A concierge is an employee who serves the residents or guests of the establishment by performing duties similar to a butler or personal assistant. The tradition of a concierge began in the middle ages, but was called Comte Des Cierges, or The Keeper of the Candles. This gentleman would tend to Lords and Ladies visiting their employer's castle. During the 19th century a concierge would occupy a small unit on the ground floor of an apartment building and keep an eye on activity around the building. Today the job description of the concierge has changed in many ways. There are now three types of concierges: residential concierge, personal concierge, and vacation destination concierge.
Residential Concierge
The duties of a residential concierge are most closely related to those of the original Comte Des Cierges. In general, a residential concierge will be found in high end apartment or condo buildings attended by the wealthy. There is a very high level of trust imposed on this type of concierge. Often they are given keys to their client's dwelling along with permission to walk a dog or enter the suite in the event of an emergency. They may collect the mail of a resident who is away from home, give access to the suite for tradespeople, gather information for the resident, arrange transportation and enforce the rules of the building. If the building management is not on-site, the residential concierge may also act as a go-between for those living in the building. It is not unheard of for personal relationships to arise between concierges and residents, as they encounter each other daily and in a familiar manner.
Personal Concierge
This classification of concierge is perhaps the newest addition to the profession. They do not work out of a resort or hotel, but are part of an agency or association. A personal concierge will operate much the same way as a personal assistant, only without being in the client's presence. For example, it is common for a personal assistant to travel with their employer. A personal concierge will not take that trip to Golden Parnassus Cancun with their client, they will simply hand over the services required to the resort concierge. One can expect a personal concierge to gather information, make reservations for meals or entertainment, make appointments or non-personal phone calls, and research travel arrangements. Personal concierge companies usually bill on an hourly basis, however if you plan to use the service regularly a monthly fee may also be available.
Vacation Destination Concierge
Perhaps the most common type of concierge, the vacation destination concierge can be found at the lowest end hotel or the most exclusive resorts all over the world, such as Cancun Palace. In their most minimal form, a concierge will take reservations, accept payments, arrange transportation and attend to housekeeping requests. In high end establishments a concierge will perform the above duties as well as attending to every other request a guest may make. The expectation is for the concierge to achieve the impossible. Requests for a babysitter, unusual foods, personal entertainment, tickets to a sold out show or even purchasing personal items. These professionals receive some of the most outrageous and difficult tasks to complete. Often it is only the good ones that can succeed. For example Ms. Nancy Jeskey, M Resort Concierge Manager once had a client request two camels be placed at the door of friend's hotel room. Ms. Jeskey was able to fulfill the request, as she is a leader in the vacation destination concierge industry. The Gran Bahia Principe Tulum in Cancun has a concierge service that is often recommended in travel circles. In fact the entire staff act in a concierge capacity.
The roll of a concierge has evolved since its advent in medieval France, but not as drastically as many other professions that began during that time. There will always be travelers needing the assistance of those who know the local events and establishments. Chances are the concierge profession will continue to be prevalent well into the next century.
Residential Concierge
The duties of a residential concierge are most closely related to those of the original Comte Des Cierges. In general, a residential concierge will be found in high end apartment or condo buildings attended by the wealthy. There is a very high level of trust imposed on this type of concierge. Often they are given keys to their client's dwelling along with permission to walk a dog or enter the suite in the event of an emergency. They may collect the mail of a resident who is away from home, give access to the suite for tradespeople, gather information for the resident, arrange transportation and enforce the rules of the building. If the building management is not on-site, the residential concierge may also act as a go-between for those living in the building. It is not unheard of for personal relationships to arise between concierges and residents, as they encounter each other daily and in a familiar manner.
Personal Concierge
This classification of concierge is perhaps the newest addition to the profession. They do not work out of a resort or hotel, but are part of an agency or association. A personal concierge will operate much the same way as a personal assistant, only without being in the client's presence. For example, it is common for a personal assistant to travel with their employer. A personal concierge will not take that trip to Golden Parnassus Cancun with their client, they will simply hand over the services required to the resort concierge. One can expect a personal concierge to gather information, make reservations for meals or entertainment, make appointments or non-personal phone calls, and research travel arrangements. Personal concierge companies usually bill on an hourly basis, however if you plan to use the service regularly a monthly fee may also be available.
Vacation Destination Concierge
Perhaps the most common type of concierge, the vacation destination concierge can be found at the lowest end hotel or the most exclusive resorts all over the world, such as Cancun Palace. In their most minimal form, a concierge will take reservations, accept payments, arrange transportation and attend to housekeeping requests. In high end establishments a concierge will perform the above duties as well as attending to every other request a guest may make. The expectation is for the concierge to achieve the impossible. Requests for a babysitter, unusual foods, personal entertainment, tickets to a sold out show or even purchasing personal items. These professionals receive some of the most outrageous and difficult tasks to complete. Often it is only the good ones that can succeed. For example Ms. Nancy Jeskey, M Resort Concierge Manager once had a client request two camels be placed at the door of friend's hotel room. Ms. Jeskey was able to fulfill the request, as she is a leader in the vacation destination concierge industry. The Gran Bahia Principe Tulum in Cancun has a concierge service that is often recommended in travel circles. In fact the entire staff act in a concierge capacity.
The roll of a concierge has evolved since its advent in medieval France, but not as drastically as many other professions that began during that time. There will always be travelers needing the assistance of those who know the local events and establishments. Chances are the concierge profession will continue to be prevalent well into the next century.
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