This question has been generated from my many and some recent experiences in hotels. What should a good concierge do for his or her guests, irrespective of whether you are staying in a small or large, budget or luxury hotel? <BR> <BR>

I think the ultimate would be a good foot massage at the end of a long days sightseeing.If the concierge was a good looking male,I would like it even more.

I think the ultimate would be a good foot massage at the end of a long days sightseeing.If the concierge was a good looking male,I would like it even more.

Joanne: I don't seem to find the really good ones often, but when you do, your trip can go much smoother. <BR> <BR>I think that he or she should consult you as to whether it's your first visit and if it isn't when was your most recent trip. Then they could provide you with those essential tidbits like what to see, when to go and how to get there. Suggestions for dining, shopping, money exchange and the "do's" and "don'ts" of that particular area. They should ask how long you are staying and maybe what your particular interests are, including if you need transportation to the train station, airport, etc., and finally give their card or name and number if you should require anything. <BR> <BR>Lastly, they could provide that foot massage (optional, of course) and be a <BR>female. <BR> <BR>If you happen to find someone who checks out in most of these categories, then post their name and business here and make sure you tip them well upon departure.

I'm not sure where the line between a good concierge and an adequate one lies. But anyone who has the job should know the basics of sights, restaurants, and services in the area (and ideally the city as a whole). A good concierge shoud be able to help guests figure out which ones they would enjoy most. Any concierge should have a basic understanding of the logistics of travel and be able to advise you on how to get where you're going. <BR>In a general sense, a concierge should be able to help you when you're in trouble; if that's impossible, you are at least entitled to expressions of sympathy. <BR>All the acts of concierge heroism that American hotel chains like to tout in their ads are nice, but I don't think they should be considered part of the job. Helpfulness and politeness are.

Joanne, <BR>From the prerequisites listed above, minus massaging of feet, it would appear that this forum has a monopoly of highly qualified potential concierges: Bob the Navigator, Neil Sanders, Ben Haines, Al from Arizona, Sally Fowler, Maira and many, many others including Lee, one of the respondents to your query!

<BR>Wes: <BR>I'd add yourself on that great list of very qualified potential concierges! <BR>

A *good* concierge is a magician who pulls rabbits out of hats. Well... close. <BR> <BR>A case in point: We were doing a "getaway" weekend in downtown Chicago, staying at the Swissotel. We called the restaurant of our choice directly, knowing that a Friday night would be difficult. No dice. My husband then went downstairs and asked the concierge to call. Got a nice table at a civilzed hour. <BR>GOOD concierges have little black books full of numbers and information to meet even the oddest guest request. Restaurants also find a place for you when they call because the concierge directs patrons there during the slow times. <BR> <BR>The *best* concierge I ever ran into was "Albert" at the Prince Edward Hotel in Toronto. He made recommendations, reservations, all with a gracious, non-snooty demeanor. <BR> <BR>Thanks Wes, but I'll pass. I'm too crabby to work in public service <BR>

Oh! The concierge won't GIVE the massage, but you can bet that the little black book will contain the address of the best foot massuese/masseur in town! <BR> <BR>What I have noticed recently is that many hotels cay they have a concierge. But if you don't see the crossed keys on their lapel it's only a name. <BR>

Great responses. Martha, I like your idea about at least getting the expression of sympathy, if the concierge can't help one out of a jam! <BR>

I have a great concierge story for you. My husband and I were on our honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico. The concierge desk had made a reservation at a restaurant for us. When we arrived there was a mix up and the restaurant said that they were closed for a private party. We called our concierge and at a moment's notice he got us a table at a fabulous restaurant -Maria Bonita. When we got there they gave us a free appetizer for our trouble. A potentally ruined night was saved by a good concierge. <BR>

At the risk of offending concierges (and perpetuating generalities).... <BR> <BR>While there are a great many fantastic concierges out there who can pull rabbits from hats, I'm always wary of relying on concierges for reccomendations. The concierge business (which includes those high-end clefs d'or concierges with the golden keys on their lapel) is often based on such deals as "send more people to my restaurant and I'll send you on a trip for the weekend or give you cash bonuses." <BR> <BR>Most of my friends and colleagues who've worked in the hotel or tourist industry agree that most concierges can be bought and many a fantastic eatery or store (or reflexologist!!!) gets forgotten in the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" world of tourism. And proprietors can end up in the little black book because of a specific concierge-based promotion rather than because theirs is a superior establishment... <BR> <BR>Call me a cynic, but until I find that concierge who gives that foot massage, I'll remain wary.

What and when should the concierge be tipped? Say he gets you great reservations in a busy restaurant for 5 nights in a row and tickets to the theatre for 3 nights (all in London)? Would a tip of $50, $100, more? be in line and when should it be presented? Thanks...

Hi JOanne, I have mixed feelings for concierge, the first thing they should have is the right attitude, I have often found that concierges think they are more important than the guests,which is ridiculous but true, <BR>the best concierge I have found is the <BR>concierge at the Grand Hotel Parker in Napoli, why because he honestly cared and often recommended to us not the most expensive but the best option. <BR>It was a pleasure to ask him anything. <BR>( The Parker is one of the best hotels in Napoli where Kings and so forth have stayed) but this is not a presumptuos <BR>place!! <BR>I enjoy this subject because for a brief <BR>time of my life we owned a small charming hotel in South Beach and we able to get many returned guests by offering honest concierge services. <BR>I know that often we were able to help our guests to have a better time in South Beach, <BR>...but as I said when we travel very seldom we have found a similar,truly honest, and valuable help from the concierges ...One thing for sure I am looking forward to go back to the GH <BR>Parker. <BR>