Vancouver - 2023 - Flipbook - Page 21
Up Close & Personal
With Debbie Wild
Le s C l e f s d ’ O r C o n c i e r g e a t Fa i r m o n t H o t e l Va n c o u v e r
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A
C O N C I E R G E A N D H O W D I D Y O U S TA R T ?
I never really ‘decided’ to become a Concierge,
a friend of mine who was a Concierge at another
hotel told me about a position available at Hotel
Vancouver and thought I would really enjoy it. As
it was just a 3 month temporary position, I thought
I’d try it out and I have now been here over 25
years!
W H AT D O E S Y O U R J O B E N TA I L A N D C A N
YO U D E S C R I B E A N O R M A L D AY F O R U S ?
We are basically a ‘one stop shop’ for guest
assistance whilst travelling. We recommend tours,
give restaurant recommendations and make
reservations. We help with courier shipments, flight
changes, source hard to find objects, arrange baby
sitters, book private transportation and much, much
more! A typical day would involve welcoming and
guiding guests to their meeting rooms, telling guests
about our Canine Ambassadors, Elly & Ella,
answering e-mails and phone calls, assisting guests
in planning their stay and keeping current with
events/happenings around the city.
W H AT I S T H E A D V A N TA G E O F S P E A K I N G
TO A CONCIERGE OVER SEARCHING THE
INTERNET?
You create a valuable connection and receive more
detailed and informed information by speaking to a
concierge directly. We know tips and tricks that you
might not always get on the internet, and have
valuable relationships with partners around the city.
W H AT D O Y O U E N J O Y T H E M O S T
ABOUT BEING A CONCIERGE?
I love helping people and making sure that they
have the best possible stay in our beautiful city.
W H AT A R E T H E B I G G E S T C H A L L E N G E S
T H AT Y O U FA C E A N D W H AT I S T H E M O S T
S AT I S F Y I N G O R U N U S U A L T H I N G Y O U
H AV E D O N E F O R A G U E S T ?
As Vancouver is constantly growing it can be a
challenge to keep up with all the changes
happening. Having said that, Concierges love a
challenge as it means learning something new,
finding out the answer and ‘making it happen’ for
our guests. I have been a witness to several guests
at their weddings, walked celebrities’ dogs, bought
dress shoes for a guest as she only had her tennis
shoes with her, to name a few fun things.
W H AT P L A C E S D O Y O U G E N E R A L LY
RECOMMEND?
I love recommending cycling around the seawall.
We are lucky enough to boast an amazing walking/
cycling path surrounding downtown Vancouver
which takes you around magnificent Stanley Park
and False Creek. Gastown is also a must-see and is
well known for its whistling steam clock and mix of
souvenir shops, indie art galleries and décor stores
in Victorian buildings.
pREsTIGE | FAIRMONT HOTEL VANCOUVER
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