A hotel concierge is typically tasked with assisting guests, usually by making dinner reservations, providing entertainment recommendations, and answering questions about the destination. But these hotel concierges take assistance to a higher level with some unusual expertise and service that goes above and beyond. Here are 10 of the craziest hotel concierges we could find.
Photo courtesy of Dream Downtown
Sneaker Stylist, Dream Downtown
Who doesn’t look fab in the right set of sneaks? The dedicated Sneaker Stylist at Dream Downtown in Manhattan's meatpacking district is at your service to help you find the perfect pair. This concierge has access to impossible-to-find, limited-edition sneakers available for purchase. Sit comfortably in your room as you browse through selections hand-picked for your personality and style or let the stylist take you around town to specialty boutiques to find the right fit.
Photo courtesy of Brazilian Court Hotel
Bark Butler, The Brazilian Court Hotel
Down in Palm Beach, Florida, Fido can get the royal treatment courtesy of his very own Bark Butler. This pooch-friendly amenity at the upscale Brazilian Court Hotel pampers pups with spa treatments, a Worth Avenue shopping spree with personal shopper, photo shoot, private cruise, and daily walking. Your favorite canine will also have his own monogrammed water bowl, designer doggie bed, and special BarkBox upon arrival. Whatever your four-legged friend desires, this butler is on it! Even better, a portion of the proceeds for this special offering benefits the Humane Society of Broward County.
Photo courtesy of The Commons Hotel, Minneapolis
Book Butler, The Commons Hotel
From barks to books, The Commons Hotel on the University of Minneapolis Campus, not far from downtown Minneapolis, caters to bibliophiles with its Book Butler. This special concierge will deliver your choice of a classic novel or best-seller right to your room. Literary lovers will also find book quotes on their pillow at turndown and a Sudoku puzzle with in-room breakfast orders. The entire 304-room property is themed around literary, art, and science experiences, celebrating both the intellectual and the artist.
EPIC Hotel
Bowtie Concierge, EPIC Hotel
How do you tie that pesky bowtie? No worries if you’re staying at the EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami. They have multiple staffers who specialize in bowties. The position came about after neither the groom or groomsmen in one wedding party knew how to tie a bowtie properly, and the hotel found it to be a common problem. If you’re getting married on the property, a Bowtie Concierge is guaranteed to be on-site, so there’s one less thing to stress about on the big day.
Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Hotels
Music Concierge, Hard Rock Hotels
If you secretly dream of being a rock star, you can live your fantasy with help from Hard Rock Hotels’ Music Concierge. Part of their Sound of your Stay program, you can choose from a variety of rock star services such as themed playlists, a Fender guitar to play in your room delivered by the concierge, or be a DJ and mix your own tunes with help from the concierge using a Traktor Kontrol Z1 Systems. Go ahead, get your jam on … the concierge says it’s OK!
Photo courtesy of The Goodland, Santa Barbara
Record Concierge, The Goodland
At The Goodland, a hip new hotel just outside Santa Barbara, not only do you get your very own Crosley record player in your room, you have a selection of records to borrow as well. Should you need any help discerning which vinyl to choose, the hotel’s Record Concierge can assist. Located in the lobby area, the concierge has a library of LPs to suit almost any taste. Everything about this property (amazingly, a former Holiday Inn) screams surfer chic and California cool from its authentic art to its weekly poolside parties.
Photo courtesy of Nadra Photography
Concierge Elves, Westin Portland Harborview
Should Santa need a little assistance during a holiday stay at the Westin Portland Harborview in the Arts District of Portland, Maine, summon the hotel’s Concierge Elves. They will festively decorate your room before arrival, put presents in place, and leave behind nibbled cookies and carrots just in case the Jolly Old Elf and his reindeer are too full to indulge on Christmas Eve.
Viceroy Santa Monica — Photo courtesy of Priority Bicycles
Bike Concierge, Viceroy Santa Monica
One of the best activities besides celebrity watching in Santa Monica is biking the beach. Hop on two wheels to venture down to quirky Venice Beach or up to the swanky Pacific Palisades. The Viceroy Santa Monica, just across from the beach, always has an onsite Bike Concierge and has partnered with Priority Bicycles to provide a complimentary beach-friendly bicycle fleet to guests. The concierge will also customize a bike route based on a theme, such as a pizza tour, coffee shop tour, or active/fitness tour.
Photo courtesy of Casa Magna Marriott Puerto Vallarta
Tequila Concierge, Casa Magna Marriott Puerto Vallarta
As one of the few resorts in the world to grow agave onsite and make a proprietary brand of tequila, it’s only fitting that the Casa Magna Marriott Puerto Vallarta provide an onsite expert about this popular Mexican drink. The resident Tequila Concierge attended the University of Tequila (no joke) and earned her certification as a Tequilier, or tequila expert, becoming one of the first women in Puerto Vallarta to do so. She now hosts tequila tastings, tours, and educational sessions at the resort to help guests learn more about this beverage.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa — Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
Wine Concierge, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
There is so much to see–and drink–in Sonoma County and Napa Valley, California, that it only makes sense for an inn to have someone on hand to help guests sort through it all. At the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, the Wine Concierge, a free service to guests, works with visitors to book tours at the more than 400 wineries in the region based on guests’ wine preferences. The wine concierge also helps with proper food and wine pairings.
