Welcome to The Parker is an American reality television series produced by Snackaholic which follows the inherent drama, exhausting lives and complicated relationships between the top-notch hotel staff of the five-star Parker Palm Springs hotel, and their exacting and sometimes very particular guests.
The series aired in the USA on Bravo from 26 July to 30 August, 2007. There are six hour-long episodes in one season.
Welcome to The Parker premiered in South Africa on SABC3 on Thursday 19 May 2011, at 19h30. New episodes broadcast weekly.
Synopsis
What does it take to maintain a pristine reputation and meet the impossible demands of the A-List clientele at one of the nation's top five-star resorts?
Bravo goes inside the luxurious world of the Parker Palm Springs Hotel in the new docu-series Welcome to The Parker.
Each one-hour episode follows the inherent drama, exhausting lives and complicated relationships between the top-notch hotel staff and their exacting and sometimes very particular guests.
There's never a dull moment at this retreat for the rich and famous – whether designer Jonathan Adler demands a full-time "pillow fluffer" to maintain the hotel's lush décor or an over-the-top food critic puts everyone in a tizzy, or a group of Hollywood insiders trash the hotel's most expensive suite with a tricycle and too much beer.
The Parker's hard-working staff must keep the hotel's sterling reputation intact and is comprised of colourful personalities.
Make certain you don't miss the lives, relationships and drama of the Parker Palm Springs hotel staff and their guests.
The Parker Staff
Michael runs the ultra-chic hotel restaurant mister parker's. Dashing and looking like a young George Hamilton, he's the consummate host and ensures the right mood and tone for the restaurant.
But don't expect to get a table there if you don't have reservation weeks ahead, unless he takes a shine to you.
John Federbush, Chief ConciergeJohn prides himself on the fact that he can get anything for anyone in the desert, and he does it with a smile. His unconventional familiarity with guests is both tolerated and encouraged at the Parker.
His reputation as a "hugger" is just part of the package, even if it makes Samir squirm.
Lynne Dibley, HR DirectorLynne, an outspoken, brash, former stand-up comic, trains new employees and is their best ally and sometimes worst nightmare.
Rocio Varela, Executive ChefWith just one kitchen at The Parker to service Norma's restaurant, mister parker's, all room service, poolside dining and every banquet, meeting and wedding The Parker hosts - it's no surprise that a woman like Rocio presides over the organized chaos.
At the centre of this hurricane, Rocio - a no-nonsense woman with standards higher than Thomas and Samir's and a passion for perfection - holds court and commands attention.
Michael Twomey, New Catering Sales ManagerMichael - new to The Parker and the hotel business - has both people skills and flair for presentation which make him a natural at the job. Michael's wit has quickly made his presence felt, but he has a lot to learn, and learning on the job is never easy.
Andrea Higgins, SalesAndrea is an unflappable veteran of the hotel business, but that doesn't mean it's her whole life. A self-professed "social butterfly," she works to support her social life and takes each new crisis and complaint with a grain of salt.
Her tricks of the hospitality trade are constantly being put to use to bail out newbie Michael Twomey, her closest friend at The Parker.
Nathan Lourn, Room Service WaiterNathan's just trying to make a living in Palm Springs, but working in room service places unusual and unexpected demands. Guest requests come at all hours, and they want everything imaginable and then some.
Not an easy job, but Nathan gets a kick out of the unique insight he gets into the private doings of The Parker's well-heeled guests.
EpisodesEpisode 1: Guess Who's Coming to (Criticize) Dinner?
Hotel manager Samir leads a staff meeting about "obsession," explaining to his team that they have to be obsessed about what they do to make sure the Parker is five-star. He isn't kidding and heads will roll if they can't get it right.
Samir asks Food and Beverage Manager, Sidd, to conduct a random test of room service to ensure performance is up to snuff, and Room Service waiter Nathan gets evaluated.
Checking in this week - a ping-pong tournament hosted by rich Hollywood industry players plus international food critic, Leslie McElroy. The pong players have a little too much fun and a little too much to drink while staying in the estate's most luxurious suite, Gene Autry's former residence.
New Catering Sales Manager Michael is responsible for them but he's in over his head. Sales Manager Andrea tries to look out for Michael but she can only do so much.
Episode 2: Let Them Eat Tarts
Parker interior designer Jonathan Adler checks in this week, and everyone is on their toes. Rest assured, he isn't a wallflower when it comes to speaking his mind and expressing his concerns about how his vision is being maintained.
Meanwhile, Chief Concierge John is organizing a magical weekend for newlywed guests Vanessa and Julie. Julie lost her wedding ring and Vanessa has been trying to find the right moment to surprise her with a replacement. She has chosen this weekend at the Parker to plan a treasure hunt with John's help that Julie will never forget.
New Catering Sales Manager Michael has his hands full with a demanding group who are throwing a huge party with a lot of last-minute requests. Can he pull off his first big corporate event without a hitch?
Episode 3: Drag Queens and a Drama Queen
New Catering Sales Manager Michael is caught between two very different demanding clients this week. He's planning a $30K party at the Gene Autry suite for promoter Doug Fregolle, and at the same time, he has to scramble to get everything together for a charity bingo game hosted by famous drag queens Bridgette of Madison County and Coco Peru.
Meanwhile, high-end travel agent Jill Johnson arrives at the hotel to test all aspects of customer service. The Parker staff is on high alert as a recommendation from Jill can mean big money. Will they win her over?
Episode 4: The Business of Pleasure
This week, love is in the air at the Parker. The Pleasure Chest, a high-end sex toy company, is staying at the Parker in an effort to get the resort to stock their products.
Meanwhile, Michael, the new Catering Sales Manager, is busy trying to organize a party for the Charisma Arts group, a charm school for men learning to improve their skills with women.
Charisma Arts is conducting its training session at the Parker and needs Michael to find 30 women for their students to practice their skills on.
Overworked and exhausted, Michael sets out to find sexy single girls for a bunch of lovable losers.
Episode 5: Making Up Is Hard To Do
New Catering Sales Manager Michael has his biggest event yet this week, a special charity dinner for the Desert Cancer Foundation... and all does not go according to plan.
Cocktail waitresses Adrianna and Danielle decide to put their beautification skills to use and give Annette from the spa a makeover.
Meanwhile, stand-up comic Retta checks in to the Parker with her nutritionist Ashley. Retta thinks she's on vacation, but Ashley is on a mission to make sure Retta eats healthily while on the road. Not Retta's idea of a good time.
Episode 6: Last Looks
It's an emotional scene when Thomas, the General Manager, and Lynne, the HR Director, must confront New Catering Sales Manager Michael about his job performance.
Lynne also has to plan a wedding ceremony with only a few hours notice for Frank and Shannon Colacino. They have come to the Parker to renew their wedding vows, but left the planning up to their four young children... never a good idea.
Andrea has her hands full when high profile photographer Chris Anthony checks in. Using the Parker as the location for a new photo series, he comes to the property with a lot of weird, ghostly props and many demands.
And finally, the Parker staff all comes together for the end of the season party where good drinks and good times keep rolling.