Originally Posted by
bhrubin
Usually, we get recommendations about dining options and activities from the butlers, who occasionally have the concierge confirm. But it's nice having that personal point of contact every morning with the coffee service. It also allows us to get to know the neighborhood/destination a bit better, too, as our conversations usually allow the butlers to recommend more appropriate choices for us, IMO. That depends on how much you converse with them, of course.
The reason I
don't do that is that it depends on the knowledge/experience of the particular butler which, of course, varies; and neighborhood recommendations aren't their primary responsibility, anyway. I rely on the concierge for that type of stuff. It's part of the concierge's job; they're expected to have that information. They also maintain active contacts with restaurants, bars and other venues which guests may wish to visit. That ensures that their information is accurate and current. Look particularly for concierges who wear
les clefs d'ors (a pair of gold colored crossed antique keys) on their lapels. Those concierges have been recognized for their excellence by
Les Clefs D'Ors, the accrediting international organization of concierges.