What exactly is "the hotel concierge"?

In today's marketing world, the word "concierge" seems fairly ubiquitous. We seem to have many concierges, such as the "bank concierge", who is a bank staff member assigned to direct customers into the teller lines, to keep the lines moving efficiently. We also have the Auto Service Agency Concierge, whose main responsibility is to make sure that their customers have transportation to and from the agency while their car is being serviced. Department stores have concierges; staff members well versed in the store inventory who guide their customers to the correct line of clothing or goods to suit their needs or desires. Some of these concierges also provide general information, along with any advice and/or recommendations to their customers.

The word concierge actually dates back to mid 17th century Europe, when hosts, usually of a lavish property or castle, provided a servant whose primary responsibility was attending to the comfort of their traveling guests. This servant eventually catered to the every whim and wish of visiting nobles; they held a very important position in the household, and often kept the household keys. We can be sure that this "household" key ring included those to the more ...