The word “concierge” comes from the French language: comte des cierges. Meaning keeper of the candles. Back in time, these old-school concierges helped the medieval upper-class with all their practical yet decadent requests as they traveled from castle to castle.

Today, when we think of a hotel concierge, we imagine a stylish, suit-clad professional in a glamorous boutique hotel in New York. The gentleman who makes sure you can attend a sold-out Broadway show and secures the best table in an amazing restaurant. But not only in New York are these gallant gentlemen, and nowadays also ladies, ready for their hotel guests. They are also available in our newest five-star hotel Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park, and they hold the golden key to the city. Who are these people, and what does this chic profession entail?

We spoke with two of our four concierges and asked what their profession entails and if they would like to share their experience with us.

• Michael Wigman (1965) was born and raised in East Amsterdam, where Pillows Maurits at the Park is also located. He has been in the industry since 1988 and has worked at Hilton and the Dylan, among others.

• Joekie Genet (1977) also born and raised in Amsterdam, but in the Jordaan. He comes from an Amsterdam hospitality family and has been a concierge for 6 years now.

Two men with their own story. Below they answer four questions.

What does being a concierge mean?

Together: “You are everything in one for the guest. Compare it to a famous actor for an international movie. They have a producer, director, travel agent, babysitter, personal assistant and best friend. We play all those roles in one. In our country, this profession is not yet very well known, but in cities like London, Paris and New York they know better. Fortunately, with Amsterdam’s growth as a metropolis, there is an increasing demand and room for the concierge. We ensure that our guest’s trip is fully taken care of and we respond to all requests. From arranging luxurious transport to delivering a certain type of flowers, it's all part of the job.” With sometimes very unusual requests, but more about that later.

What does the golden key symbolize and what makes it so special?

Together: "With the golden key we symbolically open all the doors to the city for our guest. To possess a golden key and become a member of Les Clef's d'Or you must be a concierge for at least five years. After that you are nominated by two people who are already members of Les Clef's d'Or. Then follows the balloting where you need a recommendation from your current hotel manager. Finally you become an candidate and you receive a badge.”

“Being a member is not only a prestige thing, but also a great opportunity to use the network offered. We also say: service through friendship at Les Clef's d'Or."

Of the many special requests you receive, which request has stayed with you?

Michael Wigman: "A wealthy Argentinian farmer who owns a huge farm stayed in the hotel where I worked at the time. He asked for a sperm sample from 'Herman de Super Stier', as he needed it to breed his herd. It was an exceptional request as I am not in that business. But as a concierge you do everything you can to make it happen. After many calls and detours, we succeeded. If I remember correctly, the sperm sample cost € 10,000."

“I also once experienced that a female guest wanted to order a limousine to transport an exclusive Birkin bag, which was only available for purchase in Amsterdam, to Paris. She did not ride the limousine herself, but only her newest acquisition, the Birkin bag. This is just an example of how extravagant and unique the requests can be. "

What characteristics must you possess to become a concierge?

Together: "You have to carry a high degree of discretion. We regularly receive major celebrities where privacy is of utmost importance. As Amsterdam concierges, we also often talk about 'gochme', a word that comes from the Hebrew chockmah. This means wisdom and understanding.”

As the word 'gochme' implies: our concierges handle things with insight, straight from the heart and with their inner conscience. They are always ready to assist and no request is ever too much for them. You could say that they not only hold the key to the city, but also a little bit to our guest's heart.

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