The Fairmont San Francisco: Tom Wolfe, America's first concierge, is honored for his pioneering role in the Hospitality Industry (United States)
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The Fairmont San Francisco: Tom Wolfe, America's first concierge, is honored for his pioneering role in the Hospitality Industry (United States)
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Category: North America & West Indies / Carribean islands - United States - Exclusive experiences
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This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2008-12-23
On December 15, Tom Wolfe, chief concierge of The Fairmont San Francisco, was recognized for his visionary achievement as the first concierge in the United States by Les Clefs d’Or USA and the Northern California Concierge Association at a special tribute hosted by the landmark hotel.
The Fairmont San Francisco was the first hotel to offer the services of a concierge in the United States. In the 1970s, Wolfe, who trained as a concierge in Europe, set up a concierge desk in the hotel lobby. Because most Americans were not familiar with the concept, he placed a note explaining the concierge’s role and the ways in which he could assist travelers in each guest room. Wolfe later founded the US chapter of the international organization of hotel lobby concierges, Les Clefs d’Or, in 1978.
At the tribute, Wolfe explained, “By introducing concierge service to the United States, I feel that I have done what I was put on earth to do. Ever since I was a little boy, I have always been enamored with grand hotels. I am fortunate to have been able to follow my dream and realize my true calling.”
He continues, “As the first concierge in the United States, mine was a unique vantage point. Having worked in Europe, I knew what was expected of a great concierge. I was able to take this revered European tradition and inject with an American’s ‘can do’ spirit.”
Many of concierges attending the event credited Wolfe as their mentor in a profession that is now an industry staple at upscale hotels nationwide.
Thomas Klein, Regional Vice President and General Manager of The Fairmont San Francisco, comments, “Tom Wolfe is an integral part of the Fairmont legend. He not only raised the bar for service excellence at our hotel but throughout the nation’s hotel industry.” A plaque commemorating Wolfe’s pioneering role in the hospitality industry has been placed at The Fairmont’s front desk in perpetuity.
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