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The strange 'guest requests' this Pan Pacific Perth concierge has been asked

FROM helping pilots find their plane to tracking down a monkey suit, this hotel concierge has spilt the beans about the strangest guest requests ever.

Andre Burford, head concierge of Pan Pacific Perth. picture: Supplied
Andre Burford, head concierge of Pan Pacific Perth. picture: Supplied

PAN Pacific Perth knows the secret to a guest's next great escape is with the concierge.

Nothing, not even social media, beats good old-fashioned service in the lobby of a premium hotel when it comes to assisting with the most outrageous or simple requests.

Whether it's sneaking a guest into a backstage party or recommending a great place for dumplings, a concierge who has a guest's best interests at heart knows how to create the ultimate travel experience.

Andre Burford, head concierge of Pan Pacific Perth, has managed his fair share of intriguing guests, from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to Michael Buble, Julie Andrews, Burt Bacharach, Stevie Nicks, Tony Abbott, Miranda Kerr, Chris Tucker, Julia Gillard and The Brumbies Rugby team.

And contrary to urban myths about the often outlandish behaviour of celebrity guests, Andre has found that, in fact, the most unusual and intriguing requests have come from the most unlikely sources. Unflappable and diligent he used his local intel and bulging black book to manage these unusual situations seamlessly.

Here are some of the ... best?

"Two pilots asked for assistance in finding their plane. They had left it at Perth airport but could not recall where.

"I was asked to locate a restaurant where a guest could eat koala - needless to say I could only find a restaurant that offered the emu or kangaroo!

"A guest had a free day and made inquiries about hiring a car to travel on a day trip from Perth to Ayers Rock. Anything is possible ... except driving 1600km in a round-day trip. I arranged a plane for this particular instead."

Too long a drive ... Andre for this customer a plane. Picture: Flickr rileyroxx
Too long a drive ... Andre for this customer a plane. Picture: Flickr rileyroxx

"A gentleman checked in and requested to borrow our emergency exit signs as he was opening a new nightclub.

"A very famous cricket team requested 20 large buckets of KFC with all the trimmings - mash potato with gravy and more chips than you could imagine. I must admit, I didn't realise high-profile sports players would love their junk food quite so much!

"One of the world's biggest names in music requested an X-Box for his room, with only specific games - ice hockey, basketball and halo (war game) to name a few.

"It's not particularly 'out there' but the plethora of calls and emails we receive to determine the whereabouts of high-profile celebrities is quite extraordinary to the newcomers on board the concierge team, who haven't witnessed it for the many years I have. We even have special entries and exits for our VIP guests wishing to avoid the crowds.

"A heavy metal rock band requested a monkey costume for their show that evening. We were able to recommend a company and they were successful in obtaining a monkey suit for that night."

Monkey suits are pivotal for certain band members ... apparently. Picture: Thinkstock
Monkey suits are pivotal for certain band members ... apparently. Picture: Thinkstock

Andre's job is so different ever day, but he loves being a concierge and enjoys fulfilling guests requests, however unusual (as long as they are legal of course).

Next time you check in at Pan Pacific Perth, for the most memorable and authentic experiences, head straight for the concierge desk and ask for Andre. No matter the request, his team will go above and beyond and deliver the Pacific Touch

The five-star Pan Pacific Perth features 486 guestrooms and is located a short walk to the city's shopping, dining and entertainment districts.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/accommodation/the-strange-guest-requests-this-pan-pacific-perth-concierge-has-been-asked/news-story/9c1715ed134e42c4ccc051b7535884c8