Remembering guest preferences make them feel special and make the service (and person delivering it) highly impressive.
Here are just few of the most delightful experiences I have had the pleasure of encountering:
Remembering the type of coffee you had ordered during breakfast the day before
Remembering your food allergy/dislike from the last stay few years ago
Remembering your favourite customised mocktail and preparing this as welcome drink - instead of the standard beverage - during the subsequent check-in three years later
Remembering your preferred vegetables which were and still are not in the Room Service menu, but having them ready on standby during your subsequent stay, so that you can have it when you want.
Remembering that the previous night, our table of 4 had ordered a bottle of wine but only 3 glasses were requested. The next evening, when another bottle was ordered by the group, we were asked if it would be 3 or 4 glasses that evening.
Noticing that you are a left-hander and adjusting the cutlery and coffee cup handles accordingly
To be able to do these, one is most probably super attentive, detail-oriented, and has an elephant memory. More importantly, it is about having the right mindset of wanting to make a positive difference and leave a lasting impression.
Reflective thoughts: How does your team demonstrate recognition of guests through their preferences?