Hosco had the chance to meet Simon Stewart, Chief Concierge and Guest Relations Manager at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, where he has been working since 2014. Simon Stewart started his hospitality career at The Concierge Institute in Montreal. He had his first concierge experience at the Sofitel Montreal, before becoming Night Audit, then Front Desk Manager, only to return to his passion of Concierge in the end. Simon also became the Regional Vice Director in the city of Les Clefs d’Or and a teacher of the Concierge Program.

Simon explains that for being part of Les Clefs d’Or you need to have at least 5 years experience, be involved with the regional association and follow a strict code of ethics for which you will be mystery shopped. Additionally you will have to go through a tough exam. Belonging to this association gives you a lot of contacts, which Simon made good use of when he just arrived to Dubai. From the customer point of view, the distinction of Les Clefs d’Or signifies trust. You know a concierges wearing The Golden Keys is going to give you honest, unbiased advice that you can rely on.

For Simon, what makes a good concierge is the passion to help guests, which we do not doubt after listening to his great story of how he was able to redirect a train in order to reach one particular guest! Watch the full video to discover more about this unexpected challenge.