The elegance of good manners: a journey through etiquette
Etiquette are the rules and guidelines that govern how we behave in social situations. The concept of etiquette originated in ancient times in Egypt, Mesopotamia and China. Later, these rules were further refined in Europe. Eventually, at the court of Louis XIV in France, etiquette became a strictly formalized system.
What is the reason for etiquette and where and when was it used in the hotel industry in restaurants?
The beginning of luxurious hospitality
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, five-star hotels were the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Etiquette here was also called "the unwritten rule book. The 19th century marked the beginning of the modern concept of luxury hotels. During this period, a number of iconic five-star hotels opened, soon and still renowned for their sumptuous interiors, great service and exclusive clientele.
Nowhere today is etiquette used as much as in hotels and restaurants. For example, a concierge still holds the door open for female guests and in some fine-dining restaurants the lady's chair is pushed aside. This rule of etiquette appears especially elegant at first, but it arose out of practical considerations. Women in the Middle Ages and later in the Renaissance wore broad and wide skirts in combination with a corset, so that they often could not fit through a narrow doorway and sitting was a task in itself.
Long evening gloves and white bow ties
In 1889, the Savoy Hotel opened in London. The hotel was founded by theater impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte, and he was soon allowed to call himself a pioneer in luxury and comfort. For example, the Savoy Hotel was the first hotel in the world to have electric lighting, electric elevators and hot and cold running water in every room. Although that is the most common thing in the world today, in the 19th century it was rare luxury. Etiquette was strict: waiters wore white gloves and dinners were served according to protocols, where precision in every detail was the norm. From etiquette, you were expected to always leave one bite on your plate. An empty plate would indicate gluttony and that the guest was still hungry.
Just under a decade later in 1898, famed hotelier César Ritz opened the Ritz in Paris. The French hotel introduced the concept of the ensuite bathroom, a revolution in hotel comfort. The etiquette at the Ritz applied not only to staff but also to guests. Soon the hotel was known for its annual gala dinners where the "White Tie" dress code was required. Women wore long evening gloves, pulled up hair and gowns in light colors and certainly no prints. Men wore a white bow tie, patent leather shoes and a black top hat. This "head-dress" was taken off indoors as a sign of confidence and that there was no hostility. According to César Ritz, the strict dress code reflected the values and traditions of the hotel and contributed to its exclusive atmosphere and timeless elegance.
In the 20th century, the luxury hotel concept grew. With new technologies and a growing international clientele demanding even higher standards of comfort and service. Competition grew so that hotels increasingly tried to distinguish themselves in all opulence.
Extravagant celebrations and personal butlers
In 1907, The Plaza Hotel opened in New York. It quickly became an icon of New York elegance. Today, many people know the hotel from the famous scene from the Home Alone movie. The hotel managed to distinguish itself with marble bathrooms and opulent ballrooms. The hotel was a trendsetter in hosting extravagant parties and social gatherings. Etiquette was less visible although a lady would always say excuse herself for a moment instead of going to the restroom.
The Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1912 in Los Angeles. The hotel was known for its glamour and exclusivity. This is where Hollywood stars and world leaders stayed. Whereas in other hotels etiquette was very visibly expressed, that was not the case here. There was a strong focus on privacy combined with luxury, allowing guests to retreat into their own bubble. Personal butlers were the norm rather than the exception for guests staying here.
Pillows Hotels' take on etiquette
Although technology and trends have changed over the years, the essence within luxury hotels has remained the same: attention to detail as well as consideration for the guest. Etiquette today is less strict, and luxury feels increasingly accessible to hotel guests.
At Pillows Hotels we want the guest to feel special and seen, without it feeling stiff and formal. But even at Pillows Hotels, you sometimes get a brief taste of age-old etiquette when the concierge holds an umbrella over your head as you get into the cab, or when the door is held up with bravado, without having to wear a wide skirt and corset.