Going Above and Beyond with an Arsenal of Knowledge
Guests at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur can now spot a legendary "golden key" at the Hotel’s very own concierge desk.
Les Clefs d’Or, meaning The Golden Keys, is an elite network of hotel concierges that stretches across eighty countries. Said to have "keys of gold," these exceptional concierges have the knowledge, skills and contacts to open practically any door for their guests. In other words, they are the ultimate insiders in the world of travel and hospitality.
Gaining admittance to Les Clefs d’Or is the holy grail of the hotel industry. Which is why the entire team at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur found reason to celebrate when Assistant Chief Concierge Narain Rao was accepted as a member of the Malaysian Hotel Concierge, affiliated to the Society of the Golden Keys Malaysia (the Malaysian chapter of Les Clefs d’Or).
Narain is the first team member from the Hotel to win this distinction, marking a milestone not just for himself but also for the property: “I feel incredibly honoured. Joining these ranks is a dream come true for any concierge.”
The recognition comes at the end of a gruelling vetting process that includes everything from references and work experience to interviews and written exams. The comprehensive testing process has been designed to ensure the highest standard of membership – and with good reason. Certified members of the MCH gain access to the international network of Les Clefs d’Or concierges, as well as a closely-guarded list of top vendors and organisations in the Malaysian hospitality space.
Along with access to coveted resources, Narain also enjoys the privilege of wearing the Malaysian Key, representing impeccable concierge credentials. Crafted in collaboration with Royal Selangor International, the pewter lapel-pin combines a golden key with a hibiscus, the national flower of Malaysia. The hibiscus symbolises genuine Malaysian hospitality, while the golden key evokes expertise, discretion and the sacred bond between guest and concierge. In the Middle Ages, concierges in European castles and government buildings were known as the "keepers of the keys," a phrase that summed up their crucial importance
“As concierges, we make wishes come true, be it a simple query for information or a complex logistical matter,” explains Narain. “Our role includes anticipating the guest’s requests, sometimes before they even know what they’re looking for.”
With its roots stretching back to Paris in 1929, Les Clefs d’Or has attained near-mythical status among hoteliers. Being associated with the Malaysian chapter of this revered institution is a dream come true for Narain – a golden key to further elevate the guest experience at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur.