Concierge’s Badge
The two crossed gold keys traditionally worn on each lapel by the very finest concierges indicates that the concierge wearing them is a Les Clefs d’Or Concierge. The two crossed keys can only be worn by a member of the French chapter of the U.I.C.H (Union Internationale des Concierges d’Hotels) – the International Professional Hotel Concierge Association, whose origins trace back to Paris, France in 1929. The crossed gold keys signify a concierge who has reached the pinnacle of the profession. The best of the very best. There are currently 50 member nations in the Union. The United States (Les Clefs d’Or USA Ltd.) joined the UICH in 1978.
Becoming Les Clefs d’Or Concierge requires passing an exam and cannot even be applied for until one has worked as a hotel concierge for three years, and has five years experience working in a hotel.
The single gold key that Ashland Springs Hotel concierge now wears signifies her as a member of the Portland Concierge Association. You will notice it incorporates the symbols of Portland within it’s design: the handle of the key is a rose, symbolizing Portland’s official nickname: the Rose City, and the “teeth” of the key are, of course, the initials of that group: PCA. We use the gold key as a symbol of the concierge profession, and our link with Les Clef’s d’Or, in whose image and by whose principles our group was founded. But the distinction is intentional and respectfully – only a single key.
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