Atlantic City Weekly

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As a manager at the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority, Doreen Prinzo is not technically a "concierge." But members of the Atlantic City Concierge Association (ACCA) thought so much of her past experience (at the Expressway Welcome Center and the Boardwalk Information Center), and her present knowledge of local events, that they asked her to serve as association president for the past few years.

What do concierges do? The word is French, n'est-ce que pas?

Yes and centuries ago, it meant "keeper of the keys," someone who let people in and out, and who was supposed to know everything that was going on around a castle. It's not too different today. A concierge is expected to know what's going on around town, and to dispense that information to help visitors have enjoyable visits.

How does a concierge acquire all that information?

Web sites, Atlantic City Weekly (no kidding!), ads in the newspapers. We get information from anywhere it's reliable. The association sends e-mail updates to members, to help make sure they don't miss anything.

What do people ask concierges?

Everything you can imagine. Typical questions could be: "Where's there a poker game tonight?" or "What show could I can bring my kids to?" and "Where's the bathroom?" may be the most common question. Then there are unique requests, like when someone asked one of our concierges to help make it special when he proposed to his girlfriend. So they set up a soup-to-nuts afternoon. A tour on Cruisn1, a horse and carriage ride, a picnic basket at Gardner's Basin. I've heard everything -- from "Where are all the strip clubs in Atlantic City?" to "What can I do with my child?" Once a visitor called and asked: "I'm coming down in July, what will the weather be like?" I answered, but I was thinking, hmmm, let me get on my hotline to God for that one.

And what is children-friendly in A.C.?

You have the Steel Pier, Gardner's Basin, the aquarium, the boat rides. You have great restaurants geared to kids, such as the Rainforest Cafe. You have Ripley's, [other museums], the [Civil Rights Garden], the lighthouse, the arts pier. There is just so much here.

Do visitors ask about regional sites as well?

Yes, and the longer people stay, the more they want to diversify. They may make [Atlantic City] their home base, but they want to experience the region. So they'll go out to Cape May, Cumberland [County], Smithville. In the summer, we encourage them to use our Great American Trolley runs.

Where do you find a concierge?

It depends on the property. The Borgata and the Tropicana each have a special concierge desk. Resorts doesn't, but, like other places, it does have "VIP" and "Visitor Services." That's why the association admits more than just concierges. We're a little different from other associations in that respect. Our members may be called VIP, guest or visitor services, front desk, or bell, but all of them are the people who are asked questions by guests.

Is it typical to tip a concierge?

Yes. The amount depends on what the concierge does for you. If you're asking where the bathroom is, well, of course not. But if you're asking that someone set up a tour for you, then you'd give them five dollars or an appropriate amount.