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SERVICE AT THEWALDORF IS A ‘CLASS’ ACT

They don’t have a fight song, and there’s nary a long-legged cheerleader in the place.

But each spring and fall, the venerable Waldorf-Astoria Hotel’s concierge “school” churns out another group of hosts with the most – graduates of its Concierge Service Skills class.

Michael Romei, the chief concierge at both the hotel and the adjoining Waldorf Towers, launched the free program two years ago when he noticed concierges were popping up at department stores, banks and apartment buildings.

“I would say over the past four to five years, the interest has increased,” said Romei, who wears the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or – gold keys – on his lapels, signifying longtime service.

Classes taught at the hotel consist of about 20 students associated with the hotel industry in some way.

Topics studied during the intense 10-week course run the gamut from travel, security, fine wines, cuisine, formal etiquette and airline reservations to butlering, packing, grooming and personal presentation.

If you listen to Romei, being a concierge is just a notch below having nursing credentials.

“The main ingredient that cannot be taught is: you really must want to give of yourself,” Romei said. “It’s got to come from the heart. The rest can be learned.”

The venerable 1,410-room hotel has housed heads of state and America’s favorite celebrities since it opened Oct. 31, 1931 in the midst of the Depression.

The adjoining apartments in the Waldorf Towers have been home to everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

“Many guests have left mementos to us,” Romei said. “Cole Porter left his piano. It’s in the Cocktail Terrace. And Gen. [Douglas] MacArthur lived here. In fact, his widow still lives here. She’s 101 years old.”

Romei said he’s noticed that student questions tend to be visceral.

“They really want to know how to solve problems,” he said. “Also, how to handle stress. Since they give so much of themselves to others, it’s important to give something back to themselves.

“I tell them, ‘On your way home, buy yourself some flowers or your favorite candy or get a facial or do a workout.'”

As for the future of his business in a changing world, Romei insists a good concierge has nothing to fear.

“On flights to London and Paris, most of the time, first-class is sold out,” Romei said. “What does that tell you? That people want service, and that’s what a concierge is: a symbol of service.”