We've had butler service twice that I considered exceptional.

- Chedi, Ubud - We had a lovely pool suite. There was a room toward the outside where the butler could come and go. We don't drink alcohol, so he figured out fresh juice combinations to make for us that were delicious. On our last day, we wanted suckling pig from in town. He proactively got an extension for us to stay in our suite, sent someone to town for the pig, and then served it to us in our suite.

- andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia - This property has about a dozen suites. Our butler decided where we would eat each meal, choosing places around the property to give us privacy or at most see one or two other tables. One night, he had us down by the pool and lit several lanterns to give it a great atmosphere. We were inhouse for a special event. He had a cake made, and arranged a group of staff to sing and dance as part of the presentation.

- St Regis, Punta Mita - in general, St Regis does a very poor job of executing on their butler service. It was pretty good here, not as great as the two above, but decent. He gave us recommendations on places to eat locally and made all our bookings for us. He brought tea to the room, and got us a golf cart when we wanted to come and go. We didn't need to deal with any of the front desk staff. Rather, it felt as though we had the villa and one person to help with any matters.