What is a Concierge Service in an Apartment?

Concierge apartments are becoming more and more popular but a lot of people are still unclear about what that term means. Why would an apartment building hire a concierge? What would a concierge do in an apartment building? Is the concierge mostly for show or do they have actual responsibilities? In this post, the team at Luxury Serviced Apartments take a close look at the subject and answer the question “What is a concierge service in an apartment?”

What Type of Apartment Building is Likely to Have a Concierge?

Not every apartment building offers concierge service, but as we mentioned, it is gaining in popularity these days. So exactly what type of apartment building is likely to offer concierge service? Industry studies indicate that you are likely to find a concierge in an apartment building that also offers other  high-end amenities such as:

• Clubhouse amenities such as billiards
• A screening room or theatre for residents
• On-site facilities such as tennis courts and health clubs
• In-unit laundry facilities
• Resort-style games such as shuffleboard
• Pet parks or grooming areas, pet sitting services

While the availability of such services is not a guarantee that the building will also provide concierge services it is nonetheless more likely to be the case.

What the Apartment Concierge Does

Even if the building provides concierge service there is still the question of exactly what that concierge is expected to do. The hotel concierge will typically provide information on local tourist attractions, make dinner reservations for guests, arrange tours and arrange transportation. But what about the apartment concierge?

While the exact menu of services offered by an apartment concierge will vary somewhat from building to building most will perform some or most of the following tasks:

• Provide an extra layer of security: These days security is a pressing issue and the more buildings can do to help ensure the safety and security of residents the better. While a concierge is not going to fight off intruders their mere presence can discourage some potential intruders from attempting to start trouble. The concierge may also be the one who calls the police or fire brigade if need be.
• Reserve community amenities: In a building with an active group of residents competition for the tennis court or billiards table may be hot and heavy. The concierge may be the one who reserves time slots for residents in order to keep things orderly and avoid confrontations.
• Make dinner reservations: It is likely that at least some apartment concierges will wind up making dinner reservations for residents just as the hotel concierge would. And why not? When the time comes for your reservation the concierge may also arrange a taxi or Uber for you.
• Liaise with the landlord: It should not be surprising if the concierge acts as the eyes and ears of the landlord and alerts him or her to any security, maintenance or other issues. Conversely, the landlord may ask the concierge to warn residents about upcoming work on the building.

The Benefits of Having a Concierge in a Serviced Apartment Building

Living in a serviced apartment building with a concierge has several advantages over life in a building without a concierge. Those benefits include: 

• Convenience: A concierge can make everyone’s life a little more convenient by making dinner reservations, regulating access to the tennis court, hailing cabs and more.
• A more secure building: As we mentioned earlier the concierge is not about to tangle with intruders. However, knowing the concierge is there to keep an eye on things helps a lot of residents sleep better at night.
• Fostering a sense of community: Apartment buildings can be notoriously unfriendly environments. But with a well-mannered and affable concierge acting as the common touchstone a sense of community has at least a chance to develop around them.
• A sense of exclusivity: Let’s face it, lots of people like the idea of VIP service and having a concierge in the building can create an air of exclusivity that is not possible in a standard apartment building.

Summary

A concierge in a serviced apartment building can create a more secure, convenient and collegial atmosphere for everyone. If your building has announced plans to introduce a concierge, congratulations! You’re in for a treat.