Lecture Notes: Tom Wolfe and the Fairmont San Francisco

Introduction

• Location Highlights:
  • Only place in San Francisco to see bison.
  • Best spot to view the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • One of the oldest gay bars in the city.

Tom Wolfe: America's First Concierge

• Background:
  • Parents' love for hospitality influenced his career choice.
  • Early exposure to the world of restaurants and sophistication.

Career Path

• First Job:
  • Started in Washington, D.C.
• International Experience:
  • Moved to London; worked at a hotel where he was asked about owning a morning suit.
  • Worked in Paris at a luxurious hotel on the Champs-Élysées.
• Return to the USA:
  • Became the concierge at the Fairmont San Francisco in 1974.

Fairmont San Francisco

• Historical Context:
  • Hotel covers an entire square block.
  • Main building opened in 1907, a year after the Great Fire.
• Historical and Cultural Significance:
  • Secret door for discreet exits.
  • The Tonga Room was once a swimming pool.
  • Hosted many important figures from Hollywood and politics.
  • Venue of historical significance in breaking the color barrier in entertainment.

Philosophy and Lifelong Learning

• Guest Philosophy:
  • Aim to cultivate repeat guests.
• Personal Approach:
  • Continues to explore San Francisco, discovering new places and engaging with people.
  • Believes in continuous learning as essential to ongoing work in hospitality.