What is a Concierge?

What Can the Concierge Do for You?
In many Las Vegas resorts the concierge desk is a center of excitement and activity. Some visitors may not be aware of the range of services the concierge can provide, both for newcomers to town and for the veterans as well.
A century ago, the concierge of an elegant hotel was much like the modern bell captain, caring for stored luggage, delivering messages, and arranging transport. The word itself is derived from Old French, which in turn comes from the Latin word conservus, or fellow-slave.

In modern times, the concierge is an advisor, a troubleshooter and problem-solver for the hotel guest. Although the concierge may still sometimes handle minor personal errands, the activity’s main focus is on guest activities. That is to say, helping the guest decide among the many options for sports, entertainment, restaurants and transportation. Then the concierge makes the reservations required to carry out the plan. This activity includes any activity within the resort and also outside it as well.

Upon arriving in Las Vegas, a visit to the concierge makes good sense. Guests can discuss with the concierge desk attendant what activities are desired, and then reservations can be nailed down with as much advance notice as possible. (Note: Some reservations for shows and tee times need to be made months in advance, so it may even make sense to speak to the concierge by phone or email far in advance of arrival).

The concierge can often obtain reservations in cases where the guest is unable to have any luck. Local restaurants, golf courses, theatres and excursion companies purposefully cultivate the good will of the concierge desk, as it represents an important, large and reliable source of business. Restaurants frequently hold tables for favored concierges. Concierges often have ways of obtaining tickets that are not on the open market for shows and sporting events. A capable concierge will have a network of friends and contacts at other resorts, too, making it possible to track down opportunities that anyone else would not know about.

Guests should also remember to visit the concierge desk with any questions or doubts about an activity or location. The concierge is a reliable source for complete information about any local matter, including shopping.
The following list includes most of the personal plans and tasks that a concierge will be glad to handle for the guest. Remember to tip a concierge desk attendant for good service or a successful activity plan.
Core Services:

• Restaurant reservations
• Show tickets
• Theater tickets
• Sporting event tickets
• Spa appointments
• Golf tee times
• Appointments with local doctors and dentists
• Excursions (like sky diving, Lake Mead outings or National Park Tours)
• Museum tours
• Travel bookings
• Ticket modifications
• Car rentals and returns
• Limousine bookings
• Charter buses
• Advice on use of travel points and mileage
• Information on other destinations

Additional Services. Some concierge desks are not set up to handle the personal services listed below, but many are happy to be of assistance. At a minimum the concierge can explain how the issue, whatever it is, can be solved:

• Pickup of laundry and dry cleaning
• Notarizing of documents
• Post office runs
• Arrangements for prescription refills
• Movie rentals
• Party planning
• Flowers, chocolate and champagne
• Grocery and beverage shopping
• Courier services
• Gift wrapping
• Pickup/Dropoff point for guest items