Introducing Robert Watson, President of the Guild of Professional English Butlers

Robert Watson has spent his whole career working in the world’s luxury hotels.

His career has encompassed Restaurant and Room Service Waiter, Food & Beverage Auditor, Night Manager, Restaurant Manager, Room Service Manager, Receptionist, Banqueting Manager, Duty Manager and Head Butler. With his wide and varied experience Robert is well qualified to pass on his high standards which are fundamental to guest satisfaction.

As Head Butler at The Lanesborough, London, Robert was responsible for setting up and training the Butler department where outstanding service led to an average yearly occupancy of over 90%. During his six years at The Lanesborough Robert developed many of the systems, standards and training which has kept this hotel at the forefront of the luxury hotels of the world.

During his time at The Lanesborough Robert was asked by Rosewood Hotels to set up and train the Butlers at The Dharmawangsa Hotel in Jakarta. Very shortly after its opening The Dharmawangsa became renowned in South East Asia for its high level of guest care and attention to detail, this confirmed Robert’s belief in his training methods and encouraged him to form his own company.

Since setting up The Guild of Professional English Butlers in 1998 Robert has undertaken projects around the world in hotels, cruise ships and luxury yachts.

Roberts training now encompasses Customer Care Training for all guest contact staff based on his Butler Training since his belief is that great service is easier to give than bad service and that very often bad service is the result of poor training.

Great service is no accident, it requires:

Effective training

Precise instructions

Detailed planning