A concierge is a customer service expert who specializes in meeting the needs of guests or customers. The responsibilities of a concierge differ depending on the position; for example, a cruise ship concierge may have very different responsibilities than a high-end resort concierge. There are many different types of concierge jobs, all of which necessitate excellent communication, efficiency, and interpersonal skills.
The travel and tourism industry employs the majority of concierges. Concierge jobs can be found in hotels, resorts, fitness clubs, spas, long-distance trains, and cruise ships. Concierge jobs can be found anywhere that assists or maintains travelers.
Concierge jobs are the pinnacle of customer service, and they can come with a wide range of responsibilities. Making special room arrangements, such as having special flowers for an arriving guest, or recommending restaurants for dining are some of the concierge jobs at hotels. Concierges at hotels are generally excellent sources of local information about the best clubs, entertainment options, and other activities in the area. Concierge jobs at upscale resorts can range from planning a sit-down en suite dinner party for a guest and his friends to daily dog walks for a VIP.
Concierge jobs on cruise ships are similar to those on land. Concierges may be able to recommend and book shore excursions as well as recommend the best sites in any port, in addition to being a wealth of information about the ship’s offerings. Cruise ship concierges, who can arrange everything from a trip to the pyramids to a candlelit beachside dinner, can be a sea traveler’s best friend.
Concierges at spas and health clubs may be able to provide a wealth of services and recommendations to clients who are pampering themselves or working up a sweat. A spa concierge may be able to perform certain tasks for the client in addition to recommending treatments, therapies, and great exercise classes at the facility. Arranging refreshments, taking clothing to the dry cleaners for busy clients, and storing a client’s valuables in a secure safe or vault for the duration of his or her stay are all common concierge jobs at a spa or health club.
Most concierge jobs necessitate a thorough understanding of the area as well as the ability to cultivate positive relationships with local businesses. Concierges may be able to secure last-minute reservations, spots on the guest list at a hot bar, or tickets to a sold-out show because they have friends at every great restaurant or dance club in the city. The ability of a truly great concierge to meet a customer’s needs in almost any area defines him or her. However, keep in mind that a concierge is not a magician and may not always be able to accommodate unusual or last-minute requests.