Outsourcing concierges is becoming popular, especially at midtier hotels. Workers from outside companies like Expedia wear hotel uniforms and do all that traditional concierges do. Those in the industry differ on whether that’s a good thing. Howard Lefkowitz, president of Vegas.com, which staffs the desks at Las Vegas hotels like Excalibur and Bally’s, says outsourcing gives guests better service. But contract concierges aren’t allowed to join les Clés D’or, the professional association of concierges. A spokesman says ringers have a conflict if they get a cut of the tickets and services they recommend.
Of course, many old-line concierges take free meals, too. How else would they know where to send you?
title: “Concierge Impostors” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-31” author: “Carmen Odonnell”
Outsourcing concierges is becoming popular, especially at midtier hotels. Workers from outside companies like Expedia wear hotel uniforms and do all that traditional concierges do. Those in the industry differ on whether that’s a good thing. Howard Lefkowitz, president of Vegas.com, which staffs the desks at Las Vegas hotels like Excalibur and Bally’s, says outsourcing gives guests better service. But contract concierges aren’t allowed to join les Clés D’or, the professional association of concierges. A spokesman says ringers have a conflict if they get a cut of the tickets and services they recommend.
Of course, many old-line concierges take free meals, too. How else would they know where to send you?
