Hospitality at the Concierge Desk

Addressing guest service issues and fostering a Culture of Care at Canyon Shadows Resort by improving concierge engagement.

People crowd waiting at the hotel reception deskby Marquise de Photographie

Here is the Scenario

As a luxury resort, Canyon Shadows Resort provides concierge services to its guests. The concierge desk is located next to the front desk. Guests often approach the front desk receptionists to request concierge services such as booking activities and making restaurant reservations, even though that is not their primary responsibility. Front desk staff have complained to you, the front office manager, who oversees both the front desk and concierge desk, that guests come to the front desk because the concierge staff appear unapproachable, looking down at their computer screens, and speaking into their Bluetooth headsets. After observing the concierge staff yourself, you find that they are more focused on booking activities and restaurant reservations for future guests (on the phone and computer), which earn them concierge commissions, than on answering questions for guests who are currently staying at the resort.

Questions

Answer the following questions to indicate your effort to provide exceptional guest service:

  • Do the actions of the concierge desk demonstrate a Culture of Care? Why or why not?
  • As the leader of the front desk and concierge desk how will you address the situation?
  • Do you think that the front desk and concierge desk staff should share responsibilities and respond to any guest inquiries regardless of their job title? Why or why not?

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