Fairmont Copley Plaza - Flipbook - Page 39
Up Close & Personal
With Joe Fallon
Les Clefs d’or Concierge at Fairmont Copley Plaza
W H E n D i D Y o U D E C i D E t o B E C o M E 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 fell into the hotel industry by accident! i worked as a bartender in Copley Square and genuinely enjoyed
meeting new people and giving visitors my tried-and-true Boston recommendations. i grew up here and
know the city like the back of my hand. My friends called me their “bar concierge,” so when an official
concierge position opened nearby at this hotel i was encouraged to apply. it was a natural transition, and i
loved it from the moment i started.
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 Y o U D E S C r i B E a n o r M a L D aY ?
Every day brings new opportunities and creative challenges - i come to work never knowing what will
happen, so it’s important to be prepared for all requests. i speak with guests about their trip plans, greet
arrivals in the lobby, make restaurant reservations, schedule tours and arrange tickets for Boston
attractions. one minute i could be reserving a private plane for a guest to jet to Cape Cod, and the next
hiring a personal trainer for a same-day session.
t E L L U S a B o U t t H E H o t E L’ S U n i q U E C a n i n E a M B a S S a D o r P r o G r a M .
our hotel is world-renowned for being pet-friendly through our Canine ambassador program, which
started in 2004 with the adoption of our first black Lab, Catie Copley. the purpose is to provide
companionship to travelers who may be missing their animals at home. Her lobby dog duties made her
famous and inspired two children’s books. our current ambassador, Cori Copley, is my best friend and
i always tell people that i work for her! People can follow her hotel adventures on instagram: @coricopley.
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 t o a C o n C i E r G E ?
the biggest advantage is the personal connections that concierges have; many of my relationships in the city
date back 10 or 15 years so my advice is all rooted in trust. Guests can trust that i will book them the most
reliable car driver, for example. also, concierge teams still have unprecedented access to tickets. Fairmont
Copley Plaza is the official Hotel of the Boston Symphony orchestra, and i have an “in” to book the best
seats in the house for our guests.
W H at D o Y o U E n J o Y t H E M o S t a B o U t B E i n G a C o n C i E r G E ?
My favorite part of the job is seeing repeat guests, especially kids i met years ago who are now adults.
the key to hotel success is when people keep coming back for our hospitality, and it is a joy to be in touch
with the same visitors over the years. also, as a concierge stationed front-and-center in the lobby, i have
the perfect view when exciting social events take place. i’ve had the great pleasure of meeting Bruins
players, national and local politicians, and movie stars.
W H at P L a C E S D o Y o U G E n E r a L LY r E C o M M E n D ?
For first-time visitors, i always recommend walking around the north End - my favorite place in the entire
city because of the delicious food and old-school Boston atmosphere. While there, stop by Café Paradiso
for tiramisu and espresso martinis. Harpoon Brewery in the Seaport is a fun vibe on the water and they
offer a phenomenal tour of their facilities. What’s ideal about our central location is that guests can rent Blue
Bikes right here in Copley Square, and bike to so many nearby places to take in the views and see the city’s
historical landmarks.
pRESTIGE | FairMont CoPLEY PLaza
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