The concept of some professions has evolved at the same pace as the world has - 

This is the case of the traditional butler, who was historically pictured as a tailcoated, white-gloved man always submissive to the master's needs.

These days, however, the Modern Butler and his role in the hotel industry are pretty much different.

The Modern Butler is more focused on service management itself. Firstly, he is the one who searches for the guest information prior to their arrival in order to be one step ahead of their needs, and secondly, he takes care of their stay and does the follow-up after their departure. 

All these duties can be indistinctively performed by either a man or a woman butler. Consequently, gender alone does not seem to make a difference at all. Actually, it is the combination of both gender and every one's individual capacity that enriches the position.

Recently, the number of Women Butlers has grown significantly in the hotel industry. This is funny because there are certain personality traits typical of a gender that seem naturally well-suited for the position. A woman's first natural ability is that of protecting the human being, which helps to concentrate her position on the service itself.

Being feminine (shown by a woman's sensitivity, perceptiveness and emotionality) can be seen in her everyday duties, which are characterized by "feminine delicacy" or a "feminine touch". 

 The female brain has a more detailed perception because it is capable of dissociating words from ambiance. That is why women can be more sympathetic, understanding.

This ability, plus the feminine charm can help them to cope with difficult male guests.  Culturally speaking, whereas it makes no difference to some guests (regardless of their religion) to be assisted by either a woman or a man butler, others do wish only a butler of the same sex to take care of their luggage and personal agenda.

In conclusion, the notion of the Modern Butler is no longer necessarily linked to a man.  Nowadays, Guest Satisfaction is the number-one priority. Therefore, the proper butler's skills and the combination of gender are necessary to achieve the objective.

Mariana Stachuk
Licenciada en Turismo y Hotelería
Mayordomo de Hotel
Docente Universitario
Miembro de The International Institute of Modern Butlers