How to Become a Concierge in the UK
A concierge looks after guests' requests: restaurant bookings, theatre tickets, transport, tours, last-minute gifts and the problems nobody else can solve. In a luxury hotel you work at the concierge desk on shifts, while lifestyle, corporate and residential concierges do similar work for members, office workers or residents of premium apartment buildings.
You don't need qualifications to start. Most hotel concierges begin as a porter, doorperson, guest services agent or receptionist, then move to the desk once they know the city and have shown they can stay calm and discreet.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £32,000 + tips
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £55,000
- Senior salary
- £60,000 - £90,000
- Work environment
- Luxury hotel or private setting
- Time to entry
- 0 - 2 years
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Hospitality and Food
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What a Concierge does
Be the go-to fixer for guests at luxury hotels or private clients - reservations, experiences, problem solving.
How to become a concierge in the UK
There is no required qualification. Hotels hire on service experience, local knowledge and manner, and many promote from within. A hospitality apprenticeship, such as the Level 2 hospitality team member or Level 3 hospitality supervisor apprenticeship, gives you structured training while you work. Languages are a real advantage in London and other tourist cities. Experienced hotel concierges can apply to join Les Clefs d'Or, the international association of hotel concierges, which has a Great Britain section and requires several years of concierge experience and sponsorship from existing members.
- Get a front-of-house hotel job as a porter, doorperson, guest services agent or receptionist, ideally in a four or five-star hotel.
- Learn your city in detail: restaurants, theatres, transport links, opening hours and which places can fit in a late booking.
- Build relationships with restaurant managers, theatre box offices, chauffeur firms and florists, because your contacts are how you get guests what they want.
- Ask to shadow the concierge team and cover desk shifts, and keep notes of the requests you handle and how you solved them.
- Improve a second language, especially one spoken by many of your hotel's guests, as it can help decide who moves to the desk.
- Apply for assistant concierge roles, then work towards head concierge and, after several years, membership of Les Clefs d'Or.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porter or guest services role, then promotion | 1-2 years | None, paid work | School leavers and hospitality starters |
| Hospitality apprenticeship | 12-18 months | Paid by the employer | Earning a qualification while you work |
| Move across from luxury retail, events or PA work | Varies | None | Experienced service professionals |
How long it takes
You can start in a front-of-house hotel role straight away. Moving onto the concierge desk usually takes up to two years, depending on how quickly you learn the city and build contacts.
Concierge salary in the UK
Concierges usually start on around £24,000 to £32,000 plus tips, which can add a useful amount in busy luxury hotels. Experienced concierges typically earn £35,000 to £55,000, and head concierges or private and lifestyle concierges for wealthy clients can earn £60,000 to £90,000. Pay is highest in London's top hotels. Shift patterns, how tips and service charges are shared, and your languages and contacts all affect what you take home. Some concierges later move into hotel manager or private PA roles.
Key skills
- Local knowledge
- Network building
- Discretion
- Languages helpful
- Calm under pressure
Concierge FAQs
How do I become a concierge?
Start in a hotel front-of-house job such as porter, doorperson or guest services agent. Learn the city, build contacts with restaurants, theatres and transport firms, and ask to cover concierge desk shifts. Most hotel concierges are promoted from within.
Do you need qualifications to be a concierge?
No formal qualifications are required. Hotels look for service experience, local knowledge, discretion and good communication. A hospitality apprenticeship or a second language can help you stand out, especially for luxury hotels in London.
How much does a hotel concierge earn in the UK?
Concierges start on around £24,000 to £32,000 plus tips. Experienced concierges earn about £35,000 to £55,000, and head concierges or private concierges for wealthy clients can earn £60,000 to £90,000.
What do the golden keys on a concierge's lapel mean?
The crossed golden keys show membership of Les Clefs d'Or, the international association of hotel concierges. Membership needs several years of concierge experience and sponsorship from members, so it marks out a senior, well-connected concierge.
Is Concierge right for you?
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