WHAT IS A CONCIERGE?
The word Concierge has evolved quite a bit since the profession's obscure beginnings.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines concierge as: 1. The warden of a house, castle, or prison; (the title of) a high official in France and other European states, having custody of a royal palace etc. 2. In France etc.: a doorkeeper, porter, etc., for a building, esp. a block of flats, (from L conserves fellow slave). Such a definition only tells some of the story, however.
Once upon a time, in castles across Europe, lords and ladies entertained lavishly. No one knows exactly when, but the position of concierge was born out of the need for someone to take responsibility for the host's guests' comfort. The concierge was responsible for catering to every whim and wish of visiting nobles. He was often the holder of the house's keys, and held an important position in the household.
The title of concierge developed many meanings as the centuries passed. A concierge could be a prison warden, a doorkeeper, a building manager, or a palace custodian. In each of these positions, the concierge solved problems, catered to clientele, and generally provided exemplary service to those in his or her care.
With the advent of steamship and rail travel, the term concierge received a huge boost and entered the travel lexicon. Travelers arrived at luxurious hotel properties from around the world. Hotels needed a professional problem-solver, much as royalty and gentry had in earlier times. They turned to the concierge. Concierges had the connections and natural abilities to complete the most challenging requests and accommodate the highest caliber of guest. The hotel concierge first appeared in the finest hotels of Switzerland and France, carrying on the traditions of impeccable guest service begun in royal households. In the modern day, as in the Middle Ages, the concierge sets the standard for guest service where ever they are.
It wasn't until the mid-seventies that the position of concierge began to emerge in the United States. San Francisco saw the first hotel-employed concierges, and most major American cities followed their lead shortly thereafter. In the past 3 decades, the reputation of the concierge has increased.
Concierges in the present day are not only a hotel guest's best friends, assisting with reservations, entertainment, local attractions, directions and local advice; they also help the hotel itself. Managers in hotels often rely on concierge magic to get their account's clients into top destinations, arrange transportation, meeting plans and recreation. Often this demonstration of quality service will favorably impress a client and bring them (and their business) back to the hotel. The benefits of concierge connections are obvious.
Today, as in the past, the concierge plays a pivotal role in a guest's experience. We are motivated by a genuine desire to serve and are committed to providing the best possible service to our visitors throughout their stay. From giving simple directions, to solving unexpected challenges, we are here to assist in creating lasting memories. We are a trusted resource for both business and vacation travelers. It is our goal to assist in making sure our guests get the optimum Northern California experience.
