Meet Mary Stamm

VISIT DALLAS: You’ve spent decades helping visitors experience Dallas through your work as a concierge. What first drew you to the hospitality industry?

MARY STAMM: From as early as I can remember, I have been captivated by hotels, travel, and restaurants. As a child, I would beg my parents to let me sit alone in the lobby of whatever hotel we were staying in, simply so I could watch the rhythm of people coming and going. I loved observing the energy, the elegance, and the constant flow of life that moved through a hotel.

VISIT DALLAS: You’ve been at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for more than 40 years. What has kept you passionate about the work for so long?

MARY STAMM: The concierge profession is a true craft — one that offers a lifetime of refinement, mastery, discovery and a sense of endless possibility is what keeps me inspired. The ongoing journey — the dedication to improvement, creativity, and service — is what fuels my passion and keeps me striving to contribute meaningfully to the art of hospitality.

VISIT DALLAS: Over the years you’ve helped countless guests experience Dallas in meaningful ways. What do you think makes great hospitality truly memorable?

MARY STAMM: I believe that human interaction is what makes hospitality truly memorable. Genuine service begins with listening. When we truly listen, ask thoughtful questions, show empathy, and share moments of laughter or even tears, we create a connection that guides every recommendation and every detail we curate for a guest.

VISIT DALLAS: Can you tell us about the Mansion’s special, four-legged team member and what they mean to you and the hotel?

MARY STAMM: In 2012, a beautiful Russian Blue cat wandered onto the grounds of our hotel — and never left. Duncan was more than a hotel cat; she became part of our culture of caring and kindness. When Duncan recently passed away, the outpouring of love and heartfelt messages from guests was extraordinary.

About a year before Duncan’s passing, another kitten appeared at the hotel — as unexpectedly as Duncan had. Andie has quickly become adored by guests and employees alike. Children especially love spotting her during their visits, and her joyful presence adds to the warm, residential tone that defines the Mansion.

These resident cats have become symbols of the heart and character of the hotel — quiet ambassadors of the gracious culture that makes the Mansion so special.

VISIT DALLAS: Dallas has evolved tremendously over the last few decades. What changes have you seen in the city through the eyes of a concierge?

MARY STAMM: Dallas has always been dynamic, but the growth of cultural, sporting, and entertainment institutions has elevated the city into a true destination.

What I have always admired most is the spirit of the city. Dallas has a very positive, “can‑do” atmosphere — a mindset that is healthy for business, for the arts, for sports, and for family life.

I have had the opportunity to witness Dallas grow, reinvent itself, and shine, while still holding onto the charm and warmth that define our city.

VISIT DALLAS: When guests ask you what makes Dallas special, how do you describe the city to them?

MARY STAMM: The people of Dallas are what make this city truly extraordinary. Over the years, Dallas has been shaped by pioneers, visionaries, and cultural leaders whose creativity, generosity, and commitment to the community continue to define its spirit.

Together, these individuals — along with many others whose vision and dedication continue to inspire progress — have shaped a dynamic, forward‑moving city, one that is rooted in creativity, ambition, warmth, and possibility.

VISIT DALLAS: What are some experiences in Dallas that you love recommending to visitors who want to see the real spirit of the city?

MARY STAMM: I recommend experiencing one of our worldclass sports events and experiencing the energy, passion, and the true spirit of our city.

I also suggest visiting the State Fair of Texas at Fair Park in Dallas for a unique and memorable experience that highlights the culture, cuisine, and traditions of our region.

VISIT DALLAS: Being a concierge is part intuition, part problem-solving, and part storytelling. What skills have helped you succeed in this role?

MARY STAMM: Nancy Drew was one of my early heroines growing up. I loved the books about her escapades, every day I feel like I put my Nancy Drew hat on.

Each day brings a new mystery to solve and a new story to uncover. Curiosity, determination, resourcefulness, and a genuine love of problem-solving drive what we do.

Much like Nancy Drew, we investigate, we improvise, and we persist—until the mystery is solved and the story has a happy ending.

VISIT DALLAS: You've helped fulfill some incredible guest request over the years. Is there a moment that stands out as especially memorable?

MARY STAMM: There are so many stories, and many are connected to Christmas. One still remains with me. A princess and her entourage were our guests over the Christmas holidays. A member of the royal party explained that the King of her country wished to send her several large floral arrangements. The challenge was Christmas Eve and late in the evening and all the floral shops were closed for the holiday. I put on my Nancy Drew hat. An idea came together that still surprises me to this day. I contacted a very nice grocery store and, through a combination of persistence, creativity, and goodwill, convinced them to empty their floral cooler for the princess. They delivered the remaining flowers to the hotel where our team created a variety of stunning arrangements that were delivered to her suite in time for Christmas morning.

Even now, I sometimes wonder how I managed to make that happen. It was instinct, determination, and a refusal to accept that “it’s impossible” was the final answer. Moments like that remind me why I love this work—why curiosity, creativity, and a sense of humor are so essential to being a concierge.

VISIT DALLAS: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in careers in hospitality or service leadership?

MARY STAMM: My advice to young women interested in careers in hospitality and leadership is simple. Go for it, "because you can."

Do the work. Listen, learn and observe what works and what doesn't. Do not be afraid to make mistakes; instead, learn how to recover from them with confidence, a skill that will serve you for a lifetime. Deepen relationships over time. Build your career one building block at a time. With purpose, consistency, and heart, you can create a career you are proud of and help pave the way for the next generation to be even better.

What is one Dallas place you never get tired of recommending?
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Where do you personally go in Dallas when you want to relax and recharge?
Home

If someone has just one day in Dallas, what should absolutely be on their itinerary?
The Dallas Arts District

Finish this sentence: I believe anything is possible if…you work hard enough.