People of all professions and social classes can hear often the word “Concierge” on the internet
and in everyday life, but few know what exactly is hidden behind it.
Nowadays, the concierge has ventured beyond the doors of the traditional five-star hotel and
holds the position of a personal assistant for many people at once, a person who makes
extraordinary diligent efforts, ready to help with any need or day-to-day assignment.
However, have you ever wondered, what is the long history behind the profession of a
concierge?
Some sources claim that it probably comes from the Latin "conservus", which translates as
"relative slave". Other sources clarify that the concept of a "key holder" is exactly what the
concierge did during the Middle Ages. There is also the possibility that the concierge is a
contraction of the "comte des cierges" (count of candles), an official responsible for maintaining
the lighting and cleanliness of medieval palaces. The only thing for sure is that the word
originates from France.
During the Middle Ages, from the 5th to the 15th century, concierges served the royal families.
They kept the candles and keys for the castle rooms lit and ensured that the king's guests had
everything they needed during their stay. This escort was a trusted member of the royal family,
as well as the royal court. He enjoyed special appreciation, as he had access to every area of the
vast castle and knew everything about its facilities.
Later, in the 18th century, the concierge's responsibilities were extended to helping the king's
family with all its necessities, from supervising the palace staff to oversee police records to
maintain order.
In the following years, almost all government buildings and offices, including prisons, acquired
their own concierge. In fact, to this day there is a famous prison in Paris called "The
Conciergerie".
At the same time, a new type of profession, that of the doorkeeper, appeared in theapartment
buildings in Paris. The clerk often had a small apartment on the ground floor and could receive
mail and parcels, as well as monitor the entry and exit of visitors. This was the beginning of the
profession the commissionaire derived from.
The position of a concierge, an employee who is an integral part of the hotel we are familiar
with today, appeared in the late 19th century along with the rise of leisure travel in Europe. He
was a multilingual personal secretary who welcomed visitors, helped them make the right
choices as to their essentialities, recommending attractions and excursions in the area. A
concierge was a visitor’s counselor and especially a friendly person in an unknown city.
Fifteen years ago, personal concierge provided services that were only available to VIP guests.
Nowadays, as the hospitality industry is changing rapidly, the service is becoming more and
more accessible and aims at a wider range, from business executives to everyday travelers who
turn to different types of concierge companies to organize their travel.
As one can understand, the profession has to cover many functions, needs and industries; in
essence, the role of the concierge always remains the same, to provide valuable information,
oriented to the service of the guest.