The Municipal Hotel & Spa Now Owns Three Golden Keys Following Recent Award Wins
The Municipal Hotel & Spa MGallery has announced its status as owners of three Golden Keys, as a result of three members of the hotel’s concierge team being awarded Les Clef d’Or.
Les Clefs d’Or (The Golden Keys) is a professional hotel concierge association affiliated to the Union Internationale des Concierges d’Hotels. Officially dating back to 1929 and founded in 1952 in France, the not-for-profit organization is based on two pillars: Service and Friendship, and has approximately 4000 members working in 80 countries and 530 destinations, with only around 320 members in Britain.
To become a member, it’s a requirement that the individual has several years of experience as a hotel concierge, has passed comprehensive testing and proven beyond doubt, their ability to deliver the highest quality of service. Each is revered for their professional gravitas, integrity, local knowledge and impeccable recommendations. Members will then be gifted an emblem of golden cross keys on their lapels – showcasing their commitment to driving new standards of guest service perfection.
To get both Jude Fernando and Gregory Coburn a chance at owning the prestigious membership, established member of The Golden Keys – Adam Lazoryk, organised for both team members to attend an education training day in London with a letter of recommendation from himself, where they were both subjected to in-person approval. Following this, both Jude and Gregory participated in an interview each in front of a panel, whereby one of their two sponsors were questioned on the applicants’ validity and why they feel their recommended candidate is a valid prospective member. Both gentlemen passed the process seamlessly.
With an extensive concierge career of over 20 years, Jude has worked in an array of luxury hotels across Liverpool, London and Paris, including the Marceau Bastille Hotel and Beauchamp Hotel, and notably The Municipal Hotel & Spa since 2023.
Speaking of his achievement, Jude comments: “During my career I’ve had the pleasure of working at some of the finest hotel across Europe. It’s been a brilliant experience to be a part of The Municipal team since its opening last year and I have learnt so much during this time from all my head concierges. It is a passion of mine to give all guests a memorable moment and ensuring they are happy each and every day of their stay.”
Liverpool local, Gregory has worked at a variety of hotels in the city. Starting his concierge career at The Titanic Hotel Liverpool and then becoming Head Concierge at the hotel for a year, Gregory’s journey at The Municipal then began.
Remarking on his award win and career journey to-date, Gregory said: “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work in such an iconic building as The Municipal Building. I want to thank Adam Lazoryk, my Head Concierge at The Municipal Hotel, for helping me achieve my dream of receiving the Golden Keys, and also extend my thanks to my previous Head of Concierge, Damien Daly, for all he’s taught me. I have a drive for elevating the guest’s experience, and I will always go that extra mile and beyond.”
Head of Concierge at The Municipal Hotel and proud Golden Key owner since February 2022, Adam, has a decade of concierge service in his career to date. Starting in 2014 at The Queens Hotel Leeds in City Square, then moving to join the team at Mottram Hall in Cheshire until 2023, Adam joined The Municipal Hotel team during its opening in April 2023.
Looking back on his journey, Adam notes: “In April 2023 I moved onto The Municipal Hotel & Spa to be part of my first pre-opening team, learning all about the city so we were ready for all our guests requests when we opened in May.
“I’ve learnt that pre-empting the guests needs before they know themselves is the way to go the extra mile, always thinking 3 to 4 steps ahead. As a Les Clef d’Or concierge, I’m proud to say that no matter the situation or request there’s always a solution to fulfil the guests’ requests.
“I’d like to thank Colin Gaines, Peter Ruff, George Spinelli and David Pinney for all embracing me and inspiring me to write my own chapter in the hospitality world. I’m also grateful to my good friend Emiliano Del Pizza for sponsoring me during my membership application – it’s something I’ll always be thankful for. I look forward to making the impossible possible for many years to come.”
The Municipal Hotel & Spa MGallery – Liverpool is situated in the heart of Liverpool’s bustling commercial district, a short stroll from Lime Street and Moorfield railway stations. Part of MGallery, Accor Group’s luxury boutique-hotel brand, the hotel resides in a Grade II listed heritage building from the mid-19th century on the city’s vibrant Dale Street and combines stylish, modern opulence with historic charm.