London is a city renowned for its historical leverage combined with modern comforts, making it a preferred destination for families from around the world. A stay at The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences encapsulates this perfect intersection of luxury and warmth. My family’s first visit was particularly memorable as we opted for one of the apartment-style residences, a choice spurred by the challenge of finding spacious and comfortable accommodation for five. The unique feature of our residence was a private entrance and handy pop-up bunk beds that made it feel like a home away from home. Fast forward to a few years later, my husband and I enjoyed a more romantic getaway in the hotel’s elegant main building. Both experiences were enjoyable for various reasons, but what stays etched in my memory is a greater narrative — that of Jim Burns, the hotel’s beloved doorman and later, its ambassador.
Jim Burns was no ordinary hotel doorman; he represented the very essence of The Athenaeum. Standing at 6’7″ and adorned with a top hat and distinctive mutton-chop sideburns, Jim had an unforgettable presence that was synonymous with the warm hospitality of the hotel. He developed an extraordinary rapport with guests, a skill that is becoming increasingly rare in the modern hospitality landscape. His knack for remembering guests’ names and personal anecdotes was not merely a talent, but rather a testament to his genuine interest in the lives of those who walked through the hotel’s doors. As Joanne Taylor-Stagg, the hotel’s general manager, so poignantly stated, “He didn’t just share our story — he was our story.” Jim became a comforting constant in a rapidly changing world, offering guests not just a warm welcome but also a sense of belonging.
More than the luxury of the hotel, it was Jim’s well-told stories and tales from the hotel’s rich history that made guests feel special. One of my favorite stories shared by Taylor-Stagg concerns Nelson Mandela’s first visit to London after his release from prison. During this historic event, Mandela took a moment to express gratitude to Jim for his heartfelt hospitality. Moments like these went beyond the transactional nature of hotel stays, echoing the emotional connections that Jim fostered. It is in these small, unexpected moments of kindness that the fabric of truly meaningful hospitality is woven.
Jim’s journey was not merely one of guest relationships; it was also a narrative of resilience. Logically, after more than three decades at The Athenaeum, one would anticipate retirement. But fate dealt him a different hand in 2020 when a motorcycle accident left him unable to perform his duties as he once did. In a remarkable display of adaptation, rather than retiring entirely, the hotel created a unique brand ambassador role tailored specifically for him. Though he no longer donned his iconic top hat, Jim embraced this new chapter with exuberance, entertaining guests in The View—a lounge offering incredible skyline views of the city. Despite his physical limitations, his spirit remained unyielding, reminding us all that one’s legacy can continue to thrive even in altered circumstances.
The recent passing of Jim Burns leaves an undeniable void in the hearts of those who knew him or encountered his immense warmth during their stays at The Athenaeum. As the hotel continues to serve guests from near and far, it does so bearing the legacy of a man who was more than a doorman; he was a personification of hospitality, warmth, and a distinctly human touch in an industry often driven by efficiency and profit. The stories, experiences, and memories Jim left behind intertwine within the very walls of The Athenaeum, echoing a call for every visitor to find more than a place to stay but a story to become part of. Jim may have departed this world, but his spirit will forever remain at The Athenaeum, a poignant reminder of the power of genuine connection and the indelible impact one person can have in a bustling city.
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