If you've stayed in a hotel, then you most likely have heard of or even used the hotel's concierge services. In this instance, the concierge provides services to hotel guests, like telling them which events are happening in the surrounding areas or recommending which restaurants to try.
But what is a concierge in an apartment building? Is it the same role as the person who runs the front desk? Concierges and the front desk may do similar tasks and provide similar services but they aren't quite the same.
An apartment concierge or concierge staff are professionals who are hired to provide services and tasked with acting as a "lent hand" to the residents who live in the building. Typically, these types of services are amenities found in high-end, multi-unit, luxury apartments.
So, what is a concierge? Simply put, a residential concierge service is like having a personal assistant for the entire building. The concierge will know the residents, know the ins and outs of the building and be able to provide recommendations and service just like the concierge would at different hotels. Residents can rely on the concierge for all of their needs and the concierge will point the residents in the right direction.
Both types of concierge services provide services that will make the stay more enjoyable and carefree for residents. However, there are a few key differences to note.
Hotels have short-term visitors so they do not develop deep relationships with the concierge. At an apartment, the concierge and resident will usually develop a friendly relationship as they will see each other every day, sometimes several times a day.
Likewise, the services offered can vary. The concierge staff at hotels will provide tips to their clients and help them get to know the local area better. They can help book spa treatments or tickets to local attractions.
A residential concierge will do things like book reservations or schedule the plumber to come and fix the pipes for residents.
The concierge is there to help serve the guests and residents who come into the apartment complex. Concierges have many skills and are there to help residents with anything they need.
The concierge team is responsible for booking transportation and travel arrangements, making dinner reservations for the residents, granting visitors access to the building or accepting deliveries and packages on behalf of the residents.
Concierges are also responsible for maintaining the communal areas, keeping them organized and ensuring they look nice and stay secure. The concierge will also be the liaison to building management or building maintenance and can help coordinate meetings or deliver messages between the two parties.
That all seems great, right? But as you probably imagine, there are some downsides to the luxury of an apartment concierge. Here are some pros and cons of having an apartment concierge service.
The concierge can help residents with mundane tasks. For example, they can sign for package deliveries or your behalf, collect your mail or help you schedule a meeting with the property owner
If you've ever needed your landlord to come and fix a closet door or check on a broken oven, then you know it can be difficult to schedule that appointment. The concierge will do that for you in this case. They can help you arrange any sort of building maintenance that you need.
Going to an event? The concierge will RSVP or make a reservation for upcoming events for you.
Apartment buildings that have a concierge service tend to be safer as you have someone constantly at the front entryway monitoring who comes and goes.
Because a concierge service is such a great amenity for residents, you'll likely pay more in rent or service fees.
The concierge will be at the front entryway day in and day out. As such, you'll have to see them when you come and go, which can be irritating for some if they want discretion and more privacy.
A concierge is like having a personal assistant. It's a great perk but it's not crucial for apartment living. If you are on a strict budget, this amenity likely falls into the category of want and not a need.
Apartment concierges are not extremely common, but they do exist. You're more likely to find an apartment with a concierge service in a large city where apartment life is the norm and luxury amenities are in high demand.
Beyond that, many of the primary functions of concierge services — like calling car services and making restaurant reservations — are only possible in larger cities. If an apartment concierge is high on your priority list, however, you shouldn't have a problem finding one — for the right price.
Working as a concierge is no different than working for any other business in the service industry. So what skills does it take to be a concierge?
The job of a concierge isn't always the easiest job in the world. Here are some things you should know if you're interested in taking the job of a concierge.
A good concierge is a people person. They are willing and eager to help guests at any time, whether it's getting their mail or calling them a cab.
The job of a concierge requires a good understanding of the apartment buildings they are working in, too. The concierge needs to be business minded and good at management as they may have several staff members to look over. Because the concierge service is typically offered 24 hours a day, you'll need to have a good handle on lifestyle management as you'll be working odd hours.
Concierge services are few and far between. They are primarily there to help the residents with different services and to help with the management and maintenance of the building.
Now you know what a concierge does and the service the concierge can offer. Take this information and use it when looking for your next apartment. Ask the current residents of the building if they enjoy the concierge service and if it's worth the price.
If you are looking into a new apartment and the idea of a concierge service sounds like something you want, do your research before committing to a building. Concierge or not, you'll end up in the right apartment for you.
Ashley Singleton is a writer who loves following and writing about current lifestyle, DIY and home improvement trends. You can read some of her other work on the Lady Spike Media website. In her spare time, she performs stand-up comedy in Los Angeles.