Tom wolfe, America’s First Concierge, Is Honored For His Pioneering Role In The Hospitality Industry
Tom Wolfe, chief concierge of The Fairmont San Francisco, was recognized for his visionary achievement as the first concierge in the United States by Les Clefs d'Or USA and the Northern California Concierge Association at a special tribute hosted by the landmark hotel.
The Fairmont San Francisco was the first hotel to offer the services of a concierge in the United States. In the 1970s, Wolfe, who trained as a concierge in Europe, set up a concierge desk in the hotel lobby. Because most Americans were not familiar with the concept, he placed a note explaining the concierge's role and the ways in which he could assist travelers in each guest room. Wolfe later founded the US chapter of the international organization of hotel lobby concierges, Les Clefs d'Or, in 1978.
At the tribute, Wolfe explained, "By introducing concierge service to the United States, I feel that I have done what I was put on earth to do. Ever since I was a little boy, I have always been enamored with grand hotels. I am fortunate to have been able to follow my dream and realize my true calling."
He continues, "As the first concierge in the United States, mine was a unique vantage point. Having worked in Europe, I knew what was expected of a great concierge. I was able to take this revered European tradition and inject with an American's 'can do' spirit."
Many of concierges attending the event credited Wolfe as their mentor in a profession that is now an industry staple at upscale hotels nationwide.
Thomas Klein, Regional Vice President and General Manager of The Fairmont San Francisco, comments, "Tom Wolfe is an integral part of the Fairmont legend. He not only raised the bar for service excellence at our hotel but throughout the nation's hotel industry." A plaque commemorating Wolfe's pioneering role in the hospitality industry has been placed at The Fairmont's front desk in perpetuity.
Since 1907, The Fairmont has served as the San Francisco residence for US presidents and world leaders. The hotel offers 591 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, three distinctive restaurants, a health club and easy access to the city's most popular attractions. The Fairmont San Francisco is located atop Nob Hill at 950 Mason Street. For reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.
Wolfe's love affair with hotels began when he was a child. His family traveled extensively and he soon became enamored with the ambiance of luxury hotels. He appreciated their beauty and especially liked the feeling of "being looked after". A native of New York, Wolfe traveled to Europe after graduating from American University in Washington D.C. His first job was as chef de reception at The Ritz in London. Here, he learned the gracious art of European innkeeping and the significance of a seasoned concierge. He soon aspired to be a concierge but knew that many years of training stood between him and the coveted position.
In 1970, Wolfe began his apprenticeship with The Savoy Management Group at the exclusive Hotel Lancaster in Paris. Just four years later, he returned to The United States to work as the country's first concierge at The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. He worked with The Fairmont Hotel Company from 1974 to 1981.
Wolfe went on to become resident manager for The Boca Beach Club, part of The Boca Raton Hotel & Club in Florida. In 1982, he returned to San Francisco as chief concierge at the Hotel Meridien (now The Westin San Francisco Market Street).
His pioneering spirit led him to become the first concierge in Japan. From 1985 to 1989, he served as chief concierge and director of international guest relations at The New Otani Hotel and Tower in Tokyo.
In 1989, Ivana Trump appointed him executive chief concierge and director of guest services for New York's Plaza Hotel. After working at The Plaza for four years, Wolfe returned to Asia to work as group concierge consultant for Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts.
Like Tony Bennett, Wolfe left his heart in San Francisco. In 1995, he returned to The Fairmont San Francisco and, today, continues to exceed guest's expectations as the hotel's chief concierge. Wolfe speaks English, Japanese, French, Spanish and Italian.
Samara Diapoulos
Director of Public Relations | The Fairmont San Francisco
415-673-5634
FRHI