A Concierge Career: What it takes to be the keeper of the keys Imperial Hotel Management College
The Successful Concierge
Roberta K. Nedry, president of Hospitality Excellence, Inc., which promotes service excellence through guest experience management and develops specific programs to enhance guest and customer service, offers these criteria for becoming a successful concierge:
- A willingness and passion to serve.
- An excellent background in guest or customer service.
- Good grooming and good personal presentation.
- Top knowledge of the venues and the clients of the environment you’re going to serve or want to serve.
- Additional languages are an asset, plus excellent command of English.
- Ability to multitask and display grace under pressure.
- Desire to be a creative problem-solver.
“A successful concierge is absolutely a personality type,” says Nedry. “You must remain calm in a hectic environment and always display integrity. You need to have an extensive network of contacts and a knowledge of how to develop these contacts.” The concierge can become a hotel guest’s social adviser, personal confidante, and all-around information provider, with a knowledge of everything from antiques to zoos.