In July 2003, we had the privilege of being invited to become an Honorary Member of Les Clefs d'Or - The Golden Keys - a concierge world wide organisation dedicated to "Service Through Friendship" to guests in their care.

To become a member of this prestigious organisation usually requires extensive study, experience, and the sitting of qualifying exams. To be made an honorary member indicates the high regard with which the Les Clefs d'Or organisation holds our founder, Mark Tully.

The History of Les Clefs d'Or

Ferdinand Gillet was a concierge in Paris whose talents and abilities to look after his guests are legendary to this day. It was he who envisioned an international network of concierges working together could even better tend their guests if collaborating: "IN SERVICE THROUGH FRIENDSHIP" - the concierge credo. The network was called Les Clefs d'Or - The Golden Keys - and now covers 34 countries with over 3,000 members.

To become a member of the Union Internationale Des Clefs d'Or, a concierge must serve a minimum of three years at a concierge desk in a recognised hotel. During this time, and only at a concierge desk, can a prospective member hope to learn the art of advising, directing, and protecting his or her guests with absolute integrity.

As a young Les Clefs d'Or member, the concierge must continue to refine his or her present skills whilst always remaining true to the association, the needs of the guests, and the requirements for the hotel in which he or she toils.

As a keyed member, a concierge has many privileges. These must not be allowed to affect the needs of the guest, the standing of the hotel, or any of its staff in the community and associated hospitality industries. Such a stipulation is often deemed unobtainable in the modern day world of selfish direction. However, when a privilege or opportunity is provided to a Les Clefs d'Or member, it is received with gratitude and used for the benefit of future guests' needs.

One must remember that to do a job well, it is considerably easier if one enjoys one's chosen vocation. Hence, the vocation of concierge is often enjoyable.

So the next time you see the smiling face of the person whose lapels are adorned with matching pairs of crossed golden keys, remember that they are looking for products and services that they can be recommended to guests. For a guest, they will do anything (legal and moral) to help make their stay enjoyable and safe.