Concierge
A
concierge (
French), in
French apartment buildings, is an employee who lives on the premises and serves as a
janitor and general
caretaker.
In
medieval times, the concierge was an officer of the
King who was charged with executing justice, with the help of his
bailiffs. The term concierge evolved from the French
Comte Des Cierge, The Keeper of the Candles, who tended to visiting nobles in castles of the medieval era.
In
19th century and early
20th century apartment buildings, particularly in
Paris, the concierge, often a middle-aged woman, had a small apartment on the ground floor and was able to monitor all comings and goings. However, such settings are now extremely rare; most concierges in small or middle-sized buildings have been replaced by the part-time services of janitors. These are less costly and less intrusive.
Some larger apartment buildings or groups of buildings retain the use of a concierge, without the traditional disposition whereas the concierge saw all comings and goings. The concierge may, for instance, keep the mail of absented dwellers; be entrusted with the keys of apartments in cases of emergencies in the absence of the inhabitant; and other services.
In
hotels and certain other facilities, a concierge assists guests with various tasks like finding taxicabs, restaurants, and interesting places to visit. In upscale establishments, a concierge is often expected to "achieve the impossible", dealing with any request a guest may have, no matter how apocryphal or strange, relying on an extensive list of personal contacts with various local merchants and service providers.
Additionally there are private concierge service companies, that cater to individuals or organizations and provide a whole range of services. Typically provided services include travel arrangement, event planning, vacation planning, homewatch management and errand services to name a few. These independent concierges generally charge a fee on top of the cost of the service, to cover their time and expenses.
The owners and operators of concierge and errand service businesses are supported and advocated by the non-profit International Concierge and Errand Association and the National Concierge Association. These associations serve their members through essential resources, continuing education, networking opportunities and other professional endeavors.
Hotel concierge staff have their own professional association - Les Clefs d'Or.which was formed in france in the 1930's. it now sreaches to over 3000 members in 33 countrys. Members can be distinguished by the gold keys they display on their lapels.
*
Bellhop*
The International Concierge and Errand Association *
The National Concierge Association*
Les Clefs d'Or USA
