I was staying in a Starwood property recently and when I was going to dinner the taxi driver told me that concierge gets a kick back from the restaurant for the recommendations. I have had many discussions about their recommendations over the years with my wife (who does not believe their recommendations tend to be that good). In getting recommendations I frequently hear the same recommendations given to other guests and would guess that a restaurant would like many recommendations and may pay for this. Any thoughts or first hand knowledge?

As a follow-up question - any thoughts about using the platinum concierge in advance (will they just call the hotel for recommendations)?

Follow-up #2 - how do all of you get recommendations for restaurants and other venues, if you don't go with what the hotel recommends?