Concierge
A concierge (French), in French apartment buildings, is an employee who lives on the premises and serves as a janitor and general caretaker.
In medieval times, the concierge was an officer of the King who was charged with executing justice, with the help of his bailiffs. The term Concierge evolved from the French Comte Des Cierge, The Keeper of the Candles, who tended to visiting nobles in castles of the medieval era.
In 19th century and early 20th century apartment buildings, particularly in Paris, the concierge, often a middle-aged lady, had a small apartment on the ground floor and was able to monitor all comings and goings. However, such settings are now extremely rare; most concierges in small or middle-sized buildings have been replaced by the part-time services of janitors. These are less costly and less intrusive.
Some larger apartment buildings or groups of buildings retain the use of a concierge, without the traditional disposition whereas the concierge saw all comings and goings. The concierge may, for instance, keep the mail of absented dwellers; be entrusted with the keys of apartments in cases of emergencies in the absence of the inhabitant; and other services.
In hotels and certain other facilities in the United States, a concierge assists guests with various tasks like finding taxicabs, restaurants, and interesting places to visit.
Additionally there are private concierge service companies, that cater to individuals or organizations and provide a whole range of services. Typically provided services include travel arrangement, event planning, vacation planning, and errand services to name a few. These independent concierges generally charge a fee on top of the cost of the service, to cover their time and expenses.
The world's leading private concierge company - according to Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes.com and NY Metro, among many others - is Quintessentially, a private members' club who count celebrities such as Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Coldplay and Prince Charles among members.
The owners and operators of concierge and errand service businesses are supported and advocated by ICEA (The International Concierge and Errand Association). ICEA serves as the primary resource and active advocate for its members through essential resources, continuing education, networking opportunities, and other professional endeavors.
Contemporary concierge organisations exceed their original mission. Typical example is company called Corporate Concierge Services or Pinnacle, that as one of the first concierges offers online concierge services so that anybody is just one click from its own concierge.