How the World’s Finest Hotels Are Reimagining the Butler
This centuries-old Western tradition is serving modern hospitality with a graceful evolution.
By Chandreyi Bandyopadhyay
On my solo trip to Patiala, solitude was the plan but Relais & Châteaux's Ran Baas The Palace introduced me to Sonu Somani, my butler. Young, warm, and coincidentally from my home state, she turned polite check-ins into shared stories, gurudwara visits, and lassi-lined wanderings that softened an unfamiliar city. On this journey, the formal choreography of service gave way to genuine connection. Sonu didn’t merely anticipate my needs; she listened, remembered, and thoughtfully shaped each day to my rhythm. It’s this quiet, intuitive magic that Raffles’ recent The Butler Did It campaign celebrates—honouring the butler as the unseen force behind truly effortless, memorable stays.
That, perhaps, is the enduring magic of butlering. Long before the role found its way into luxury hotels and private jets, the butler was a figure of trust and quiet authority. The word itself traces back to the Old French word ‘bouteillier’, or cup-bearer, a custodian of the wine cellar in medieval England. Across centuries—from ancient Rome and Egypt to Victorian Britain—the butler evolved from a manager of bread, wine, and silver into the most senior custodian of the household, prized for discretion, etiquette, and an almost invisible efficiency. A compelling example is Alfred from Batman, who was much more than a mere servant; he is a guide, friend and advisor to the masked vigilante.
In India, for over three decades, The Leela has been synonymous with delivering an uncompromising level of personalised experiences rooted in the true graciousness of Indian hospitality. The Leela Palace Service is a signature hallmark of this ultra-luxury experience and operates across all properties. Every Palace guest enjoys the care of a dedicated butler, while suite and VIP guests at Leela Hotels also experience this service. At ARQ at Pichola, this evolves into a more exclusive expression.
Today’s butlers may have traded grand estates for five-star hotels, but their essence remains unchanged—part professional, part confidant, and, at their best, the human thread that turns service into something deeply personal. Relais & Châteaux Ran Baas The Palace is the first The Park Hotel property to introduce a dedicated butler service. Vaneeta Arora, Corporate Director - Housekeeping, ASPHL says, “The initiative was driven by the evolving expectations of luxury travellers who now seek not just comfort but highly personalised service, discretion, and exceptional attention to detail”.
For Raffles, the story dates back to 1887 when the first Raffles hotel opened in Singapore. “From the very beginning, the concept of the butler was not merely about service but about the art of anticipating needs and creating a sense of belonging for every guest. This philosophy transcended time, evolving from the colonial era into a modern hallmark of intuitive hospitality,” says Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur. When I sat down for a sunset high tea alone at his hotel, Nikita, my butler, shared heartwarming insights about what she loves most about her job. “We get to be close to our guests and have an opportunity to elevate their time of stay with us, and I met some really wonderful people who often make my day with their kindness,” she beamed. Hailing from a small town in Madhya Pradesh, Nikita today holds her head high and takes care of her ageing parents back home, being the eldest of three daughters.
The butler’s role has evolved with time. True excellence lies in the quiet confidence with which a butler orchestrates experiences, being always present yet never imposing. Arora says, “while the timeless qualities of discretion, grace, and attentiveness remain, with the evolution in emotional economy, we ensure that our butlers are now in tune with modern professional dynamics, adaptability, and a refined sense of cultural awareness.”
Highlighting the qualities of a great butler, Namby says, “A great butler must embody empathy, cultural sensitivity, and impeccable attention to detail. We seek individuals who carry not just the technical skill of flawless service but also the artistry of anticipating needs and creating meaningful connections.”
The word butler is derived from the Old French word ‘bouteillier’, for cup-bearer or a custodian of the wine cellar in medieval England.
More than a butler
Butlers come with different skill sets and roles today. At Aman-i-Khas in Rajasthan, the global brand’s sole tented luxury property in India, I was assisted by my ‘Batman’, Kuldeep. The tent was equipped with a service request button that instantly notified him to arrive promptly for any assistance. Part of an eleven-member team, Kuldeep delivered thoughtful touches to the stay. “The term ‘Batman’ originates from military camping traditions, where a batman served as a personal attendant to an officer, responsible for their comfort and day-to-day needs,’ explains Harry Fernandes, Regional Director for Aman, India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
“They are far more than room attendants,” he goes on to explain the style of service. “They are your personal hosts, orchestrating every aspect of the experience for the ultimate round-the-clock convenience. Serving as a single point of contact, they eliminate the need for guests to coordinate with multiple departments.”
At Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Bali, butlering takes on a poetic, almost regal dimension through the ‘Patih’, a role inspired by the trusted assistants to kings in ancient Balinese courts. Assigned to each of the 60 suites and villas, the Patih is equal parts butler and storyteller, bringing to life the island’s myths, legends, and living traditions. Working closely with personal explorers and expert guides, they curate rare, deeply immersive journeys such as private blessings in centuries-old temples and dawn excursions. With an intuitive understanding of each guest’s rhythm and curiosity, the Patih crafts lasting memories with attentive service, woven into the cultural soul of the land.
At Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, I was greeted by Shamoon, my ‘Essentialist’—Patina’s elevated take on a personal butler. With a calm confidence and a warm smile, he anticipated our needs and answered questions we hadn’t yet voiced. From arranging a sunset dolphin cruise, securing the perfect table at Helios, the resort's Mediterranean restaurant, or suggesting a mindful sunrise snorkel, he navigated both the island and our preferences with an intuitive ease. Communicating with him felt personal—like checking in with a thoughtful friend rather than placing a request. In a destination defined by natural beauty and curated design, it was Shamoon’s quiet, attentive care that made each moment feel effortless and unforgettable. Capella Hotels, the group behind Patina, presents butlers as ‘Culturists’ or ‘Essentialists’. While gracious service remains the foundation, they operate as a culturally intelligent ambassador—interpreting, anticipating, and personalising guest journeys with discretion and emotional awareness.
At Shinta Mani Mustang (Nepal) and Shinta Mani Wild (Cambodia), the butler service comes with an adventurous spirit. Known as ‘Bensley Adventure Butlers’, these dedicated hosts are paired with guests to act as both personal concierge and knowledgeable guide throughout the stay. Their role goes well beyond conventional service, seamlessly handling spa appointments and dining arrangements while also curating and personally leading explorations across the dramatic Mustang landscape or Sihanoukville. With a deep understanding of the region’s culture, history, and terrain, they bring each journey to life through rich storytelling and rare, insider access.
Capella Culturists play an essential role in crafting guest delights.
An evolving industry need
Sonu from Ran Baas The Palace, Nikita from Raffles Udaipur, Thungjano from Fairmont Udaipur, and Arjit from The Leela Hyderabad have made me feel comforted, cared for, and left lasting impressions as hard-working women who do this job with a smile. From planning an anniversary surprise (that I never told them about) to arranging my partner’s favourite cheesecake for a pre-birthday surprise (they followed us on Instagram to find this), they have proven how anticipatory service can elevate a hotel experience manifold.
Butlering is serious business. Josephine Ive, one of the UK’s first female butlers, who has served Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and senior British judges, is now a globally respected hospitality educator, author, and mentor blending traditional butlering with modern luxury service philosophies. At the exclusive 5-bedroom Tsubasa Chalet in Hanaridge, Japan, her legacy carries through in butler Patrick dela Cruz, trained under her supervision to deliver highly personalised, all-encompassing service as a single, intuitive point of contact for guests.
Recognising the need for training and skill development in this segment, The Leela Palace Services Development Programme has been developed as an 18-month, holistic training journey that blends classroom learning with immersive, real-world experience. Drawing on expertise from global institutions such as The Butler’s Guild and Heibron Hospitality, it sharpens both the technical and emotional aspects of luxury service, with a strong focus on cultural sensitivity, body language, tone, and intuitive presence.
Since launching in 2022, the programme has enrolled over 200 associates with a 71% retention rate, and has become a key talent pipeline, with many graduates progressing into the Leela Leadership Development Programme.
Being new to this, Arora shares The Park Hotel’s training model. “It includes structured classroom sessions, role-play and real-time scenario simulations, shadowing experienced butlers to understand service dynamics, continuous feedback and learning through guest reviews and peer assessments, and collaborations with luxury service consultants.”
At Aman, the training model emphasises on cultural awareness to meet the expectations of the brand’s diverse clientele, emotional intelligence to better understand guest needs, and the discreet use of technology to enhance service without intrusion.
Evidently, the timeless craft of butlering is constantly evolving and hoteliers are making sure they provide the right impetus to young professionals to excel at this demanding role.
Raffles' butler service dates back to 1887 when Raffles Singapore opened its doors.
The five takeaways from the evolving role of butlers in the luxury hospitality industry
- The butler role has evolved beyond tradition
While core qualities such as discretion, grace, and attentiveness remain timeless, modern butlers now require emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and intuitive understanding to meet the demands of today's ‘emotional economy’ and diverse global guests.
- Personal connection is the new hallmark of luxury
The finest butler service transforms formal hospitality into genuine, human relationships—turning butlers into trusted companions, cultural ambassadors, and "emotional architects" who anticipate needs and create meaningful, memorable experiences.
- Hotels are innovating with unique butler concepts
Brands such as Aman (‘Batman’), Ritz-Carlton Reserve (‘Patih’), Patina (‘Essentialist’), Capella Hotels (‘Culturist’) and Shinta Mani (Bensley Adventure Butlers) are redefining the role with localised, immersive twists that blend personal service with storytelling, adventure, and cultural depth.
- Inclusivity and diversity are reshaping the profession
The modern butler defies traditional stereotypes of gender, age, or background. Women and young professionals from varied origins are excelling in the role, bringing warmth, empathy, and fresh perspectives to luxury service.
- Structured training is essential for excellence
Hotel groups such as Raffles, The Leela, The Park Hotels, and Aman invest heavily in comprehensive training programs focusing on emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, role-play simulations, and discreet use of technology to develop and retain top-tier butler talent.
Bensley Adventure Butlers add an edge to wild experiences at Shinta Mani hotels.
Butlers at the Manor at St. Regis Goa often double up to entertain tiny guests.
Hospitality Voices on The New Language of Butlering
Vaneeta Arora, Corporate Director - Housekeeping, ASPHL.
While the timeless qualities of discretion, grace, and attentiveness remain, we ensure that our butlers are also now in tune with modern professional dynamics, adaptability, and a refined sense of cultural awareness.
Vaneeta Arora
Corporate Director - Housekeeping, ASPHL
Harry Fernandes, Regional Director, Aman, India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
An efficient butler embodies a blend of anticipation and personalised attention while maintaining the highest respect for privacy and space. This role demands not only adaptability and meticulous attention to detail but also cultural sensitivity and problem-solving skills.
Harry Fernandes
Regional Director, Aman, India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka
Ravindra Mishra, Associate Director, The Leela Palaces Services, F&B Service - The Leela Palace New Delhi.
The role of a modern butler today defies boundaries of gender, age, or background. What unites our butlers is a shared sensibility, a rare combination of poise, empathy and intuitive understanding.
Ravindra Mishra
Associate Director, The Leela Palaces Services, F&B Service - The Leela Palace New Delhi
Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur.
Today, the butler remains a timeless symbol of genuine care, discretion, and emotional connection in an increasingly impersonal world. True excellence lies in the quiet confidence with which they orchestrate experiences—always present yet never imposing.
Rajesh Namby
General Manager, Raffles Udaipur