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oclairej's review against another edition
2.0
A quick and interesting read about life as a concierge in NYC - a place dripping with demanding rich people. The author shares stories about the people he encountered as well as tips and thoughts on service, the service industry and some basic how-to's in terms of getting good service yourself. As someone with a small town background who plays in the big city corporate culture now I can appreciate the author's thoughts on how service is a business transaction and above all else if you show kindness and respect and be direct about what you want, you are likely to be better off than being mean, demanding and talking down to service workers. He reminds us of the classic phrase that it's not what you know, it's who you know and his many connections helped him with many unique situations in his line of work.
jesslroy's review against another edition
2.0
Some entertaining stories, but most focus seemed to be on the ups and downs of the personal business. Expectation was a book more focused on the tales and less of the journey.
ballinnnnnn's review against another edition
4.0
I had seen the review for this in USA Today perhaps, and working at a hotel, and especially being interested in concierging at some point in my future, I'd had this on my To-Read list for a few months, and when I saw it available at the library, I knew I had to get it. I just assumed as most would that he was a hotel concierge and he was for many years, but turns out now he owns a consierge business that services luxory apartments. See? You learn something new everyday. I really enjoyed this quick read, probably because I've encountered so many of the same types of guests/requests even in a small town hotel like mine. Surprisingly he does name drop celebrities and tell interesting quirks about them, I'm not sure if it's true or he's using other celebs names to cover up the ones he actually delt with, but it's really fun to put a well known face with the story. My favorite part was probably the few times that he does what every person in service wants to do and tells off those ridiculously rude guests, even though you didn't deal with them and you weren't the one to yell back, it still feels gratifying to know someone in your field did. Definitely a read if you're in the hospitality business or ever have been.
pgujjula's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Really interesting delve into the world of the luxury concierge industry, something I didn't know anything about before reading this book. There's a number of editing errors, e.g., "I'm about too" on page XI. Nevertheless, it's a funny and easy read, and I finished it in one sitting.
usheth's review against another edition
4.0
A quick and entertaining read about what makes a great Concierge.
lanagailani's review against another edition
3.0
This is a light and entertaining read about a man who spent his career in service as a concierge. It is remarkable what one can do with a little charm, some cleverness, and someone else's money.
sarahsparklenose's review
3.0
Enjoyable book with plenty of tips and tricks to help flatter your way into getting better service. I enjoyed Michael's wit, it felt like I was talking to an old friend instead of reading a book.