I've just read an interesting interview with Harry Miles, Head Concierge at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square. Here's his answer when asked to recount an interesting experience with a notable guest:
"In the late 1980’s an Arab Prince stayed in the hotel for a couple of weeks, along with his large family and entire entourage. They took over the entire second floor of the hotel and utilised a vast array of security.
On the second day of their stay a big Harrods truck pulled up in front of the hotel anddelivered two ping pong tables which were ordered for the kids. Two rooms were cleared of all furniture and became the designated ‘play-rooms’ for the children. Several further rooms had kitchens set up, an aquarium was brought in for the prince’s dining room and one full suite was designated as a ‘storage’ room. This room was empty at the beginning of his stay but was gradually filled with Selfridges, Harrods and Luis Vuitton bags and boxes."
What are the strangest or most outlandish requests you've ever had from hotel guests? Let me know.
I once asked a concierge how much it would cost in a taxi from Canary Wharf to the Millenium Dome (as it was called then). He said £10 pounds each way...no more, no less. I challenged him and said I would only go with £20 in my pocket if he was so sure. He was resoloute. The journey was there was £15. I had a long walk back.... I was not a happy bunny. Thankfully, I had the chance to feed this back the following morning.
Oooh - a midnight walk through Mudchute. Fun, fun, fun. I'd like to have seen the feedback session the morning after ...
My dad told me a crazy story once, where a guest at the Ritz asked for sea water for his bath that evening.
A couple of my dad's colleagues headed down to Brighton in the middle of the night, got to the beach, rolled up their trousers and bottled the sea water and traipsed back to Piccadilly. As one guy left Brighton, another left the Ritz. After a number of trips they managed to fill the bath just enough for the guest to enjoy his bath!
I have no idea whether this is true or my dad is telling a little porkie, but it made me laugh....
Once at Auways.com they had a request including a pillow and tigers. Don't know the all story coz because of their discretion.
This is not exactly a concierge story...........Many years ago, a Middle Eastern Princess and her small retinue of 11, including 4 children, dropped in at lunch [in 7 limos!!!] ordered a total of 44 dishes from our menus - all at the same time.
Not being wise to the ways then, and with no bookings for lunch.........I had one chef in the kitchen!
Their 8 security guys needed sandwiches too!!
Anthony Lloyd
Fallowfields Hotel and Restaurant, Oxfordshire
www.fallowfields.com