From the Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar to the Siam Bangkok, Seychelles, Gozo in the Mediterranean, and the Gran Hotel Manzana in Havana, Cuba, there is always one at your service.
Every Kempinski Hotel has a Lady In Red, and, in these times of evening, an increasing number of Gentlemen In Red now too.
There are more than 150 “Ladies (and Gentlemen) in Red” across Kempinski’s worldwide 70-plus property portfolio.
The now iconic hospitality concept from Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group began in 1979 at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski next to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. In 2016, Giovanni Maldonado became the first Gentleman in Red.
Dressed in tailor-made svelte dresses and red heels and wearing red ties, red socks, and red pocket squares, the ladies and gentlemen in red are not just “meeters and greeters”. They are Kempinski’s interpretation of the traditional hotel concierge.
Says Antony Shaw, VP of Training For Kempinski Hotels: “They are our brand ambassadors and guest relations team/ You need to possess an extra sparkle, know about the city, and be well-versed in local gastronomy, history, and contemporary culture. Red Team members play a pivotal role in every guest’s stay and are trained to spot any opportunity to go above and beyond for our guests.
“Probably 30% of the skills necessary for the role can be taught during training. The rest is innate: intangible qualities like compassion, empathy, and kindness that come naturally to anyone who works in hospitality, especially those hoping to don the coveted red uniform.”
Kempinski Team Red provides a genuinely personalized and intuitive guest experience based on cultural empathy, guest intelligence, and an understanding of each individual guest’s needs. THEY evoke an authentic sense of place and occasion, showcasing the cultural nuance and classic European elegance for which Kempinski is known worldwide. They play a pivotal role in every guest’s stay.
Explains Benedikt Jaschke, Chief Quality Officer Kempinski Hotels: “Whether it’s a special anniversary celebration, a surprise proposal, or a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday, they draw upon their passion for craftsmanship, gastronomy, and local culture to ensure visitors are well-equipped to live unforgettable memories every time they visit.”
“A Lady in Red is no mere wallflower,” says Petra Portilla, Lady in Red at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich. “We are approachable, attentive, and curious, but discrete and cultivated at the same time, good-mannered, polite, but also discerning. We all share the Kempinski perspective on luxury— that it must be rare, must be felt, and must be original. In fact, we are always ready to pick up on small hints that might reveal how we can add a dash of magic to a guest’s stay.
“I love to spread magic. Once, I helped a couple get engaged. The young man wrote me about 50 emails for advice. I have heard of one lady in red who helped a couple who were staying in her hotel while receiving fertility treatment. They named the child after her because she was so nice. We all love to do something unforgettable. Wearing red makes you feel special. Our job is to make everyone feel spellbound. Everyone is a VIP.
“You have to be outgoing, elegant, dedicated to please, authentic, and it’s important to speak different languages. You have to be sensitive to the unspoken words. Our guests are well-traveled and used to the best hotels, and you need to feel what they really want and to create a unique stay for them. We are dedicated to pleasing. Empathetic and intuitive, A Person In Red acts as a friend and confidant throughout the guest’s journey.”
Red People come from all walks of life and more than 30 countries, but all share a passion for the Kempinski perspective on luxury, which means they never fail to surprise. Red is the symbol of passion, warmth, and soul.
“A Lady in Red isn’t merely a wallflower”, says Inge Tonnaer, Lady in Red at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha. “We are approachable, attentive, and curious, but discrete and cultivated at the same time, good-mannered, polite, but also discerning. Being in red means taking care of the guests in the same way as one looks after a family member. We treat all our guests as if they were close relatives.”
