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

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Forbes 5 Star Journey

*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!