The hotel concierge is an important face of any hotel. The job holder has frequent daily interactions with guests, answering questions and giving advice. Because of this, the holder of the position plays an integral role in making a hotel guest’s stay pleasant and fulfilling.
People skills and a passion for the hospitality industry are key components of this job. Guests will demand a range of services from the concierge, such as requests to recommend a specific restaurant, to get tickets for a show or to suggest attractions to visit. Attention to detail and research skills are important in providing the correct and appropriate advice in a timely manner to the guest.
International hotels or resorts that cater to guests from around the world may require the concierge to speak one or more foreign languages. Being up-to-date with local events, restaurant rankings and tourist attractions is important. The advent of the internet has made research easier and most concierge desks now have a computer.
Salaries for such a position vary greatly with experience and other skills the applicant can offer, such as foreign language skills. The average salary range in Canada runs from C
$20,000 to C
$30,000, excluding tips.