Meet Habib Lazreug, housekeeper at Le Royal hotel

At the heart of the Hôtel Le Royal in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement, Habib Lazreug stands ready to welcome guests. At Institut Lyfe training establishment, this passionate concierge embodies the combination of tradition, excellence and a sense of service. Through his career and his perspective on the concierge profession, he reveals what makes this profession so rewarding, where every detail counts.

Can you tell us about your career path before joining Le Royal Hotel?

Before joining the Hôtel Le Royal, I had several different careers. Curious by nature, I explored various sectors: I first worked in construction, then in a photo lab. It was finally in the summer of 1993, on the French Riviera, that I discovered the world of restauration. It was a real revelation. I found a world where action, reflection and customer contact come together. I was immediately captivated by the energy, pace and enthusiasm that characterise the hospitality and catering industry.

What made you want to become a housekeeper?

Above all, it’s the pleasure of meeting people from very different backgrounds. Concierge work allows you to evolve in a demanding environment, where you are constantly representing the establishment. I was also attracted by the world of luxury and the opportunity to offer a truly ‘tailor-made’ service. Being a housekeeper means taking care of guests, anticipating their needs and offering them a unique experience that exceeds their expectations.

The housekeeper organises every detail of the guest’s stay, both before their arrival and throughout their time at the hotel. Their role is to identify, from the very first exchanges, the desires and needs of each guest in order to offer personalised services and make their stay unforgettable. This requires availability, listening skills and a sense of service, always focused on guest satisfaction.

How has the housekeeper profession changed since you started?

The evolution of digital tools has profoundly transformed our daily lives. Today, they enhance moments of interaction and facilitate communication, while leaving more time for what matters most: human contact. Despite these advances, traditional symbols remain essential: the lodge, the uniform, the ‘Clefs d’Or’, etc. These symbols embody a profession that successfully combines heritage and modernity.

In your opinion, what qualities are needed to be a housekeeper?

Rigour, courtesy, discretion and curiosity are essential. I would add a smile, good posture and genuine interpersonal skills. You have to enjoy helping people and be willing to go the extra mile to provide an impeccable experience.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

Without hesitation, meeting and interacting with customers. Every day offers an opportunity to discover new personalities, new cultures, or simply to make a moment of their stay more enjoyable.

You work in a training hotel: what do you enjoy teaching the students at Institut Lyfe?

What I particularly enjoy is being able to teach them the art of hospitality, interpersonal skills and the right attitude. Showing them that service is not just a set of actions, but a state of mind. I try to instil in the students at Institut Lyfe a taste for a job well done, customer satisfaction and pride in providing excellent service. These are values that, once ingrained, will stay with them throughout their careers.

You were awarded the title of ‘Clefs d’Or’ in 2010: what does this distinction mean to you?

Above all, it is recognition from my peers: being part of such a respected international association is an honour. It allows us to share, exchange and help each other within a network of concierges around the world.

On 8 November 2025, the gala dinner for the Clefs d’Or France national congress was held in Lyon. On this occasion, students enrolled in the Bachelor’s degree programme in International Hospitality and Restaurant Management at Institut Lyfe had the unique opportunity to participate in the service for this exceptional evening. This experience was a true immersion in the heart of hospitality excellence: it allowed them to put their skills into practice, perfect their sense of service, and confront the demands of the most experienced professionals in the sector.

The Clefs d’Or concierge association was created to bring the profession together, strengthen communication between concierges and support the evolution of the profession. Its fundamental values are based on service in friendship.

What still motivates Habib Lazreug today are those moments of interaction that give meaning to each day. Every day brings its share of discoveries, encounters and challenges, and it is this lack of routine that continues to fuel his passion and commitment to the guests of the Hôtel Le Royal.