Concierge, pronounced “cawn-see-airzsh,” is one of the oldest and most prestigious occupations, dating back over 800 years to medieval times. The term comes from the French Comte Des Cierges, which literally means “Keeper of the Candles.” His job entailed tending to the needs of European nobility who were visiting castles and palaces.
The importance of having a concierge was quickly recognized, and the role was expanded to include executing justice in the King’s service. Having a concierge became quickly ingrained in the elite nobility’s lifestyle and was regarded as a necessary status symbol.
Concierges worked as property caretakers in apartments in nineteenth-century Europe. They lived on the property and kept an eye on it, as well as providing security and attending to the needs of the residents. The position of concierge had established itself around the world the twentieth century and had become accessible to the general public. Concierge services were required in all high-end hotels the turn of the century, and the end of the century, most hotels had them.
Positions at hospitals, theme parks, and private clubs were added to the title in the twenty-first century. Because the start-up costs are low, it has also become a haven for private personal errand businesses. In the United States, a society of concierge physicians was founded in 2003. The goal was to establish retainer-based practices in order to provide better and more efficient service to their patients.
In the concierge business, the most common position is still in hotels. Many high-end hotels have a concierge (or club) level that provides premium services and security. Even the cheapest hotels provide an entrance attendant, as well as luggage, message, and reservation assistance.
A concierge serves as your point of contact for any accommodations, recommendations, or reservations that you might need. There are no requests too small or too large, and each task is completed with a sense of humour, integrity, and discretion. Their goal is to improve the hotel guests’ experience while also promoting tourism and the city’s unique attractions. Spa and massage treatments, limo services, boarding passes, restaurant reservations, event tickets, and city tours are all standard services.
Private jet charters, luxury yacht charters, exotic car rentals, mansion stays, and other services are available to the ultra wealthy through personalized concierge services. Exclusive custom operations producing the highest ratings include Bluefish Concierge Services, Corporate Concierge, Millionaire’s Concierge, and Premier Concierge.
Members of The Clefs D’or, pronounced “clay door,” which translates to “gold keys,” are the concierge world’s elite. This one-of-a-kind international society was founded in 1929 Ferdinand Gillet, a legendary Parisian concierge. A pin with crossed gold keys worn on the members’ lapels identifies them as members of an international service organization. These members will only stay in the best hotels.
The Clefs D’or society holds its members to the highest standards of service. “In Service Through Excellence” is their motto. They have a good sense of what’s going on in their city and know what to recommend and what to avoid. Zagat, Fodor’s, airline guides, maps, sample restaurant menus, entertainment, nightlife, sports, theater, and music listings are among their tools of the trade.
Their greatest resource is their network of other Clefs D’ors from around the world. They also have an endless supply of acquaintances and coworkers. They act as social advisors, business expediters, and personal confidantes on occasion. Concierges have earned the trust of all travelers through a long history of dedication and excellence.