resources director said, “We hope you don’t
mind, we thought we would kill three birds with
one stone.” I responded with, “As long as I’m not
that bird!” I never could have imagined then what
doors that initial interview would open for me.
Not only did I get the job, and learn how to say
Concierge correctly, but now many years later I
am working at the “Castle in the Rockies” and
Vice President for Les Clefs d’Or Canada.
What makes The Fairmont Banff
Springs stand out?
When it comes to hotels, the “Castle in the
Rockies” is iconic for so many reasons. We can
start with its vast history which goes back to the
very fabric of Canada becoming a united country
through the building of the railway. For the
present I would say it is hard to find a resort
with all of the amenities that you can find here,
from the world-class Willow Stream Spa,
Stanley Thompson Golf Course, Exclusive
Fairmont Gold floors, and exceptional dining
located throughout the resort. We had a Hotel
Manager once say, “We are not managers of this
hotel, but rather we are stewards taking care of
our part of its history.”
What are some truly unique
experiences that The Fairmont
Banff Springs offers its clientele?
The facilities are second to none and world-class
in so many ways. I always tell guests that we can
do anything: “We even have a chocolate shop and
a butcher shop in our kitchens.” There is nothing
we can’t do! Whatever guests can imagine, we can
make reality.
It is important that I give special kudos to
our Chefs. I recently had a guest that, in a passing
conversation, mentioned a favorite family food
100
THE AFFLUENT TRAVELER
|
Concierge Connection
Concierge Connection
CC
dish that they had every Christmas. They were
booked for our Christmas dinner buffet which
has everything you can imagine. Their unique
family tradition wasn’t on the menu, however,
with a quick conversation to one of our pastry
Chefs, I was able to have their special item
delivered right to their table to enjoy on
Christmas night. On a day where literally
thousands of meals were being prepared and
served we were able to deliver a special dish for
two guests who were celebrating their first
Christmas as a married couple!
What do you consider the most
distinctive feature of the region
surrounding the hotel?
It all starts with the majesty of the Canadian
Rockies. Your artistic nature can be awakened
through the lens of the camera or the avid
sportsmen can enjoy a morning of skiing and
then golf in the afternoon. The poet in all of us is
released as we write post cards home in the faint
attempt of duly describing the natural
wonderment. The activities in the area allow
guests to connect to nature in a way that cannot
be duplicated. A simple walk into town center can
become a wildlife discovery tour. You can take a
Photo courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs
