Confessions Of A Hotel Doorman
Cosmopolitan - South Africa|July 2017

Whether it’s holding open the limo door for an a-lister or running errands for royals,working on the door of a five-star hotel is never dull. Cosmopolitan south africa gets the lowdown on life in the most luxe lobbies on earth.

Aoife Stuart-madge
Confessions Of A Hotel Doorman

As we know, celebrities are delicate creatures (bless them), and they need serious pampering whenever and wherever they travel. Thankfully, South Africa’s world-class hotels are more than ready to cater for even the most demanding A-lister. Take Cape Town’s Cape Grace which has reportedly seen the likes of Matt Damon and Oprah Winfrey caress the hand-painted fabrics in the penthouse; or the One&Only resort where Mariah Carey, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Naomi Campbell like to hang when they’re in Cape Town. And how about Jo’burg’s Saxon, which has played host to Mick Jagger and Bill Clinton; or The Oyster Box in Durban which is a hot favourite among Brit royals such as Princes Harry and William?

The thing that keeps these celebs coming back to the same luxe resorts each time is the impeccable five-star service. And the secret to that service is all about reading the guests, anticipating their preferences and bending over backwards to make sure even their most out there request is met.

Step forward the hotel doorman: the omnipresent figure who sees and hears everything from the moment a guest checks in to when he summons a valet to get their car at check-out. Whether it’s shielding a celeb from the paparazzi bulbs on the walk from limo to lobby or making a last-minute reservation for an A-lister at a restaurant with a six-month waiting list,the doorman is a multitasker with so many tricks up his sleeve that many in the trade refer to him as a ‘human Swiss Army knife’. Need directions, tips for the best steak in town or a taxi in an instant? He’s your guy.

Of course, a top prerequisite of the job is discretion – and while the current doormen at South Africa’s five-star haunts are far too professional to blab the secrets of their famous guests (spoilsports!), we tracked down former doormen who were more than prepared to spill on their A-list guests.

Bu hikaye Cosmopolitan - South Africa dergisinin July 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Cosmopolitan - South Africa dergisinin July 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

COSMOPOLITAN - SOUTH AFRICA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Marc Buckner
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

Marc Buckner

The Bachelor SA Season 2’s star is here to make you swoon. Find out why boss babes are ready to risk it all for this adventurous dog lover.

time-read
1 min  |
May 2020
I Tested Positive For The Alzheimer's Gene At 26 Years Old
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

I Tested Positive For The Alzheimer's Gene At 26 Years Old

A DNA testing kit is like a crystal ball, but what if you don’t like what you see?

time-read
3 dak  |
May 2020
Basically No-One Has A 28-Day Menstrual Cycle
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

Basically No-One Has A 28-Day Menstrual Cycle

Brought to you by: the idea of a ‘normal’ period is a lie

time-read
2 dak  |
May 2020
For Those Times When You're Like, ‘I Love You, But You're Annoying...'
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

For Those Times When You're Like, ‘I Love You, But You're Annoying...'

Coupledom can be hard!

time-read
5 dak  |
May 2020
How To Get Sh*t Done
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

How To Get Sh*t Done

Calling all procrastinators: sometimes getting started on a new project or goal can be the hardest part. Here’s how to stop putting it off and actually press go

time-read
5 dak  |
May 2020
Is Rage Bait Okay?
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

Is Rage Bait Okay?

It has become the new engagement strategy for many brands. Companies bait their followers into engaging with their content around topics that cause outrage. But is this okay? Social -media strategists Talya Goldberg and Jabulile Dlamini -Qwesha share their views.

time-read
2 dak  |
May 2020
Is Cardio A Scam? And 7 Other Not-stupid Questions About Fitness Things
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

Is Cardio A Scam? And 7 Other Not-stupid Questions About Fitness Things

Thanks for calling 0800 -WTF- Is -This

time-read
3 dak  |
May 2020
Hold The Phone
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

Hold The Phone

Zozibini Tunzi is here to remind you all to Take. Up. Space. She’s rewriting the pageantry rulebook, and she wants you to join in (in a bath, wearing sparkly boots, because that’s just how we roll).

time-read
10 dak  |
May 2020
How To Tell It Like It Is *And Finally Get A Promotion*
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

How To Tell It Like It Is *And Finally Get A Promotion*

Receiving constructive criticism on your work can be terrifying. But do it right and it can be a career game-changer.

time-read
5 dak  |
May 2020
What Makes A Compulsive Liar?
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

What Makes A Compulsive Liar?

We all do it. Tell those lit t le white lies to ourselves, and others. But what about those for whom lying is a way of life? Catriona Harvey-Jenner investigates the rise of a new kind of scammer.

time-read
10 dak  |
May 2020