By Chief of Concierge - Mr. Mark Peyton

5th April 2011

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, has been one of the most famous hotels in the country for many years.  I was very lucky to have walked in over 30 years ago and offered my first (and only) job since leaving school.

Working in the food and beverage department all those years ago gave me the enthusiasm to persue a career in hospitality and rub shoulders with the rich, the famous and not to mention infamous!

Presidents, Royals, Prime Ministers, film stars, religious and business leaders, sports personalities, the list seems endless, and now as a concierge of such a famous establishment, it has allowed me an insight into the inner circle of the lives of some of these people.

One of the main reasons I am a hotel concierge, is every day delivers me a new challenge, a new face or just an opportunity to provide our guests with a type of service that the Wentworth is renowned for. I find it most rewarding to provide the guest with exactly what they require and perhaps even that little bit extra.

There has been many changes over the years and it still amazes me how we ever survived without the Internet, the mobile phone, emails, room swipe keys and suitcases without wheels. Thank heavens we have managed to hang on to 'good old fashioned service' and an attitude within the hotel where our guests are paramount.

The leisure guest today has so much to choose from as Sydney has become one of the great cities of the world and can cater to any budget. Top end activities such as helicopter scenic flights and seaplane flights to secluded luncheon havens, from art trail walks to museum and gallery visits, there is no end to the choices available to the guest that wants to enjoy their hard earned leisure time.

The life of a concierge can be tough at times, solving other peoples problems with limited time frames, however, being a concierge in Sydney far out weights it all, as this is a fantastic city to demonstrate my craft. World class restaurants, surreal landmarks, one of the most beautiful harbours of the world and a climate that allows us to enjoy it all.....wouldn't be dead for quids!