Sybaritic Single Sighs For Bygone No Work-From-Hotels Days
The Sybaritic Single remembers the time when he was wearing the newest Christian Dior runway look, chic black shorts with a white bar jacket. Pleased with the edgy set, he walked into the lobby lounge of The Ritz-Carlton Jumeira for an afternoon tea.
The maître d'hôtel approached and very politely advised that shorts were not allowed in the lounge: yes, it was the middle of a quiet afternoon at a seaside resort in Dubai - not even on the terrace and with a promise of being glued to the seat there and not parading around the place.
The rules were strict: no shorts in the lobby lounge, regardless of their pedigree - and they were firmly enforced by the Marriott ladies and gentlemen in charge of the ambiance.
A decade later one chilly rainy morning, the Sybaritic Single is at his favourite Hôtel Plaza Athénée refreshing after a long flight with a morning champagne while he is waiting for his appointment at Dior's most important boutique. Visiting Paris is always a fancy affair and he enjoys spending time around Avenue Montaigne for its style - the place to see and be seen during fashion weeks.
But it appears quite different during other times of the year as now the gallery resembles a neighborhood internet cafe: across from him is an overweight guest wearing a shapeless hoodie with a baseball cap and gym shorts, working on a laptop with two mobile phones in front of him. Next to the Sybaritic Single is a boisterous Asian male with a strong American accent videoconferencing on full speakerphone volume. Opposite is another bizarre couple wearing sunglasses and hats while rattling their flatware. Not celebrities, just obnoxious.
The staff glide gracefully between the tables pretending it’s just another Thursday morning.
Having heard enough of ghastly bits and pieces from the unnecessary conference call about the crypto and "Monaco's rich people”, the Sybaritic Single begs for another table in the far end of the lounge while trying to explaining his discomfort.
“I very much understand your point,” replies the waitress as she looks down with a heavy sigh.
Once a fashion rebel himself, today the Sybaritic Single fondly remembers the age of certain elegance. The world has changed and the face of luxury isn’t always synonymous with good manners in public places. Perhaps, luxury hotels should regain their authority and set the tone.