The Concierges at The New York Palace are always able to provide guests with recommendations on various events, local hot spots and other cultural activities to attend during their stay at The Palace, we pride ourselves on having a top-notch Concierge team.
Team members Gunter Kleemann and Carolyn Innocenzi both serve as Chef Concierge at The Palace. Combined, they’ve worked twenty years at the hotel and are both Les Clefs d’Or holders, a prestigious, global organization with members who provide guaranteed, quality concierge service. Having both studied psychology, Gunter and Carolyn attribute that knowledge to helping them work with different guest and customer needs and interests.
We caught up with Gunter and Carolyn for an interview. Here’s what they had to say about life at The Palace and more.
The New York Palace: What is your favorite part about the job?
Gunter: I love the people. I have a background in film, where working with people is also a part of the job. It has been a common theme in my career. In being around others, you have an opportunity to learn and help people, which is priceless.
The New York Palace: What attracted you to The Palace?
Carolyn: I have always been passionate about working in the luxury industry. I walked by this building every day and thought that if I was ever going to step-up and commit to this profession, this is where I would want to work. I’m also very familiar with and interested in other historic buildings in New York.
Gunter: The property is what attracted me to the hotel. The Palace is huge and has a lot of history to go with it. Also, it is a New York-only hotel that I can identify with because of how much I love this city. I also identify with the hotel because Henry Villard, who commissioned The Villard Mansion in 1884, was a German Immigrant, as am I.
The New York Palace: How has your interest in the arts helped you in this position?
Gunter: Everyone has their strong points, and the arts are definitely one of mine because it was such a big part of my past life. I can speak knowledgeably about the fine arts, cultural arts, visual arts, performing arts and more. New York City is such a great place to be for that work.
Carolyn: I have always been in awe of the arts, especially theater arts. Here at The Palace, I am one of the go-to people when it comes to the shows on Broadway, when they’re opening, what is good to see and really just everything regarding the theater.
The New York Palace: What makes The New York Palace such an iconic hotel in New York City?
Carolyn: We really take our job seriously and strive to go the extra mile when it comes to making our guests comfortable. We have many requests that come to us on a daily basis, but one in particular stands out to me. We received a request from a lovely gentleman in London who wanted to surprise his wife with a trip to The Palace. Prior to their arrival, we sent his wife slippers for Christmas to signify the visit. Once they got here, we made sure that their stay was worthwhile and memorable. I think that it’s guests and experiences like these that make The Palace so special. We really care, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this.
The New York Palace Hotel: What can guests look forward to when the hotel upgrades are complete this summer?
Carolyn: Once the upgrades are finished, guests will be blown away! We have some exciting new things planned for them. Modern décor, new restaurants and updated room technology are all ahead. We are very proud to be able to provide guests with an updated, more enjoyable stay with us.