When you enter the stunning Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto, you can see Andrea behind her desk, on the phone, with one line on hold, while already looking for a restaurant to host
the next LesClefsd’OrOntario dinner in July 2016 and at the same time, sending a confirmation for a limousine to a guest. She is constantly on the go, always wants more work and never stops. Even when the time to go home has arrived, she needs to be told, “Andrea, it’s time to leave now,” “Andrea, take your break!” and “Andrea, go eat.” The last time she turned her out of office notification was in July 1996…Andrea Melendez was born in Santiago, Chile. She learned English while living in Toronto for four years starting at age 10. Working as a concierge? She had never really thought about it. It was just meant to be. She started her career as a program assistant for World Learning with their Study Abroad Program based in Valparaíso, Chile. She then worked as a tour guide and assistant to the operations manager for a cruise ship agent for four years. While there, she was offered a concierge position at HSM Chile – Hotel San Martin.She also taught first-year hospitality students the role of a concierge in the hotel industry.
After attending the Vancouver Pan-American congress, Andrea became a member of Les Clefs d’Or in 2008, later taking a position on the Chilean Board as treasurer and membership director. Before leaving Chile in 2011 to move back to Toronto, she was Vice President. She was also featured in a few different magazines and newspapers: http://www.chefandhotel.cl/images/Concierg.pdf
During the memorable International Congress in Toronto, Ontario, Andrea interviewed for the position of concierge at the new Trump Hotel. She decided to take on a new challenge and move back to Toronto without knowing if she would get the job or not! She owes her first Canadian concierge experience to Liloo Alim at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, where she worked on a four-month contract. Then she finally got the call from the Trump Hotel.
Andrea became a member of the Ontario Region’s Board of Directors for Les Clefs d’Or Canada. She is currently serving a successful first term as the Regional Vice-Director of Ontario. Andrea is really involved in promoting our association and was also in charge of the 16th Annual #StarOneTickets/Les Clefs d’Or Ontario Golf Classic tournament.
Andrea is the proud mama of an 18-year old daughter, Camila, and a cat named Loki and she said she is “totally in love.”Q & A with Andrea:
Craziest concierge story?
Picking up tennis rackets for the final of an ATP tournament. The final was Chile vs.Argentina and the rackets were for the Argentinian player…Not sure I should have since Chile ended up losing!
Celebrity you would love to meet? I have met him…Tom Hiddleston
Best memory as a Clefs d’Or member? The closing gala of the Pan-American Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
What’s your hidden talent? I love selling stuff and I am good at it.
Favourite place in Toronto? St Lawrence Market and Fan Expo Canada (TM)
Favourite meal? Anything Italian!
Biggest fear? I hate mice.
Biggest pet peeve? Misbehaved children.
Favourite phrase? For instance.
Coffee or tea? Coffee.
Favorite pizza topping? Cheese.
Favorite TV show? I don’t have time to watch TV.
Favorite website? Depends on the time of year.
Hobby/Collecting? Hobbiton Miniatures.
Edited by Xavier Guidis
Concierge, Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto.
lesclefsdorcanada.com 