Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2017
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Employment History

• The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Education

• Cosmopolitan Institute of Information Technology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Birthplace

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Languages Spoken

• English, Bahasa Malaysia

“Concierges are sometimes referred to as Google in human form,” says Chief Concierge Narain Rao with a laugh. “Along with information and access, we also bring the human touch, the stories, the warmth - all the things that make our interactions with Four Seasons guests so special.”

Arriving at the Concierge desk at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, it is hard to miss the legendary Golden Key, proudly displayed by the team. Not only is Narain a member of Les Clefs d’Or Malaysia, he also serves on its executive committee.

Stretching across 80 countries, this elite network consists of 4,000 members with “keys of gold.” The ultimate travel insiders, these exceptional concierges can open practically any door for their guests. As Narain says with a smile, “We do our best to accommodate every request, as long as it is morally, legally and humanly possible.”

A self-proclaimed “local boy” with more than a dozen years of experience as a concierge in the city, Narain knows Kuala Lumpur inside and out. Plus, he enjoys Golden-Key access to a coveted list of vendors and organizations all across Malaysia. Not content with resting on his laurels, however, he still likes to do his own homework: visiting top attractions regularly to stay updated, seeking out new hidden gems, and cultivating strong relationships with key contacts.

“As concierges, we make wishes come true,” he explains. “That includes anticipating the guest’s requests, sometimes before they even know what they’re looking for.”

Narain’s passion, diligence and attention to detail have enabled the Hotel to curate several off-the-beaten-path experiences for guests. His top pick? The Trigona Honey Farm Tour, which invites guests to witness honeybees in action, then savour a gourmet picnic by a picturesque waterfall. In the evening, head to the award-winning Bar Trigona for cocktails crafted with honey from the same farm. “Experiencing the trigona story for yourself connects you more deeply with every sip.”

Even as a seasoned concierge, Narain continues to be inspired by Timothy Gan, the legendary founder of Les Clefs d’Or Malaysia. “I had the golden opportunity of working with him several years ago,” he says, recalling how much he learned from the man he calls his mentor. Another source of motivation is Tony Fernandes, the creator of Asia’s first budget airline and a bona-fide Malaysian success story.

When he is not working, Narain loves to cook for family and friends, favouring complex cuisines such as Indian, Malaysian and Chinese; his Indian-style fish curry is a hot favourite! Being an avid reader, he also enjoys titles by prominent political and business thinkers, as well as deep dives into current affairs. “One of the best books I’ve read in recent times is Flying High, a memoir by Tony Fernandes. It is incredibly inspiring.”