“Can’t we just ask the concierge?” Have you ever heard that question or asked that question yourself while on vacation and staying at a hotel or resort? The answer is “yes” you can ask the concierge.  Here at the M Resort, we have a concierge named Nancy Jeskey and she is the best. Seriously, she is one of the best. She’s one of  just 450 concierge in the United States to be awarded the Golden Keys of Les Clefs d’Or - more on that later.

She’s the best because she can help you with just about anything, has incredible experience and knows Vegas like you know your own home. And trust us, if you want live camels in front of your room, Nancy is the gal to get it done. We sat down with her to find out what exactly a concierge does and why she likes it so much.  Here’s what she had to say:

Q:  Tell us what a concierge does.

A:   Concierges are here to serve every guest – to help them with anything they need. I say, I’ll do whatever the guests needs as long as it is not illegal, immoral or unkind! In a nutshell, we help guests plan their day, provide information and make arrangements for them. 

Q:  How did you decide you wanted to be a concierge?

A:   I love to travel and I truly love to help people. My husband always got a kick out me because if I saw people looking at a map trying to figure out where to go I’d walk over and help them – tell them how to get to where they were planning to go, suggest places to eat, things like that.

Q:  How many years have you been a concierge?

A:   12 years – I entered the concierge profession in 1993 in Indian Wells, California and became a Les Clefs d’Or member in 1998. I was a concierge in California for 10 years and was Palm Springs Life Concierge of the Year in 1996. 

Q:  So, what’s “Les Clefs d’Or”?

A:   Les Clefs d’Or is an international organization of professional hotel concierges. To join, an applicant must have five years experience in the hotel industry and be sponsored by two current members. The application process is so stringent that the organization has just 450 members in the United States. 

Q:  What kind of training did you have?

A:   Your training is really on your knowledge of the city. I am a member of the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association and a past president of the Desert Resorts Concierge Association in the Palm Springs area. 

Q:  Where did you work prior to coming to the M Resort?

A:   I’ve worked at Renaissance in Las Vegas, Esmeralda Renaissance in Palm Springs and the Hyatt Grand Champion. I’ve been with the M Resort since its opening.

Q:  What, in your opinion, are the “must-have” characteristics to be a good concierge?

A:   Knowledge of the city you live in is key. I’d also say the ability to multi-task, a genuine desire to help others and good ethics and conduct – remember you represent your hotel. 

 Q:  What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A:   The people. They are so grateful for your help. I can make them feel at home and comfortable. Guests trust concierges and expect us to know the ins and outs of the city. It’s rewarding when I can help them navigate their way around. This is my most favorite job by far. I hope to be a concierge for many more years.  

Q:  How do you stay on top of what is happening around the city?

A:   I belong to professional associations so we are able to network and share what’s happening in the city with each other. Networking is so important. I read everything I can, experience as much as I possibly and drive around constantly. Las Vegas changes all time so it’s important to network and get out and experience the city. If I’m helping a guest with tickets to see a show at a property on the Strip then I want to be able to tell them exactly where they need to go from the parking lot all the way to the show entrance.

Q:  What is a typical day like for you?

A:   A typical day is helping people with anything from shopping recommendations, to purchasing tickets for shows to helping them with transportation.  

Q:  What has been one of the most unique things that a guest has asked you to help with?

A:   I had a guest in Palm Springs ask me to get two live camels and stage them in front of his friend’s room as a practical joke. If you can believe it, it only took me 20 minutes to get them rented! It was so much fun.

 I also once had a Sultan whose entourage called down and asked me to get him and his entire entourage on a plane to Paris that same day. His entourage took up two entire floors of the property so you can imagine how many of them there were. I called around, spoke to my counterparts in Paris and had them all on a plane within three hours.  

Q:  What are your favorite places in Vegas?

A:   I love the M – it’s a beautiful property and definitely one of my favorites. If guests are looking for places on the Strip to eat I tell them to eat at Joel Robuchon or Fleur de Lys or to see Human Nature. It is one of my most favorite shows. I also really enjoy Le Rêve. 

Q:  What do you recommend guests at the M do while they’re here?

A:   Veloce is an absolute must – it’s romantic and has one of the best views of the city. Spa Mio treatments are another must while they’re here. Hostile Grape is my favorite place – I love the entertainment and the wine, of course! And now that pool season is here, a cabana by the pool is another must-do.  

Q: You’ve traveled extensively. Where is your favorite place that you’ve traveled?

A:   Traveling has certainly helped me to be a better concierge. Hawaii is my favorite place, but if I could live anywhere I’d live 4four months in Hong Kong, four months in Paris, four months here in Vegas and four months in Hawaii. 

Q:  How you met any interesting celebrities or helped any interesting people?  

A:   George Hamilton was one of my favorites and just the nicest person. I also enjoyed helping Pamela Anderson and Frank Sinatra. I knew Frank personally and was there for the christening of his grandkids.