A Very British Hotel - Episode 2
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 เม.ย. 2017
- This is episode 2 of the three part documentary focusing on the world famous Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park Hotel. The cameras follow all the day to day goings on with the staff from all over the hotel and interview guests too to get a flavour of what it is like in a 5 Star Luxury Property. In this episode, I am introduced as the new Concierge and get to learn my role quite quickly alongside veteran of the desk, Francois Xavier who has been there for 17 years. Head Concierge, Nigel keeps a close eye on me as I see just how different it is to work in a property of this magnitude and I get to find out more about the local postcode of Knightsbridge. Even my nan gets a taste of the high life when I bring her for Afternoon Tea in the Roseberry Lounge. Also in this episode, we see a wedding taking place, and the night housekeeper who is looking for a change. Filmed in the Summer of 2016, and first broadcast on Channel 4 on Thursday March 9th, 2017 at 9pm. Produced by Oxford Scientific Films
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Francois is an OG DIVA. I'd die of nervous exhaustion working for her.
So far the people who work at the hotel are more interesting than the guests.
The frenchman on the front desk needs a kick up the backside though. He's rude and patronizing.
Jemma tggggggg
I totally agree with Jennine. The staff is much more interesting than the guests!!
That's *always* true.
Hilary C I think so do. What a ahole!
New Concierge Paul bringing his NAN to see where he works, was very sweet!
Thanks David! Yeah I love my family, wanted to share the prestige of the hotel with my family. Took my Mum for dinner one weekend too but she didnt want to be on TV!!
Thanks David! She loved it!! And now I have to take her for nice teas every year!! She’s too used to it haha!
@@pauliohuliofelt so sorry for you when Francois snapped at you about Maitre Carnegie...then to see yo eating alone in the canteen I felt a bit emo'😢😘😘
Thank you so much! Lovely to hear!
That french concierge is the main actor in the hotel lol
That Monty Python French accent
I think actor is the right world. He’s very narcissistic.
He's very old school... :) It's so funny. And anyway, he knows that this is for a TV show. Maybe he's exaggerated a little bit too.
@@MeiinUK He could definitely learn a bit of humility......
He is quite a character lol.
Morgan Freeman. Class. What a wonderful series.
I'll take Claridge's, thank you.
You taking your Nan for tea, no words. I was smiling the entire time. You're awesome
Glad you enjoyed it! My Nan certainly did!!
I teared up. How sweet!
Paul, you're cute.@@pauliohulio
The best part for me.
Awww, your Nan so lovely!
Is that a real French accent from the concierge? He think he's a British guy who learned his French accent from watching Inspector Clouseau movies.
The french concierge told new man to ask questions. Then when he did he put him down with arrogance.😂😂
I still got to ask plenty of questions to be fair, the edit did make Francois come across as rude or harsh towards me but we got on absolutely fine whilst i was there!
there should be a whole reality show on the french gentleman hahaha, just iconic (meant in a very positiv way)
I agree! What a character. A true snob.
Yes. He should be one of the stars of 'allo 'allo!
@@normasouthwood3182 The french Concierge is NO gentleman!
I think he's be perfect in a Monty Python movie.
I get the sense that his theatrical snobbery appeals to the guests. He’s a kind of foil, not subservient, rather jesting/jousting but within bounds while providing service above and beyond while maintaining a serious demeanor as required, e.g., watch collector.
I can relate to the girl housekeeping night supervisor. I used to work evenings at a fine full service hotel when I was 25 years old and worked two full time jobs (no time to date anyone)but that is when I met my husband. He was actually a guest of the hotel, not a VIP but a regular guest. We have been married for 30 years now.
Absolutely gorgeous 🥰.
You found the sugardaddy huh
Beautiful and inspiring ❤
9:29 Paul (adjusting drapes): "There, that looks better, doesn't it?"
Me: "No."
no, not really!
I ve been on the both sides of the business. When i was young and poor i used to work as a housekeeper at Park Hyat near Buckingham Palace. Years after i have been their guest for 5 nights. Then start travel all over the world, sleeping in the most luxurious hotels ever, including Oriental Mandarin., George V, etc. But the hardest memory for me it is the staff s faces when i ve told them i was a housekeeper working in their hotel for £ 7,50 per hour, not even having money to pay for transport from zone 3 to zone 1.
Can I ask your career please?I would like to know
The kid at 37:34 is my spirit animal! Wearing baskets on his head at a fancy wedding. Same dude, same.
🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 right
The groom is seriously whipped, she must be from a wealthy family.
Yeah, because she’s a mess. She even seemed low-functioning.
Poor guy's so stressed out
Pig-pecked/
Nice to see a ( true)Londoner working in one of these Grand Hotels!.It gives it a little more authenticity!
Haha thanks Jerry! There aren't many of us Londoners! When I worked at the hotel before the Mandarin, people used to find it fascinating that I was actually born in London! Hope you enjoyed the programme!
@@pauliohulio Yes,I did& find many of Docu interesting..But as I said I was pleasantly surprised!
If u Travel abroad & stay in a Hotel u will often meet a local,but in London that is seen as somewhat unusual& it shouldn't be so!.
And I saw one Docu of the opening of 'The Shard Hotel in the city& they were recruiting locally👍..
@@jerryoshea3116 That's how I got the job in the first place. In 2012 after travelling and looking for a new career path, the job centre were advertising for a new hotel in the city. As someone who lived close, they were keen to get some local people in, but of all the people who interviewed (probably at least 50 people) I think me and maybe one other person got the job! I used the 4 years in that hotel building up experience going from doorman to concierge to concierge assistant manager and then went to the Mandarin and learnt a lot more! Now I host quizzes and have been approached by places like the Shard and google which mean I must be doing ok!!
@@pauliohulio That's great to hear& goes to show it can be done& that there is a local pool of untapped talent,which is often not given the opportunity ( and this bias has been going on for many yrs ,the Brit can't or won't do these Job's)
Well many will do them, if they're given the chance& u proved that!
And where did u manage?
Now we know who was the model for the concierge, Michel, on The Gilmore Girls!
Or maybe Michel was his inspiration... hopefully he also has a dramatic mother too.
Yes, a dead ringer. Right down to the physical postures and gestures. That was exactly my impression too.
....François Xavier and Nigel are TOTAL bosses and Maxim down in laundry is aDORable...:)!
I think Mr Xavier can be a bit too, well, you know.... 🧐
Funny what Samatha the bride says at 11:05, "no divorce, only husband die."
Oh dear the poor chap working alongside a hard-nose Frenchmen, ouch!
The Frenchman is hilarious
@@fleurettemvangulden7883 I doubt it. The chappie needs a lot of polish, and that takes time.
Thx for uploading Paul, we don't usually get shows like this over here in the US. Brilliant that you're the concierge training, very cool 😁😁😁😁
Have you thought of doing a vlog? 😁
@@ChristinaWoodall Well I pursued my own career setting up my own business as a quiz (trivia) writer and host since 2017. So I do that on facebook with occasional things on TH-cam. I have thought about doing more on here. watch this space!!
They could build a show around Francois! Really, each hotel staff member has personality!
Francoise is Serge from Beverly Hills Cop.
He reminds me so much of the character "Michelle" from Gilmore Girls. I always thought the character was overdone, but Francois is literally him, it`s hilarious.
If they did, nobody with any brain cells or taste would watch it. The guy is an irritating, disingenous, passive aggressive prima donna. As fake as it's possible to be.
Interesting to learn Morgan Freeman came from the wrong side of the tracks. That's why he is so down to earth. What a nice gentleman.
thanks for the upload man, if I were a billionaire, I would live in one of these fancy hotels.
How sad that for all of these people's hard work, personal sacrifice and sincere dedication, they should receive such paltry recompense.
how much do patrons of this venue tip do ya think
@@ryanstoyles7611 Most are probably very stingy.
@@ryanstoyles7611 i think most of them tip nothing since they dont even wanna interact with bellman, or staff. they feel too prestigious
They are charged a lot for the service, why expect them to tip on top of that
The GINGER wedding cake couple for the Asian wedding couple was hilarious.
I truly appreciate the behind-the-scenes moments that showcase the incredible dedication and hard work of the staffs to ensure every guest has a memorable stay.
39:40 was particularly moving-seeing Paul take his grandma to his workplace was heartwarming. I hope Paul is doing well and continues to find joy in his work and spend quality time with his family.
Thank you so much Vic. I do continue to spend quality time with my family. Next month we will all be hosting a special 80th birthday for my nan with plenty more afternoon tea! Thank you for your kind words, glad you enjoyed the programme!
Is Francois Xavier for real? It would be funny if he was an actor - his personality is so over the top & awesome!
Yes he's actually a concierge. He worked for Mandarin Oriental for 23 years - since Aug. 2021 he works for Chanel in London in Client Experience.
@@jamesrawlins735 surely thats a downgrade no? Maybe not in pay but surely as a job thats a downgrade?
@@jamesrawlins735how do you know he changed his place of work and is now somewhere else?
The new concierge with his nan are ❤ to see all the staffs with their interesting personalities candidly is so refreshing
Thank you so much! She loved it, we are putting on an 80th party for her next month with more afternoon tea! Glad you enjoyed the programme, thanks for your kid words :)
The young guy getting married was a sweetheart.
a wood a bit of a doormat, but that’s what his portly bride was looking for so, well paired I’d say.
His bride seemed to be more interested in money “you only marry once, no divorce but husband could die” 😂
Little bit surprised he wants to marry a girl....
@@DIVADUCHESSE yeeeaaaah. I have a feeling it is a marriage of convenience. 😂 but if it isn’t, good for them.
@@jauipop: In Chinese culture.. normally, the boy is more loved than the girl. So the fact that he is a lot more caring towards her is a good thing. Cos he's breaking social norms basically.
Paul you are the star of this episode 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧😀😀
Thanks Jill! And you have a great surname! Us Jackson’s need to stick together!
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17 years kids. 1st award. Some wonderful lovely Souls have the endurance of a camel walking through deserts. great congratulations to you sir
I admire the staff so much! You all deserve to be rich!
I so respect and like the talented Mr Quincy Jones. What an incredible success story!
Yes it was great seeing such a legend!
the French concierge is nothing but a pain in the butt
He's also pretentious!
He might be a bit difficult behind the scenes, to put it nicely.
He’d love that 😜. Totally fake, pretentious & has a solid iron 🧹 handle up his backside 🤮
Wonder how much commission he made on the watches bit of a spiv I think and brown noser .
Notice the ice! It was Square. This is how the ice is made for the Queen of England because a cube melts slower every other shape of ice. I had no idea they could get Square ice out of a machine. Impressive. What hotel what a crew!
Square mold=square ice
Ice makers in residential freezers all have the sliver-moon shape. I don’t care for it. It tends to get stuck on the side of the glass when you’re drinking, then suddenly breaks free and you get a deluge on your face and shirt. Most inconvenient undignified. It must be the shape that releases and slides free from the tray most easily. I’m American and we do love plenty of ice in our drinks.
"I said I'd marry him, because he gave me everything he had." - Red flag -
It seems like she is from money and he isn’t. So for him to give generously showed that he truly loved her. She could probably have a wonderful fancy life without him but wants to marry him for love.
When she said he gave her all he has, she could’ve also meant like love as well as money
These people working are the kind of co workers I wish I could have....hardworking and dedicated. I would love to work there.
Money makes them rich but not special as one man said.
Paul would be me. I would take mum or my nan for a tea.
Good man Jack!! This is what I like to hear!!
Your nan is a gem and a pleasure to watch- I hope you are still in the job and loving it paul- you are a natural 😊
thank you very much!!! I am now a quiz writer and host of trivia nights around London and for major companies and I love having my own business! I loved being a concierge and still take my Nan for afternoon teas!! she’s the best!
@@pauliohulio ah that’s such wonderful news Paul! You are such a success story and your nan and family must be so proud of you! 😃
So proud off you,what a wonderful grandson
I love the fact that no one but no one has told francios that his hair is sticking "straight" out in the back :)
LOL...if we see it....they see it! I probably wouldn't tell him either. Let him continue to walk around looking like the 'duck's arse that he is!'
jodie4609 it’s part of his affect. I would expect nothing less flamboyant from him.
just don't want it to end. but i need to sleep.
mooniacful 😂
The wedding procedure of the Chinese couple is quite common, little to do with who married into another's family (but usually women is married into men's families in Chinese culture) or who with more $$.
Before the groom meets the bride and takes her "away" from her family, bridesmaids would prepare games and questions for the groom as a way to prove his love and worth (in this case, one of those games is eating 2 bananas), and the best men would help him. All in good fun. Personally, I don't see the point of this part, but this is when young people and the couple enjoy and get "creative".
After the groom passes and finally enters the room, the couple would offer tea to senior members of the bride's family, usually on their knees, and receive in return words of blessing and/or gifts ($$ in red envelops or stuff representing fortune, love, prosperity, fertility, etc). Lastly, the term of the bride's parents, who bless the newlyweds and "warn" the groom to treat their daughter well. This is when everyone gets teary-eyed. The father would particularly have a hard time to part with his little girl (in some sense equivalent to walking her down the aisle and giving her away at the altar). Then the parents put the veil over the bride's head and begin sending off the couple to the groom's home (i.e. marrying her into another family).
I'm only explaining the part shown in this episode. Details vary in different locations or families, but the general guidelines are quite similar.
Thank you for explaining.
They are a reality show. I want to see more!!!
the bride had way too many comments about money and cost of her ring, I thought
She doesn’t looks like anyone’s “little girl”. Seems quite avaricious.
Beautiful hotel. Strong characters all around. That Chinese bride is why men sometimes don't get married. "We don't get divorced. Marriage ends, only...if husband dies" . What a horrible thing to say before your own wedding. He's clearly terrified of her.
There’s clearly a language barrier, you numpty
Paul I trust you developed the required thick skin to work with that bonafide Narcissist Francois. To my mind he is completely unsuitable for the Concierge role. Barely concealed contempt for every guest. Completely lacking in grace and kindness. I just sense a nightmare toxic environment working at that hotel. I wish Paul good luck in his career progress regardless.
💯 👍 ⚡
That's just him being naturally French...why do you think the French and the Brits don't get on very well?... You can see him muttering under his breath ' Silly English typesaaa!' 🤣🤣
How very wrong.
I can t simply stand the french concierge 💁
@@giuseppecataldo5840 Is he actually French?
Commenter says for the first time the hotel will reveal their secret to success... no brainer its, Hard working people, Great service which spells out Success. Great job. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
that bride looks rather more like his mother than his wife-to-be
That French guy is such a scammer
He's a snot.
Makes me want to visit London again. Love the British.
I like the head concierge the English bloke.
Love the new concierge, he's good people
Thank you very much :)
omg.............Francois is a star, so pompous bless him. Brilliant
Why would you want to waste a blessing on someone has pompous as him??!!
Thank You Ducky Hanh Hoang, glad you enjoyed it :)
what a fantastic & interesting episode -- this one as well as Episodes 1 and 3. I love all the personalities
Morgan Freeman! The Employees are Fab ❤
Well done you, Paul! Thanks for sharing with us.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliant cafeteria! Used to work at the Century Plaza back in the 70s all the presidents went there. We ate so well.
Listening to these very interesting episodes now, take on a whole new world of meaning……
François Xavier is incredible at his job. As a leader and trainer, he should hope that new team members will become as good as him some day. Somehow I don''t think he will train anyone to his level.
We went for breakfast there once and were served BURNT TOAST !
I can't believe this room cleaner is writing things on her hands. As a manager I would call her up on that. She's got to have heard of a pen and paper or a tablet.
Sometimes you don't have the things you need on hand. What matters is that she got the job done.
Whatever gets the job done i say.
Concierge team is the best
Can I just point out that the suites are decor challenged??
Such a nice man you are, Mr. Jackson. Thank you for uploading this.
Thank you very much! Glad everyone can get such joy out of it. It was only 4 months of my life but it brings joy to so many on TH-cam so I'm glad I shared it!!
I love this hotel and the staff so much
I feel the hard-working staffs, no matter what they are doing or where they are working, are more respectable.
Rike understands happy wife happy life 😂😂😂😂
2 key takeaways from the Chinese couple who got married :
1. Hubby is henpecked : Wifey wears the pants in that relationship.
2. Wifey's family must be the rich one. Refer to no 1.
How happy was she to be out of there!
Yes, I expected her singing "free free at last" or sth like that...
I wonder if that vomit ever got cleaned up...lol
This is the very type of hotel that would still fawn and pamper around Harvey Wankstein if he was to drag his predators sorry ass through those doors ..
Simon Rodgers soooo, you don’t care for the hotel then?
The hotel and the workers aren’t responsible for his crimes
New concierge Paul bringing his Nan to lunch. So decent of him. Lovely guy.
Thank you! Family means a lot to me, so it was important to show my nan where I worked and give her a taste of the Mandarin life!! Seems like a long time ago now, 8 years!
I love the first Concierge with the beard he is just the right amount of smart ass that one needs to be in that job.
This beautiful hotel is special in every way!
These episodes are amazing!! My dream is to own a hotel so I'm very motivated and dedicated and learning everything I can! These episodes give an amazing insight of how the greats do it!!
5 years later, after Covid especially, if this is still your dream (or if you just want to see a good documentary), watch the documentary about the renovation of Le Crillon in Paris. They not only show the meticulous renovation of one of the best hotels in the world, they show how they surpass any guests expectation, and without attitude, as it should be!
@S M I know… it’s hard times for all industries right now, and not all dreams come true.
@@skontheroad perfect, I found it and a few other topics about Le Crillon Hôtel, I’ll start watching and reading a bit about it right away ☺️ thank you!
@MultiChristyk I hope you found it and enjoyed it! But as a PS, I recently spoke with a friend who stayed there shortly after the opening and said they had the worst stay ever! And they were there on work's dime, so it was not their hard earned money being spent, which means they must have really had a bad stay! It happens, of course. I would still recommend it. And the documentary on the renovation as well as the training of the staff is still something very much worth watching! I have stayed at the best hotels in the world, and some 3 star properties, and it is always the service that makes the difference! Although I still always find historic properties magical, even when the service is not on pat, or as memorable as the hotel itself.
Good luck in your endeavors. Like restaurants, the hotel industry is very difficult with high overhead and very hard work involved.
Thank you for your sharing
The concierge’s voice is so oily.
God it is very hard work !!!! but if it wasn't for the staffs hard work then it would not exist and be a great hotel...well done
Sounds like an amazing hotel..... "I live in my world where I count the pennies for the rent"
Good to see you are from a council estate in Islington very inspiring
Thank you! Yep, anyone can work anywhere if they have the right attitude and are willing to do the best they can! My stay at the Mandarin was only ever going to be a summer job before they refurbed half of the hotel, but I enjoyed it immensely and learnt a lot! Fond memories! Nice that a guy from a council estate can start up his own business and host quizzes for companies like TH-cam and Google too! But I will remain humble!! I know how hard I need to continue to work! And I do it all for my mum and family who raised me so well :) Thanks for the nice comments!!
10:04 No Naked Candles.....More Cow Bell. LOL
It’s probably a health & safety issue.
All of the employees are a class all their own AWESOME but the French concierge I don’t want to jack up the spelling of his name but he totally rocks I mean so committed to service with such professionalism it’s not easy to be in that position and love it seventeen years gracious whew Congratulations :)!!!
I feel the opposite.
The French concierge spewing sugary venom makes me feel nauseous.
Whereas the understated English ones didn't appear to be so affected.
And each to their own but that unattractive Asian woman who measured the poor man she's elected to marry by his willingness to spend ALL his money on a diamond for her is pathetic IMV. 🙄
Clean and pristine YES
Obsequious and materialistic NO
He's a person who has found a way to let their personality shine through..he is brilliant!
Hotel looks so dark and eerie.
The bride look like the grooms mother!
.....who else thinks Samantha is the beard?
My first thought was "She knows he's gay, right?"
(Which graduated to "Does HE know he's gay ... ?")
Right?
Night shift housekeeping staff should use a writing pad for writing guest requests rather than making her hands dirty.
That was so gross! I couldn't believe she did that, no girl - just no!
So elegant.
They appear sniveling and groveling for that tip .
"Watch collector". Bored rich guys.
Give me Paul as the Concierge any day! Non pretentious people who are willing to help make lives of people so much better during travel.
Thank you! I guess not coming from a hotel background, I stumbled into it in 2012 and then worked hard which meant when I went to the Mandarin, I was willing to learn but was just still a guy from London who wanted to help others. One of my biggest strengths I would say! I still use it today when hosting quizzes around London, treat every player (especially ones on holiday) with personality and make them enjoy every minute of it!
wife never dies - ever - got it -
The bride must be the one with the money. She seems a lot older than the groom
He’s much more attractive & she’s twice the size he is. Also a bit weird he was fussing over hanging her dress up.
@@jeanlind7540 His fussing over the dresses was gay. Lol. How could they not have requested a clothing rack to hang the dresses? The curtain rod is not meant for that extra weight and could break.
perfection is an illusion
I noticed that the groom had to carry his own luggage up to the room , what's with that!
I believe he'd been shopping.
I worked in 5* Hotels in Dubai and AbuDhabi for 6 years and all i can say it fucking bad sucks experience , they pay the minimum like 250$ monthly salary while the room per night is 400$ -500$ and the big managers takes -4000-6000$ lives in villa while mormal employee live 2 or 3 in one room, and managers mostly promotes people who leaks and kiss thier ass not who do his work , one day off unfair life they hold your passport etc.....
I have seen this beofre but am so gladf to se it again - Love Francoise Xavier by the way!
The building actually looks a bit grotty on the outside--a good clean is needed.
the new staff is awesome, very respectful and down to earth. he will go far
Thank you for your kind words! I would like to think I used my time at the Mandarin as a springboard for what I do now! A very interesting time!
Looking nice...
I'd love to meet Francios. He's fantastic! D'Elegance française par excellence!