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San Francisco, Ca - February 8, 1999
Introducing The Cast Providing over 40 years of collective concierge service, The Pan Pacific's concierge staff includes two Les Clefs d'Or members, namely Chief Concierge Mark Belhumeur and Assistant Chief Concierge Robert Spinrad. In addition to this sterling team is Catherine Orr, Jason Carbajal, Scott McIntosh (who is Vice President of the Northern California Concierge Associates), Andrea Freda, Vanessa Rae, and Mark Wrightson. Outrageous Requests Now, of course these veteran concierge have seen their share of unusual solicitations and above-and-beyond the call-of-duty requests... however, the service standards of this staff are focused on their commitment to responding to every conceivable inquiry (as long as it's moral, legal, and ethical) in the most gracious and timely fashion. With that said, here are a few amusing anecdotes for the curious at
heart:
Although the concierge staff at any hotel throughout the world is often the most utilized guest amenity, they can still be used more effectively. Planning Ahead As a service to both leisure and corporate travelers, the concierge staff at The Pan Pacific San Francisco has created a list of suggestions for those who would like to make better use of this oft-overlooked and under utilized guest service. Have the concierge recommend some of The City's hot new restaurants and make advance reservations for you, find out what special activities and shows will be available during your visit and have the concierge purchase the best tickets in advance. Utilize the concierge for their vast knowledge and local insider suggestions. If ordering a bouquet of flowers, making a special request, or searching for theater tickets, be prepared with a budget in mind (i.e.: One guest wanted to fill the bathtub in their room with Champagne but did not realize it would take 200 bottles and a budget of at least $3,000.00 to do so). Remember, a hotel's concierge service is designed to handle last-minute crises and will act as your "magician." (i.e.: A very prominent out-of-town speaker came to the hotel to address an exclusive audience and somehow forgot to bring a tie. The concierge staff was called upon to find an appropriate tie but was not informed of the speaker 's suit color. So, the concierge purchased a selection of designer ties and gave the speaker a choice when he arrived). When asking for recommendations on what to do or where to eat, provide enough information so the concierge can formulate an overview about your preferences and what specific cuisine and atmosphere might be of interest to you. And please don't ask what the concierge's personal favorite restaurant is... your tastes may not be the same as theirs. If you have an "ideal" in mind, present the concierge with ALL the details possible (i.e.: A hotel guest was hosting a very exclusive afternoon tea at the hotel and wanted to present all her guests with a special keepsake. She called upon Chief Concierge Mark Belhumeur to locate and purchase charming little Limoge pill boxes with different tea motifs... with only a few hours notice to pull this trick out of his hat, Belhumeur pulled through with flying colors.) Climbing to Great Heights In addition to assisting with the customary hard-to-get restaurant reservations
and tickets for
sold out theater productions, The Pan Pacific's team of concierge will climb to great heights to accommodate guests' specific requests. For example, Belhumeur was contacted in advance by a guest planning a special 40th birthday surprise for her husband. She requested his assistance in setting up a treasure hunt within the hotel. Belhumeur took it upon himself to find out what the husband's special interests were and planned a theme of clues and treasures which corresponded with the husband's mad passion for his new Porsche. Belhumeur went so far as to order logo merchandise directly from Porsche. Needless to say, the guests were thrilled with the very special treatment and the fond birthday memories The Pan Pacific helped to create. Frequently Asked Questions To accommodate the most frequently asked questions and requests, The Pan Pacific's concierge staff has recently introduced a series of "The Concierge Suggests" which are advance planning guides to aid visitors of The City. And, for those who think they've seen everything San Francisco has to offer, think again. The Pan Pacific's concierge staff created an intriguing list of "37 Things You've Never Done (in San Francisco)." As a matter of fact, many of the ideas are activities even the locals find engaging. In addition, to aid seasoned City-bound travelers with ideas for compelling, nearby excursions, the concierge staff also prepared a series of day trip itineraries for such destinations as: Monterey/Carmel; Napa Valley; Sausalito; Mill Valley and Stinson Beach; and Mendocino. These recommendations will take guests on jaunts to some of Northern California's most beloved attractions. For more information about The Pan Pacific San Francisco or to contact the hotel's "Sterling Concierge Staff" call them directly at (415)929-2018 or (800) 533-6465. |
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