For example, arriving after a long flight and being expected to stand at the reception desk and fill out a cumbersome form (full of details the hotel invariably already has).
Or someone phoning me to ask if I want turndown service. Yes, I do. But I don’t want to talk about it. I’d like it to happen discreetly when I’ve gone out for the evening at a time of my choosing.
I’d rather not be programmed to fit in with a hotel’s schedule when the point of staying there is to have them accommodate mine.
Some years ago, I was staying at Hotel Cipriani in pre-Belmond days when it was one of the Orient Express hotels. I went down for breakfast on the terrace at 10.25 to be greeted by a hostess who virtually pounced on me to announce that the buffet was closing at 10:30.
“Don’t worry, I don’t want the buffet,” was my response. Not one to shy away from speaking my mind. “I’d just like to take a table by the water and wait for my wife. Please could I order a freshly-squeezed orange juice and espresso?”
“There is fruit juice at the buffet sir but it is closing shortly,” replied the slightly anaesthetised maîtresse d’hôtel.
“I’m sorry but I don’t think you heard. I don’t want the buffet. I would just like a coffee at the table. Please.”
The “battle” continued until the penny dropped and she finally got the message. But why, when one is paying a substantial nightly rate for the privilege of staying somewhere, should you not enjoy breakfast whenever, and wherever, you choose?
I founded Nota Bene because I couldn’t find anyone with enough eye for detail to plan and execute my travels; to offer the type of service that would ensure I never had to wait at a reception desk. The type of service that asked me how I like to take breakfast and would inform the hotel in advance. The type of service that I could rely on for discerning, impartial advice and impeccable planning.
Do you want to travel in the knowledge that every detail has been taken care of?
When you think of the wasted time and money spent on avoidable mistakes, ask yourself if you can afford to travel without a service like Nota Bene.
Contact us today and let us discuss how we can transform your travel experiences.