Creating Unforgettable Experiences
2 Minute Read 1st May 2024
Dazzled and Charmed
Franziska Boelke, Head Concierge
Hospitality is inherent for me. I’ve been told I have an effervescent personality, and I definitely have a real passion for this city. I just try to put my genuine delight into every guest interaction.
I’m originally from Germany and have been in the industry since 1999 with experience in Europe. My Hay-Adams career began with the Manager-in-Training program in 2006. I spent a year and a half working in the reservations, housekeeping, overnight and front office departments. Then in 2008, I took the role of Assistant Front Office Manager. In time, my love for hospitality, organizational skills, and the inherent commitment to looking after even the smallest request with dedication drove me towards becoming a concierge, and in 2013, I did just that. I’m the kind of person who feels driven to push my limits and expand myself, so in 2018, I earned keys from Les Clefs d’Or, which is a real point of pride being that it represents the pinnacle of professional hotel concierge service. The golden keys symbolize true excellence; earning them is an intense, lengthy process and one must be a seasoned concierge for at least five years to even be considered.
In 2021, I was promoted to Head Concierge for the hotel. This was especially satisfying – knowing that I’m not only leading our guests to discover experiences and places in this great city, but also providing a point of excellence that I hope reflects the exceptional atmosphere at our hotel.
It’s really important to me to share information and ideas with guests in a wholly personalized way. I like to ask a few questions to get to know what you really want, even if you don’t know yet yourself. Then I try to offer ideas that will give you the same sense of joy that I have, about everything this marvelous city has to offer.
When it comes to being active in nature, I’m there. From the National Bonsai Museum to the murals along U Street, to Marjorie Merriweather Post’s art collection at Hillwood Estate (and the surrounding beauty of nearby Rock Creek Park), there are endless opportunities for adventure here.
Coffee and cycling are two passions of mine, and when you come, I’ll tell you my secrets about the best sips and routes, as well as details about where to try DC's latest-and-greatest workouts.
Having grown up surrounded by Germany’s legendary Christmas markets, I really love to find special festive displays during winter holidays. I highly recommend The Smithsonian’s National Zoo, where hundreds of light displays formed into the shapes of animals stretch along the trails, and Meadowlark Botanical Garden in Vienna, Virginia, with a spectacular installation of sparkling lights. They’re enchanting every time I see them.
Please stop by the Concierge desk and say hello the next time you’re here and I’ll do my best to help you uncover your perfect Washington, DC moments.
