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In Service Through Friendship. 136 Clefs d'Or Hotel Concierges; 4000 members worldwide #YourKeyToEverything

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Meet Our Members…..

Posted by nella mirante on May 18, 2022
Posted in: Behind The Keys, Uncategorized. Tagged: #yourkeytoeverything. Leave a comment

It brings me great pleasure to introduce you to one of our esteemed members with the newest shining Forbes 5 Star, Robert Redmile , Assistant Chef Concierge at The Hazelton Hotel in Toronto.

I had the wonderful privilege to interview Robert to find that he is brilliantly funny, charming , quick witted and sharp oxford knowledge of his Concierge Profession.

Some great inspiration, fun, and Forbes 5 Star Journey , here is Robert Redmille….

Q&A with Robert Redmille, Assistant Chef Concierge, The Hazelton Hotel, Toronto

*What sparked your interest in hospitality? What made you choose the Concierge role? At the beginning of my career, I was working for TD Bank and lived at the Sutton Place in Vancouver for two months on a work assignment. It was an eye-opening experience and I so impressed with how the hotel team made me feel every day. When I moved back to Toronto, I had an opportunity to assist a friend with a restaurant opening and never looked back. I joined the O&B team overseeing food & beverage programming as well as private dining. Wanting to expand my hospitality knowledge, I was hired by Toni Daoud as a concierge at The St. Regis. I pushed my service standards even further when I joined The Hazelton Hotel team as a concierge. The Hazelton Hotel is the first and only independent luxury boutique hotel to achieve a Forbes Five Star rating and I am so proud to be a member of this team, assisting to elevate the guest experience every day.

*Who is your inspiration? The many musicians I listen to. I am inspired by lyrics and art.

*What was your first job? TD Bank

*What was your dream career/job? Musician/Actor

*What rules do you live by? Transparency and honesty

*What rules do you break?  Keeping people in line

*If you weren’t a Concierge, what would you be doing? Comedian

*How do you practice work and life balance? Work hard, play harder

*What is your self-care ritual? Gym every day

*What has been your most significant barrier? During the pandemic, being conscious of mental health and wanting to create a safe and welcoming environment for all guests and colleagues.  

*What would be your advice to the next generation aspiring concierges? Take care of your guests and when you get your keys wear them with pride.

*What is unique about your role as Concierge? I try to imbue the role with fun. I consider myself a performer, like “The Showman”, and truly feel it is important to immerse myself in the offerings I recommend to our guests. I rely on my own first-hand experience rather than a simple online search to perfectly curate recommendations to guests.

*What is one lesson you have learned from?   Build a strong team that genuinely cares for each other

FUN QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS:

  • Fav morning beverage – Double shot espresso
  • Fav after work drink – Beer “Beyond the pale Kolsch”
  • Fav meal of the day – Breakfast, “The Good Fork
  • Fav snack – Chips
  • Fav place to vacation – New York
  • Fav book – “Wherever you go there you are”  – Jon Kabat-Zinn
  • Fav movie – Blue Velvet
  • Fav actor/actress – I don’t have a single favorite
  • Fav saying or quote – “Live in the moment”
  • Fav attraction in Toronto – Any concert venue, live music
  • Fav music genre – Love all music, jazz, post punk, and experimental rock

=======================================================

Forbes 5 Star Journey

The Hazelton Hotel Toronto
Robert Redmille, Assistance Chef Concierge, member of Les Clefs d’Or Canada
*How were you elected for Forbes training; Our General Manager, Gaurav, wanted me to take the lead with Forbes committee.  My consistent feedback and coaching were strong attributes to taking this role.  Internal audits and self assessments were complete daily in all departments; sharing feedback daily with leaders and weekly meetings with General Manager to discuss progres.  Forbes was there for guidance and shared performance reviews on what can be improved and what areas we perform well in,

*How long were you employed at The Hazleton Hotel: Four years.  With the passion, consistency, and commitment in my roles and responsibilities towards my team, guests and residents, I also earned the position of Assistant Chef Concierge, as I continue my journey proudly with The Hazelton Hotel.

*When did you acquire your keys:  2019

*Where are you originally from: Windsor Ontario

*What does The Forbes 5 Star rating mean to you and the Hazelton: I am grateful for this opportunity given to me by the General Manager. I get to work with great leaders. Earning a Forbes 5 Star rating is the pinnacle of achievement for any hotel and now The Hazelton Hotel is ranked amongst the best in the world!

    

Members in the news….

Posted by nella mirante on May 11, 2022
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

We are thrilled to share with you and episode of Tourism Jasper’s Venture Beyond Series featuring our very own Naji Khouri, Director of Guest Experiences and VIP Concierge, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Enjoy Naji’s story below!

“Jasper is like a feeling, when you are in the National Park, there is a certain feeling, its unique , its a reflective feeling, its hard to find in any other place, and once you felt it, you’ll know” -Naji Khouri

Tourism Jasper’s Venture Beyond series is about locals who are story tellers and outdoor enthusiasts. Jasper is an authentic Rocky Mountain destination where the greatest personal expeditions begin and explorers from around the world collect to enjoy the activities, accommodations, restaurants of the town of Jasper.

Meet a Jasper local: Naji Khouri | Tourism Jasper

Experience Jasper on a two day outdoor adventure with Naji!

https://www.jasper.travel/blog/category/venture-beyond/

Members in the News…

Posted by nella mirante on March 23, 2022
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

 Catherine Leblanc becomes the seventh Les Clefs d’Or Concierge at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, propelling the hotel to the status of establishment with the most Clefs d’Or in Canada! HRI Magazine shares her journey as a Concierge. See below link to read her story!!

Staying in a hotel  that employs Les Clefs d’Or concierges provides you with the benefits of our experience and local knowledge. They are your destination experts.

Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay with Les Clefs d’Or. 

#lesclefsdor #yourkeytoeverything #yourkeytothecity #inservicethroughfriendship #localexperts #quebec #tourismequebec #fairmontlechateaufrontenac #accor #hrimagazine

https://www.hrimag.com/Une-nouvelle-concierge-Clefs-d-Or-au-Chateau-Frontenac

Catherine Leblanc, Concierge, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Membres dans l’actualité ; Catherine Leblanc devient la septième Concierge Les Clefs d’Or au Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, propulsant l’hôtel au rang d’établissement ayant le plus de Clefs d’Or au Canada!

Séjourner dans un hôtel qui emploie les concierges Les Clefs d’Or, c’est bénéficier de notre expérience et de notre connaissance du terrain. Ils sont vos experts en matière de destination.

Être prudent. Rester informé. Séjournez aux Clefs d’Or.

#lesclefsdor #votreclédetout #vivelesclefsdor #votreclédeville #enserviceparl’amitié #expertslocaux #quebec #tourismequebec

#lesclefsdor #votreclédetout #vivelesclefsdor #votreclédeville #enserviceparl’amitié #expertslocaux #quebec #tourismequebec

Members in the news….

Posted by nella mirante on February 10, 2022
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

“How a Hotel Concierge can help you during your stay”

Imagine you can travel again. So where do you start planning your travel? You start with reaching out to a Les Clefs d’Or Concierge of the hotel

CAA Magazine and Travel Writer Tracy Tong spend some time with our very own Michael Lombardi, Ontario Regional Director, Chef Concierge at the Notttawasaga Inn Resort and Conference Centre in Alliston, Ontario. Michael shares travel tips and how reaching out to the Hotel Concierge can assist you with your travels plans and anticipating all your travel needs so that you don’t have to and with safety measures and protocols in place to ensure you are safe.

Staying in a Hotel that employs Les Clefs d’Or Concierge provides you with the benefits of our experience and local expertise. They are your destination experts.

Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay with Les Clefs d’Or

https://www.caasco.com/CAA-Magazine/Travel-Tips/12-ways-hotel-concierge-can-make-your-trip-better

Nottawasaga Inn Resort & Convention Centre
Michael Lombardi, Chef Concierge/Ontario Regional Director

Members In The News…

Posted by nella mirante on February 8, 2022
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

“Take a trip in your own city”…..our very own Xavier Guidis, Chef Concierge at the St. Regis Toronto was recently featured in the Toronto Star where he shared insider information on how to see the best of his City of Toronto.

Staying in a hotel that employs Les Clefs d’Or Concierges provides you with the benefits of our experience and local knowledge. They are your destination experts.

Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay with Les Clefs d’Or.

Save Tourism Get Vaccinated 

Posted by nella mirante on May 17, 2021
Posted in: Uncategorized. 3 Comments

Message from our President Don Mooney

 

National Board Les Clefs d”Or Canada 2019

The Covid-19 Pandemic has been a struggle for all nations and all people. We are all grateful for those in our hospitals who have worked tirelessly through multiple waves of hospitalizations of people suffering from the effects of Covid-19. For those living in India where the surge of cases has been unforgiving and relentless, our thoughts and prayers are with you. While many may not have been positive with Covid-19, I can confidently say we have all witnessed the negative affects on mental health first hand with our personal wellness along with those around us. This third wave has been hardest for many as we are now over a year of lockdowns, home-schooling, loss of jobs and extra pressure of trying to support family members and simply pay their bills. Recently I talked with a friend whose partner was suffering through depression and a cry for help was given loudly as their partner quietly talked about suicide. My friend of almost 20 years felt helpless. I searched for help online and provided a 1-800 number for a suicide prevention hotline. They called the number and were given advice on how to help their partner. I believe my friend knew that danger was not imminent however with no social contact and working from home their partner needed tools. With that one phone call tools were provided and help given on how to work through the struggle of depression. 

During my call, there was a moment in that conversation with my friend where I felt helpless. You see, being a professional Concierge I have always been able to fix all different kind of situations. At work I remember being called Mr. Fix-it. I have learned that no matter how positive, or how much I care or try I can’t fix mental health. I can be an advocate, I can share resources, I can cry with you if you need it. I give great hugs (of course virtual this year). However, I can’t fix it. I am not able to replace the experiences my children miss from not being in school with their classmates, no matter how hard I try I am not able to recreate a great birthday, even for our oldest sons second Covid birthday (April baby). I am a fun Dad however I cannot compare to a bunch of 7 and 8 year old’s. 

Gregory’s Family Friends COVID 19 Birthday Visit
Gregory’s 8th Birthday “Doughnut Cake”
Mooney Family; Laura , Don, Gregory, Daniel

So here we are in the middle of May and I can do the following. First share with you that Mental Health is at the top of the list for all of us and I want to make sure that I am mindful with those that I am talking with. I have tried hard to stop saying “how are you doing” and instead ask “how are you feeling”. I think most people will say ‘oh yeah things are good’ or something non-committal, I know I do. Now I make sure to find out how you are feeling. This last week by doing this it opened a real conversation with my friend and this situation came to light. I know I feel more aware of what resources are available. Second, I am committed to more conversations about mental health and want to make sure I am sharing more (hence today’s message). Third I want to focus on promoting Vaccinations! My title reads “Save Tourism Get Vaccinated” Working in tourism I have watched countless colleagues being laid off and then be brought back to work to later be laid off again. Many have left the industry all together. While maybe it is self-serving for my industry to use that hashtag; I truly believe that as our lockdowns are ended through mass vaccinations this will of course be great for tourism. More importantly it will help our collective Mental Health as everyone can reengage in society, our children can play with their friends and go back to school. Extended families, friends can get together, we can go for a drive on the highway and not worry if we cross a provincial border. I believe that the guests I have been able to serve this year and the experiences we created helped them feel normal, even if for just a couple of days. So #SaveTourismGetVaccinated which I will know will help our Mental Health #SaveMHgetvaccinated.  We all have the power to get Vaccinated, do not delay. I am proud to share that I have been vaccinated

CHOP 1888 WHERE SILVER SERVICE AWARD
Connie & John, CHARCUT WHERE SILVER SERVICE AWARD

In Service Through Friendship,

LCDC President, Don Mooney

24/7 Help for you or advice to help a friend

Crisis Services Canada Call 1.833.456.4566 Text 45645

Residents of Quebec Call 1.866.277.3553

Holiday Message from President Don Mooney

Posted by Alain Ethier on December 31, 2020
Posted in: National Board. Tagged: #yourkeytoeverything, concierge, inservicethroughfriendship, lesclefsdor, Tourism, travel. 1 Comment
LCDC President, Don Mooney

Les Clefs d’Or Canada

In Service Through Friendship – Le Service Par l’Amitié
#yourkeytoeverything

The Sutton Place Halifax opens with Les Clefs d’Or Concierge James Robar.

Posted by Alain Ethier on September 22, 2020
Posted in: National News, News from the Regions, On The Move » » », Press Releases, Uncategorized. Tagged: #conciergestrong, #yourkeytoeverything, concierge, hotel, lesclefsdor, lesclefsdorcanada, Tourism, travel. Leave a comment
James Robar

Great news for Les Clefs d’Or Canada’s Atlantic Region; The Sutton Place Halifax just opened and they have a Clefs d’Or Concierge at the desk!

James Robar, originally a member of the Atlantic Region, is back home after spending a few years in the city of Toronto.

“It feels amazing to be back in my home province. To be part of the opening team of The Sutton Place Hotel – Halifax is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that many never get to experience. I am very excited to show this new luxury property, in the city I love, to the rest of the world.”
– James Robar.

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A word from Xpera Risk Mitigation, friends of Les Clefs d’Or Canada and valued sponsor

Posted by mariev on July 24, 2020
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Xpera Logo Name

At Les Clefs d’Or Canada, we are proud of the strong relationships we build with our preferred suppliers. Through the years, many of them become friends and many support our association by providing outstanding customer service to our Members or by sponsoring our events. We are happy to invite them on our Blog and offer them an opportunity to explain how our relationship benefits them, us and, most importantly, our clients.

I’ll begin by saying what a privilege and honor it is to be invited to write a piece for Les Clefs d’Or Canada.  As a sponsor and supporter of this incredible organization, Xpera Risk Mitigation and Investigation understands the extremely high standards demanded by Golden Keys members and respects the seven core values that have underpinned your organization since 1929.

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Les Clefs d’Or Foundation of the Americas special COVID-19 grant for concierges.

Posted by Alain Ethier on July 10, 2020
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #conciergestrong, #LCDwewillbeback, #yourkeytoeverything, inservicethroughfriendship, lesclefsdor, lesclefsdorcanada. Leave a comment

Les Clefs d’Or Foundation of the Americas  

Grant Application

This application is valid for all grant requests.  If you are applying for a grant because you were furloughed or laid off as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, to qualify, you must be a concierge member of Les Clefs d’Or, in good standing and be unemployed, due to the crisis.  Maximum need-based grants for COVID-19 applicants is $500 and will only be granted once (a symbolic gesture of care and friendship).

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    This Blog is designed to broadcast news, events and important information about the Les Clefs d’Or Canada Association and its members. It is intended for all Les Clefs d’Or members, affiliates, friends, collaborators and anybody with an interest for hotel business, customer service and tourism in general. We hope you find our articles and pictures interesting, come back regularly, comment and choose to follow our Blog. Thank you for your visit.
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    Ce Blog a pour but de diffuser des nouvelles, des événements ainsi que des informations importantes à propos de l’association Les Clefs d’Or Canada et de ses membres. Il est conçu à l’intention des membres Les Clefs d’Or, les affiliés, amis, collaborateurs et toute personne ayant un intérêt pour le domaine de l’hôtellerie, le service à la clientèle et le tourisme en général. Nous espérons que vous trouverez nos articles intéressants, que vous reviendrez régulièrement sur le Blog, commenterez sur les articles et choisirez de suivre notre Blog (Follow). Merci de votre visite!
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