Well, sure. Asia is really a special case. Service levels there are tremendously better than in the US or Europe, and there is no expectation of tipping.

To clarify, I would not even use a concierge to make an ordinary, easy-to-get dinner reservation -- I'd use my cell phone. When I said I would tip for a reservation, I'm talking about a reservation at a restaurant where the answer would be "sorry, we're fully booked" if I called myself. A concierge at a top hotel can usually do much better.

I must say, I'm pretty shocked that people would use the services of a concierge in the US or Europe without tipping. I've always felt it was expected and correct, assuming the service was good. Certainly I've never been turned down, and I don't think anyone thought I was a chump for being generous!

Also -- and I don't mean to be unkind -- in most cases I don't think hotel concierges want to be your "friend" or receive gifts, any more than waiters do. They are working in order to make a living, so folding money as an expression of your gratitude is strongly preferred, I would think. There's no need to conceal the fact that it's a tip by turning it into a gift card or whatever.

Just my .02.