HEAD CONCIERGE IN HOTELS

PRESENTATION

Whatever the request, some customers prefer to have a single point of contact during their stay in a hotel. An immovable element of a hotel, the head concierge is a true ambassador for his establishment. An added value that pleases the customer and makes him a contact of choice during his stay in the establishment.

WHAT IS A HEAD CONCIERGE IN HOTELS? 

Ten years ago, when head concierges only worked in 4 and 5 star hotels, their number was estimated at around 650 in France. However, for several years, the number of hotels has continued to grow. Indeed, globalization has led to the opening of hotels in the capitals or large cities of many countries for many large hotel chains. While the profession of head concierge was previously considered a closed environment due to the small number of positions offered and the fact that internal promotion was the main recruitment method, today, the profession is modernizing and more and more hotels offer a concierge service.

When you walk through the door of a hotel, the head concierge is the first person you meet. He plays a vital role because he represents the soul of the establishment as soon as guests arrive. Usually installed in the hotel lobby, his job is to welcome, inform and advise guests to facilitate their stay and ensure their well-being. He must therefore meet the needs of all types of customers (tourists, traders, celebrities) without ever failing. It is difficult and arduous work, but enriching on a relational level.

WHAT ARE THE HEAD CONCIERGE IN HOTEL‘S TASKS? 

In order to ensure the smooth running of the accommodation of the establishment’s guests, the head concierge may have to take care of customer expenses (accounting, collections, invoices), vehicle rental and booking with travel agencies or show tickets. To do this, it is necessary for the head concierge to create a good address book and establish links with these external service providers. In order to be able to offer the best suggestions to his customers, the head concierge must, outside of his working hours, attend shows and visit exhibitions. He must also take note of the habits of the hotel’s regular guests.

The head concierge works in close collaboration with the other members of the hotel, i.e. with the receptionists, the manager, the housekeepers, security, restaurateurs, bartenders, head waiters, etc.

As the head of the hotel’s concierge team, he is the one who recruits and trains the staff but also organizes the schedules. The head concierge also manages the doormen as well as the baggage handlers.

WHAT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU NEED TO BECOME A HEAD CONCIERGE IN HOTELS? 

One of the essential qualities when working in the hotel industry is to enjoy working with customers. The head concierge must also have a real sense of organization, good interpersonal skills, be tactful and act discreetly in the eyes of other customers. Being curious will allow you to better know your city, its restaurants, its attractions, its new features, its events, its festivals, etc.

Given that a hotel has an international clientele, speaking several different languages ​​is a major asset.

Among the other qualities required to become a head concierge, note that you must:

• Have distinction
• Have a sense of psychology, diplomacy
• Be resourceful
• Be a physiognomist
• Be responsive

WHAT ARE THE SALARY AND PROSPECTS FOR A HEAD CONCIERGE IN HOTELS?

The salary of a head concierge varies depending on the hotel. However, it is estimated that the monthly salary of a head concierge is between €2,500 and €3,000 and the annual salary is around €30,000 to €40,000. Note that in this profession, tips are common and are often quite substantial.

Be aware that in foreign countries, French training for head concierges is very popular. Therefore, an international career is a prospect that should not be ruled out.

Since the position of head concierge is the highest level in this profession and is generally achieved after a long career as a concierge, it is difficult to aspire to a higher position in the field. However, it is possible to consider a career change because head concierges know their region very well and work with many partners in the tourism sector.

Finally, every head concierge has the opportunity to improve their skills by taking personnel management training.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A HEAD CONCIERGE IN HOTELS?

In the past, concierges were trained on the job and gradually climbed the hotel hierarchy. It took about 20 years for a beginner concierge to reach the position of head concierge.

The training offered by some hotel schools can help you find positions of responsibility more quickly. This is particularly the case with our CMH Academy school. Several courses allow you to become a head concierge such as:

• a 5-year Grande École Program that is accessible to all baccalaureate holders
• a Bachelor Pro that will train you from bac+1 to bac+3
• a 2-year Masters & MBA that you can join if you already have a bac+3 (bachelor or professional license)

WHERE ARE THEYTODAY?