What Can the Hotel Concierge Actually Do for You?

In a world where you can book restaurant tables through an app and download audio tours to your phone, you might think you don’t need a hotel concierge. But a good concierge can be your local guide and behind-the-scenes hero, making your stay as memorable as it is comfortable. While services vary by hotel, concierges are experts at crafting personalized experiences, from securing local reservations to handling unexpected requests. Here’s a closer look at what they can do and how you can utilize this amenity to the fullest during your next vacation.

The Basics

While the front desk can handle simple requests such as having an extra pillow sent up to your room, the hotel concierge is your go-to for planning special events, getting into exclusive restaurants, and finding the best things to do around town.

Dining Recommendations and Reservations: One of the most common questions a concierge receives is, “Where should I eat?” Leveraging their local connections, concierges excel at securing reservations at even the hardest-to-book spots. They also know the best hole-in-the-wall eateries to find regional specialties. 

For instance, Neil Maclean, a concierge at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver in Canada, told travel expert Robin Esrock in an interview that he keeps a physical copy of every restaurant menu in the city to aid guests’ decisions. “A concierge is essential for a luxury hotel,” Maclean said. “They’re the face that a guest can go to instantly for trusted advice.”

Filling Your Itinerary: Whether you need to craft a full itinerary for your stay or find tickets to that one special event you’ve been dreaming of, concierges have you covered. Concierges at luxury hotels get invited to restaurant and gallery openings, special events, and tours. Thanks to these connections, they often have the best recommendations. From arranging a local cooking class to a private boat tour, they’ll ensure you make the most of your visit. They’ll also assist with booking in-house hotel services like spa treatments and fitness classes to suit your schedule.

Special Occasions and Celebrations: If you’re orchestrating a surprise anniversary dinner or an elaborate birthday celebration, a concierge can also help you prepare, so the stress of planning doesn’t interrupt your vacation. They’ll arrange everything from flowers and gifts to private catering, ensuring your big moment is flawless.

Room Upgrades and Services: The concierge can even request room upgrades on your behalf, especially if you’re a loyalty member or have specific needs. They’ll work directly with the front desk to upgrade or change your room, depending on availability and the hotel’s policies. 

At some high-end hotels, luxury services such as unpacking are included, allowing you to unwind while a concierge arranges for your clothes and belongings to be settled in your room. If you mention that you’re celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary, they might even throw in freebies such as a bottle of Champagne or a credit to their on-site restaurant.

Things You Wouldn’t Think To Ask

Hotel concierges can also go above and beyond for their guests, whether you need help finding the perfect local wine to pair with your dinner or calling the airline for your lost luggage. (Remember, if your concierge goes above and beyond, it’s polite to tip.)

Adjusting Travel Plans: No one wants to spend hours on the phone with the airline during their vacation. Fortunately, if you run into any snags with your travel itinerary, a concierge can help. “We have relationships with airlines and operators and usually get special treatment,” Maclean explained. Not only can they modify any aspect of your travel itinerary, but they also can track down misplaced luggage and help with lost passports.

A Helping Hand: Traveling isn’t always smooth sailing. From coordinating medical assistance to helping with forgotten materials, the concierge can help. For example, one traveler remarked on Reddit that their concierge helped when their child got sick during a vacation. The concierge team conferred with medical staff to find the correct over-the-counter medication, as the child’s pediatrician recommended, and even went to a local pharmacy to purchase it. “We had it back to us within an hour,” the guest wrote. 

Another Reddit user shared that they were traveling for work and forgot their business cards. The concierge researched a printer, ordered replacement cards, and picked them up for the grateful guest.

Breaking Language Barriers: Traveling to a foreign country where you don’t speak the language? Your concierge can teach you key phrases, translate for you, or even find a local interpreter, ensuring you never feel lost in translation. They also can teach you local customs and traditions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture and gain a deeper understanding of your destination.

Unusual Requests: A hotel concierge is accustomed to strange and unexpected requests. While some guests may seek out rare local wines or hard-to-find souvenirs, others ask for more unconventional items. 

Maclean recalled that his most outrageous guest request was a pair of moose antlers, which he eventually tracked down at a local taxidermist. He has also arranged a private screening for Jerry Seinfeld and a belt for President Bill Clinton — and he has the thank-you letter with a presidential stamp to prove it.

Featured image credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/ Shutterstock