Hotel Stories

A Voyeur Runs Amok —

By Francine Ballard // Oct 11, 2015

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Mrs. Brandolini was not effusive in her confession to Sister Bruna Pellessi — her constant travel companion — of having transported far too much luggage. Sixteen cases and a yellow canary in its cage were delivered upstairs immediately upon her arrival. On the confessor: Dolce & Gabbana wool dress with sequined rose $6,995, brocade platform heel $1,395. On the confessee: Valentino wool mini cape dress $4,490. Maison Margiela gloves $435. Akris ankle boot, price upon request.

Ms. Jones had run amiss and retired on the stairs while awaiting room service. It seemed she might very well have been over-served. On Ms. Jones: Tom Ford double georgette silk kaftan gown $8,990, rope choker with stone $1,390, rope bracelet $990, tassel earrings $490, and knee-high beaded toe boot $2,690. On attendant: Chanel Fantasy tweed jacket $6,800, cotton toile skirt $21,200, and kid suede grosgrain heel $800.

On Ms. Jones: Tom Ford double georgette silk kaftan gown with open back $8,990, rope choker with stone $1,390, rope bracelet $990, tassel earrings $490, and knee-high beaded toe boot $2,690.

Mr. Boyd favors Ms. Tadashi most of all of his lady friends. He says it is her appreciation for the arts that captures his fancy. Christian Dior patent lambskin leather coat $8,100, Crystal stretch patent calfskin boot, price upon request.

It’s a dreadful bore waiting for one’s mark hour after hour, but agent Chan never tires of poring over the trifling details. She has been here each night since the 16th of September. Michael Kors Collection doubleface wool melton trench cape $3,395, houndstooth wool pencil skirt $675, and monk strap brogue $695. Thom Browne Whale Weekender bag $2,900.

She said she required a bucket of ice; her mood said she needed much more. La Perla Sophia bra $294. Nha Khanh Angie skirt $630. Cartier white-gold earrings , $19,400, Panthère de Cartier 18K gold ring with diamonds, emeralds, onyx $34,400, and Cartier 18K white-gold diamond necklace, price upon request. Van Cleef & Arpels pendant with diamonds $52,000, and Oiseaux de Paradis white gold ring with diamonds $27,800.

Mrs. Johnson only visits three times a year but always leaves looking just a trifle younger than before. And she never travels without her lady nurse. Mrs. Johnson wears: Akris double-face wool pagoda dress $3,990, overknee boot $1,990. And her nurse: Akris double-face cashmere multi-zip jacket $4,490, and pencil skirt $1,990. Jayshree Dalal bracelet $21,000.

The right coat can change your entire attitude.

Mrs. Delahue — or shall I say the ex Mrs. Delahue — in her chambers. Obviously the settlement came through. Versace alpaca fur coat, price upon request, Greek platform sandal $1,474. Agent Provocateur Maxene dress $590.

What’s more intriguing than a hotel? All those rooms, all those stories. The staff at a top hotel has likely seen it all — but their jobs often hinge on complete discretion. Here, style editor Francine Ballard tells the tales of a hotel’s invaluable workers.

The life of a bell captain is ever intriguing, never dull. Service is our perpetual duty, discretion our call. The inner workings of an establishment depend greatly on someone who knows its surroundings intimately — and its patrons even more so.

One generally possesses a keen knowledge of all that is seen and unseen, both inside of chambers and out. A gentleman observes these peculiar instances without judgment and must be trusted safely with personal matters. No task is too menial, no request too great.

You see, my dear voyeur, all of the guests who have remained in our lodgings rely on my good sense and judgment. Quite so. But I will share their stories with you now.