Nothing but the best
It was the Champagne part of the ‘80`s and I had landed on my feet, a job at The Mayfair Intercontinental, with 311 bedrooms and 55 suites dripping with marble, chandeliers, mirrored bathrooms with 4 seater Jacuzzis and not a trouser press in sight, THE place to stay in the rockn`roll world.
As Sales Manager I made contact with record companies to sell the dream and ensure that stars whims and fancies were taken care of, which became a touch more exotic if somebody else was paying the bill.
So, all was ready for the arrival of the star then known as Prince who would be occupying the 2 bedroom/4 bathroom Maharajah Suite, (one bathroom equipped with giant Jacuzzi, one for washing), a lounge and separate dining area for 8 people.
As usual Security whisked him up to the 6th floor and, as usual, I met with `his people` to represent `my people` to check that we had removed the bubbles from the sparkling mineral water and the green Smarties from the tubes.
“The room is lovely and he totally loves the décor” gushed his person “surely the best suite in town”
Somewhat caught up in the moment I gushed back “You should see our Penthouse Suite, it`s even better with private kitchen, baby grand piano and a private elevator”
“Oh” she said carefully “is it closed for refurb at the moment ?
`”Oh no” I said proudly “it`s reserved for Michael Jackson”
I was probably too inexperienced to interpret the pursed lips and silence that followed as we shook hands and parted………….as Prince and his entourage departed 45 minutes later.
Michael Duffy