Reem Suhail El Sharayri introduces a woman’s touch at the InterContinental Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom has gained its first female concierge, with Reem Suhail El Sharayri stepping in to welcome guests at the InterContinental Jordan.

The hotel has brought Gilles Harrault, one of Europe’s top concierges, to Amman for a week-long training, to help El Sharayri establish herself in a field where women are still a minority.

Harrault, whose father had for 12 years presided over “Les Clefs D’or”, the organisation representing the concierge profession in 35 countries, and whose two brothers also work in the field, has 33 years of experience and has served as Chief Concierge at the InterContinental Le Grand Paris since 1990.

“Most people think this is a man’s job, but that doesn’t need to be the case. A concierge needs to know about everything that’s going on in town, and where to find anything and everything a client may require,” El Sharayri says.

“A concierge also needs to have amazing attention to detail, and can’t afford to forget a thing. Although tradition has it that most concierges are male, women are known for these qualities and therefore can make an excellent  concierge.”

Situated atop one of Amman’s seven hills, the InterContinental Jordan is close to the city’s main shopping district and offers 478 guest rooms, including seven newly-furnished suites, as well as a royal suite. Diners can choose from Lebanese, Indian and Mexican restaurants, a Deli Cafe, the  Terrace, serving dishes from around the world, and The Atrium, where guests dine beneath a spectacular, sky view glass roof.