I was led to this thread by another on the St Regis, and must say it's quite an entertaining read.

I guess in this day and age of instant gratification, guests and hotels have become more willing to face up to the reality of the transient nature of hotel stays, and how having a different butler each time one calls isn't really going to make anyone feel pampered anyway (unless one is used to hiring several butlers at home).

I still like how W Hotels name their concierge/one-button phone service: Whatever/Whenever. Might I add However/Whoever/Wherever -- the answer to these questions don't matter to me -- I paid a premium to stay here so could you kindly get it done please. These thoughts perhaps come to most travelers minds when they ask for service.

Having said that, I've experienced some of the sincere, thoughtful hospitality MegatopLover described in her post from a stay in Bali, and would say I've been pretty hard put to find something similar outside the island.