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Exceptional service
is the goal of this
dedicated group.
by Arleen Showalter
here can you find the most beautiful sunset?
What is the best
restaurant for local
seafood?
Where is the
best place to shop? Even the more
unusual requests are not impossible
for the concierge. From the mundane
to the sublime the concierges of
Southwest Florida have fielded a lot
of requests in the last ten years and
for that reason we join The Southwest
Florida Concierge and Guest Services
Association in celebrating their Tenth
Anniversary.
The role of concierge has not
changed much since the Middle Ages
when the concierge not only held the
keys to the palace, but also saw to the
needs of visiting VIPs. The ‘key’
remains a symbol of the concierge
profession to this day and is used by
Les Clefs d’Or, an organization of
concierges worldwide. Today, the job
of the hotel concierge is defined by
their ability to act as personal assistant
to visiting guests and give each
request VIP status. Quite simply, the
concierge dedicates their day to
making their guests wishes come true.
Relying on their vast network and
knowledge, Jane Monico, President of
the Association, calls the role of the
concierge “...indispensable in their
contacts and knowledge.” Assisting
the guest with reservations, local
attractions and tickets to events is but
a small portion of their job. Working
together as a group The Southwest
Florida Concierge and Guest Services
Association share knowledge between
their members. For the guest, this
shared knowledge guarantees that
their individual needs are
accommodated and that they enjoy
the most memorable visit. As Ms.
Monico comments, “The guest
experience is what it is all about and
as an Association we can only hope to
share our knowledge for the common
purpose of that guest....”
The concierge is truly the ‘keeper
of the keys’ and their role goes much
further than just suggesting the best
Chinese restaurant. For the guest with
limited time in our paradise,
concierge magic can save precious
time. According to Ms. Monico, “Tell
us what you like and we consolidate
the town and give it to the guest.”
Calling on their numerous contacts
and ‘concierge family’ of Association
members, the concierge at your hotel
can guide you in the wisest use of
your vacation time and supply
suggestions for the ‘must see’
attractions. For the first time visitor
they provide a fountain of information
and for the returning guest your
concierge can suggest attractions that
are ‘off the beaten track.”
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