Thu, Oct 12, 2006 - Page 13 News List

The butler did it

A new generation of butlers are taking on the role of 'lifestyle managers,' and are trained to anticipate what you want even before you know yourself

By Jules Quartly  /  STAFF REPORTER

He sees his career path as becoming an estate manager to someone immensely rich, or becoming the general manager of a hotel. “Since a butler is exposed to all elements of the hotel's operation and really understands how it works, especially service, he could do the job very well.”

So, is the modern-day butler loyal to his boss or his guest?

“Ooh, that's a difficult question, sir,” Monty says, then answers diplomatically, “The challenge is to keep everyone happy. In the old days the loyalty of a butler was to his master. Lords and ladies were used to service and when they traveled they took their butler with them. Today, the point is to be a service professional: a lifestyle manager.”

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