Michael Fazio (1943–2020)

A hotel concierge explains the dos and don’ts of the service industry. His observations are at times catty, but usually entertaining. He name drops celebrities that are on both his naughty and nice list. Honestly, I just kept thinking about how insane some people’s lifestyle is. Hiring a helicopter for a quick evening trip because a cab would take too long, paying a $1,000 for a dinner just to be seen in a fancy restaurant, etc. I will never understand people who value fame and fortune above all and I think working in an industry that was saturated with those people would be awful.

BOTTOM LINE: Light and fun, read it if you’re interested in the world of people who make the behind the scenes things happen for the rich and famous. He has worked in New York City for years, so I liked seeing his short list of places he recommends checking out when you visit.… (mer)

This book is an engaging combination of guidance (how to treat service people, what you can and can't expect, a few mentions of how and why to tip without going over the top) and the kind of behind-the-scenes gossip even people who don't read People can enjoy. Fazio relates stories and lessons learned from his time as a hotel concierge and co-head of a concierge service for Manhattan's super-wealthy. Some of the stories are touching, some hilarious, and some just unbelievable - and you want to keep turning the pages until you hit the end. Fazio is an enjoyable narrator, and is the kind of guy I'd love to buy a drink - efficient, businesslike, determined to serve his clients well and still able to recognize the humor and insanity of people.… (mer)