior positions, long serving and recently appointed  

Group discussion and case studies will be a valuable part of the course, for practical and appropriate outcomes, a range of experience and seniority is recommended.    


Course Objectives

To develop within each individual the understanding and grace required to effortlessly carry out all tasks required of a butler in a luxury hotel – to the required standard and style – and with enjoyment in the process! To develop constancy in attention to detail, filmed role play will be a central part of the course, with analysis of films taken.    


Course Outline
 

  • The history and tradition of butlers
  • Personal presentation & demeanor
  • Social skills, tolerance, telephone skills, body language and movement
  • Team work and communication – how to deal with crisis or anger!
  • The Guest – differing profiles & cultures – expectations – an appreciation of the senses!
  • The Butler Department – structure, reporting lines, job descriptions, systems and procedures
  • The necessary paperwork
  • Related departments with emphasis on communication
  • An Appreciation of Standards – and the world of luxury
  • Pre – arrival preparations for all guests
  • The Arrival –The Stay – The Departure! – examine the process!
  • Recording of preferences – likes & dislikes
  • Tasks –from unpacking & packing, treatment of clothes, shoes, valuables etc to shopping, presentation of rooms and flower arranging!
  • Tasks – from serving early morning tea to formal dinners!
  • Security

Course Material

The course fee includes everything required for the class work including notebooks, articles, note-paper and pencils. DVD clips shown for discussion - “Remains of the Day” – “Maid in Manhattan” – “Gosford Park”    


Prerequisites

Three days before the course begins, all candidates to compile a diary of work – for discretion no names of guests are written. Include Current Job Descriptions.      

Certification

A certificate will be issued upon completion.    


Number of attendees

A Maximum of 14 delegates  


Course Fee

AED 2,800 per delegate
Instruction materials & refreshments are included in the course fee. Accommodation and transportation are not included in the "Course Fees".

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