The only positive experience we have had with butlers was at &Beyond (Sossusvlei Desert Lodge) in Namibia in December. He was assigned exclusviely to us and proactively looked for ways to be helpful. He chose a different dining spot for us each meal, intended to maximize our privacy as well as our pleasure. One night, he had us at pool level with candles all around. One lunch, he had seated us on the balcony where we could see the wonderful view to the horizon. He learned our beverages likes and dislikes and switched to homemade lemonade whenever we returned from a ride. He organized the kitchen staff to make a cake for us and to sign a local song of celebration.

Other that that, butlers frustrate rather than please. They fail to proactively do anything, they are often unavailable as they have a long list of guests to whom they are assigned, and we have no idea what to ask of them.