His smile is the first you see on entering Le Strato. The one to best organize your stay, meet your wishes, classic or demanding, the one with whom to share your spiciest anecdotes. Pierre Simian-Mammi does not simply meet his guests’ needs: each contact is a chance to ‘‘create souvenirs’’. What inspires him most? Human relationships. What turns him on? A challenge! Each morning is a new opportunity to go one better in meeting requests. As when he mobilized his team to find 300 badges for the Monaco Grand Prix, in 50 minutes.

When just 14, Pierre already knew he wanted to join the elite of ‘‘la conciergerie’’. ‘‘It was as if it was calling me.’’ Aged 19, with his hotel diploma, he joined Reception at the 5-star Negresco in Nice, soon climbed the ladder and became Head Concierge. Now 29, Pierre is embarking on his fourth season at Le Strato, of whose warm family spirit he is especially fond. ‘‘Slightly set back from the centre of Courchevel, the hotel nurtures its discreet luxury, highly prized by our guests.’’ This year, something new: on his lapel, a shiny glow draws the eye. Pierre has just joined the prestigious ‘‘Golden Keys’’ association created in 1929. A guarantee of quality distinguishing 400 professionals in France, 4,000 worldwide. ‘‘To win this pin, you have to be validated by your peers. It shows I have proved my worth.’’ At Le Strato, the man with the keys intends to uphold the values of conciergerie, while keeping ‘‘its mysteries’’ to himself.