Les Clefs d’Or (pronounced lay clay door), literally, means “keys of gold” in French. The crossed gold keys are the international symbol of the organization. The keys displayed on a concierge’s uniform lapels assure travelers they are dealing with a seasoned professional, one who is dedicated to serving the guests’ every need.

Together, members of Les Clefs d’Or USA represent over 100,000 hotel rooms nightly at more than 250 four- and five-star properties across the country.

Les Clefs d’Or is the only national association of professional hotel concierges in the United States. Canada and Mexico also have established Les Clefs d’Or associations, making North America a tri-country presence within UICH (Union Internationale des Concierges d'Hôtels), the global umbrella organization.

Les Clefs d’Or USA has more than 520 members in over thirty states.

There are currently 36 local concierge associations operating in most of the metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

The crossed-key logo is internationally trademarked, and individual member countries trademark their own, customized versions of it. For example, the USA logo displays the American flag behind its crossed keys.

Clefs d’Or concierges are community-conscious. Working within their local areas, many host extravagant fundraising events that have helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities as well as for Les Clefs d’Or Foundation of the Americas. This foundation was established to assist concierges and/or their family members who are no longer able to work due to catastrophic illness.

Part Merlin, part Houdini, concierges make the impossible possible.

The conciergerie, with its roots in France, was (and still is, at least in Europe) a largely male-dominated field. Not in the USA, however, where Les Clefs d’Or concierges are 70% female, 30% male.

Salaries vary widely from hotel to hotel, and from region to region, between $20,000 and $50,000 annually.

UICH boasts a 40-country membership roster and over 3,000 members worldwide: Argentina (2008), Australia (1981), Austria (1957), Belgium (1952), Brazil (1991), Canada (1976), China (1996), Chinese Taipei (2003), Czech Republic (1991), Denmark (1952), Finland (1980), France (1952), Germany (1952), Greece, Hong Kong (1985), Hungary (1985), Ireland (1952), Israel (1970), Italy (1952), Japan (1997), Korea (2006), Luxembourg (1988), Malaysia (1997), Mexico (1996), Morocco (1964), Netherlands (1957), New Zealand (1994), Norway(1956), Philippines (1993), Portugal (1972), Romania (1990), Russia (2000), Singapore (1986), Spain (1952), Sweden (1953), Switzerland (1952), Thailand (2005), Turkey (2003), United Kingdom (1952), and the USA (1978).