10 of the Most Unusual Hotel Jobs You’ll Encounter
Several Virtuoso hotels have created these rare positions to fulfill the needs of their luxury guests. At the same time, these unusual hotel jobs also say something special about the geography or culture of the places where they’re located.
Now discover 10 of the most unusual hotel jobs you’ll ever encounter:
Barbecue butler: The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, Georgia
Barbecuing is a southern tradition, so what could be more appropriate for a Georgia lodge? The barbecue butler (aka one of the lodge’s chefs) comes in person to guest cottages. There the butler assists guests in selecting meats, sauces and flavor-enhancing woods, then prepares the meal. It’s both a cooking class and a memorable feast – the perfect elegant barbecue. The top request: steak, specifically a filet, topped with sauces including the ever-popular peach barbecue and roasted shallot.
Tea sommelier: The Lanesborough, London, U.K.
Whether guests prefer Darjeeling, Rooibos, white tea, or something else, they’ll receive expert guidance from the Lanesborough’s tea sommelier. During the hotel’s award-winning afternoon tea, the sommelier advises guests on the art of tea, helps them match food with tea, and discusses the numerous varieties available. Those include the hotel’s signature blend, Lanesborough Afternoon Tea Blend – Darjeeling with Assam and a hint of Rose Congou.
Dr. Shades: Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay, Lanai City, Hawaii
Guests can get a complimentary eyewear tune-up by the pool from Dr. Shades. Dr. Shades repairs and cleans all kinds of eyewear, in addition to offering loaner shades. He’s a busy guy: he cleans about 80 pairs of sunglasses a day, and lends about 100 pairs of sunglasses a year (guests typically remember to return them).
Recovery concierge: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
In a city like New Orleans, with its hard-partying reputation, a recovery concierge is a welcome creation. Bartenders at the hotel double as a guest’s hangover helper, creating drinks to help them bounce back for another round of festivities. The most ordered of the remedies: a Cure Royal (really a Kir Royale of Champagne and crème de cassis), and a Bloody Mary. Not surprisingly, the hotel reports the services are most requested during Mardi Gras.
Camping butler: The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana
The resort’s staff of 25 camping butlers ensure guests enjoy the vast Western outdoors. They’ll arrange horseback riding lessons, provide wake-up “knocks” on tents, and prep s’mores around the campfire. No request is too challenging. While most visitors enjoy the sound of the nearby water as they fall asleep, one guest asked the butler to “turn down the river.” The butler did that by leaving the guest ear plugs on the pillow during turn-down service.
Falconer: Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, California
The Southern California resort used to have a problem with pest birds feeding and nesting on the property. But since hiring a falconer, the problem is safely under control. The property’s falconer (he’s even licensed by the state of California) trains falcons, hawks and owls to chase and disperse nuisance birds. The pests aren’t hurt, but quickly learn to fly off the property. The falconer also answers questions from guests about the role he and his birds of prey play.
Soap concierge: Viceroy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
As soon as you’ve checked into the resort and been personally escorted to your villa, a visitor arrives: the soap concierge. Guests choose from a variety of locally handcrafted soaps, created following ancient Mayan traditions and formulated with organic ingredients. Scents change with the seasons, from cinnamon in winter to melon during spring. The most popular: chocolate, lime and lemon. Once guests make their selections, the soap concierge cuts fresh bars from large blocks.
Proposal coach: Stowe Mountain Lodge, Stowe, Vermont
It may be the most important question a significant other will ask in a lifetime, and it’s a question people don’t have a lot of experience asking. That’s when the services of a proposal coach come in handy. The lodge’s coach helps create a personalized experience for nervous future spouses. The coach can arrange a romantic proposal setting anywhere from the resort’s spa to a hot air balloon to dog sledding. All the future spouse has to do is pop the question.
In-room mixologist: The Surrey, New York, New York
If you’re craving custom-mixed cocktails in the privacy of your own lodgings, The Surrey has the perfect solution. Any time of the day or night, the hotel sends one of its 10 mixologists with a tray of locally distilled spirits, house-made ingredients and garnishes. They’ll mix and pour a round of cocktails inspired by a bygone era right in your salon or suite. The libations include a vanilla bean-infused Old Fashioned, basil lime gimlet and apple rickey.
Fragrance butler: The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, New York, New York; Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada; Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas, Texas; Rosewood Sand Hill, Menlo Park, California
Forgot your perfume at home? Or left your cologne behind on purpose due to restrictions on carry-on liquids? Nevertheless, you will be exquisitely scented after a visit from your fragrance butler. Rosewood’s fragrance butlers deliver ten perfumes and colognes (with iconic names such as Chanel, Givenchy and Hermes) on a silver platter. You choose one, spray yourself, and the butler and fragrances vanish until your next need. The complimentary 24/7 service is one of the most requested offerings at the properties.
Booking Your Own Unique Hotel Stay
Looking to book a stay at one of these creative luxury hotels – or somewhere else? One of Virtuoso’s travel specialists with expertise in hotels would be happy to help.
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