Job Description of Hotel Concierge

The hotel concierge position plays a crucial role in the daily customer service operations of hotels and resorts. The word concierge is French in origin and means "keeper of the keys", and as the 'keeper' the caretaker becomes the point of contact for hotel guests who seek information or assistance during their stay. Taking a look back at the materialization of the concierge position you will find its beginnings in medieval France where castles and mansions working a select individual to see to the needs of the household and its guests. Often, the keys to the castle or mansion were entrusted to the caretaker. Over the years the concierge position has evolved into more focused responsibilities making the modern day concierge, in essence, a dream maker.

A hotel concierge position requires an enthusiasm for and an understanding of travel and the travel industry. While a degree in hospitality or other related field is often favored and sometimes required, an in-depth knowledge of the hotel's local area is essential. The concierge position is often challenging and fast-paced, requiring excellent time management and problem-solving skills. On a daily basis the concierge will cooperate with guests from varied backgrounds and walks of life, and therefore a harmonious personality is a must for a successful concierge--fluency in one or more foreign languages is also a plus.

Working as a hotel concierge means that your focus is to guarantee that the needs and requests of hotel guests are met, and that each guest has an impressive stay. The hotel concierge is anticipated to be an expert on his local area. Guests will approach the concierge with questions, seeking suggestions, and challenging problem resolutions. Frequently, concierges will make reservations for restaurants, spas, shows and special events. Requests from guests can vary from arranging transportation or providing directions to even the most peculiar seemingly impossible outing. The concierge must make an attempt to develop relationships with local business owners and VIPs in order to facilitate the fulfillment of her guests' requests.

Often the concierge becomes the face of the hotel for many guests, which means that look and demeanor are of utmost importance. The concierge desk acts as the center for guest activity planning, which means that the guests' hotel experience depends on the concierge's information and prompt attention. Many business and VIP travelers depend profoundly on the concierge, making the position respected and highly regarded.

Don't presume that the job description for a hotel concierge is set in stone, as a concierge receives a vast collection of requests and is expected to make even the impossible and unusual happen. While it may seem that the concierge would be a great basis for gossip, the opposite is true as the concierge is expected to uphold confidentiality. The concierge is not a front desk agent and does not get hotel reservations. In some cases the concierge is accountable for managing a section of the hotel's front end staff, so contrary to popular observation the concierge does not work alone.

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