Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
87
Making the Most of the Concierge
Nearly all upscale hot els ha ve c oncierges, and man y smaller inns off er c on-
cierge services from the fr ont desk. Too often, these people go underutiliz ed
by guests who don 't know the full range of ser vices concierges can pr ovide.
Beyond merely giving directions to Navy Pier, concierges are there to act as
guests' problem solvers. The best ones take r eal pleasure in helping , and the
more challenging the r equest, the bett er. When you're on vacation, wh y not
truly r elax, and let the c
oncierge be y our personal assistant during y
our
stay?
House C ars:
Upper- end hot els of ten ha ve house cars a vailable t o dr op off
guests in the L oop or elsewher e within 5 miles of the hot el. Businesspeople
use the ser vice most, but an y guest can enjo y this perk . If you want t o take
the kids to watch the White Sox play at U.S. Cellular Field, or y ou need a ride
to a r estaurant, request a house car thr ough the c oncierge desk. There's usu-
ally no char ge, but y ou may tip the driv er at y our discretion.
Restaurants:
Every concierge will make dinner r eservations for guests, and I
recommend ha ving the c oncierge phone ahead no matt er wher e y ou ar e
dining. If a restaurant is booked, the concierge may have more pull squeezing
you in than y ou would on y our own. But don 't ask the c oncierge for any old
restaurant recommendation. (I've been to some unremarkable, touristy places
that wa y.) I t's mor e eff ective t o name t wo or thr ee options and ha ve the
concierge tell you more about each one .
Other S ervices:
You needn 't limit r equests t o r estaurant r eservations. C on-
cierges can also book cruises on Lake M ichigan, car r entals, or ev en spa
treatments—whatever requires a phone call . They can buy tickets t o a spor t-
ing or ent ertainment venue or amend airline r eservations.
Solutions:
Did a child get sick? Head right t o the c oncierge, who will make
it a personal mission t o ensure your kid is seen b y a doc tor as soon as pos-
sible. C oncierges will also oblige less ur gent r equests, like r eserving doggy
day care or finding a last-minut e gift. You don't even have to be checked int o
the hot el. You can fax and e -mail the c oncierge with y our arrival dat e and
particular request. If he or she does go bey ond the call of dut y, gratuities are
always appreciated—although never expected.
4
while checking out the skyline from an outdoor terrace. Parents will want to book a sitter
for an evening out here—it's far too chic to be kid-friendly.
800 N. M ichigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
&
800/233-1234
or 312/335-1234. F ax 312/239-4000. w ww.
parkchicago.hyatt.com. 198 units. $385-$525 double; $695-$3,000 suit e. Kids 18 and under sta y free in
parent's room. No r ollaways; cribs fr ee. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet park ing $42 with in/out privileges .
Subway/El: Red Line t o Chicago/State.
Amenities:
Restaurant (French/American); lounge; indoor pool;
health club w/Jacuzzi and spa; c oncierge; business c enter w/computer technical support; 24-hr. room
service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; 24-hr. dry cleaning.
In room:
A/C, TV w/DVD player and pay
movies, CD pla yer, fr ee high-speed I nternet ac cess, minibar, c offeemaker, hair dr yer, ir on, saf e, iP od
connectivity.
