The Hotel Concierge: Get the Most Out of Your Luxury Hotel Stay

Need last-minute dinner reservations at the hottest restaurant in town? A new passport within a matter of hours? A dog sitter or private plane? Or a knowledgeable personal shopper? Hotel concierges at leading luxury hotels can handle all of these requests, and more. Though their services are often overlooked by hotel guests, concierges are the unsung heroes in the hospitality industry, the stylish and savvy superheroes, the ultimate insiders who can offer the best tips about the city. Forbes has the skinny on getting super star service from concierges during your next trip. Call ahead of your reservation and share your itinerary; the concierge will reconfirm your dining reservations, and perhaps score special discounts (on, say, lift tickets in Aspen). And, advises Forbes, if you want access to the best (whether that's Broadway tickets or nightclub access), "choose your hotel carefully: Your concierge may be only as powerful as the name on the towels." Don't forget to tip.

Via Forbes/MSNBC.com