5 Insider Itineraries for the Top 5 Destinations, as Recommended by Luxury Hotel Concierges

If you stroll through any upscale hotel lobby, you’re likely to spot it: a concierge desk staffed by a friendly individual eager to help. However, it’s a resource that many guests overlook. When they do stop by, it’s often just to book theater tickets or snag a reservation at a sought-after restaurant.

What savvy travelers recognize is that an exceptional concierge can be the key to a truly memorable journey, given their extensive knowledge of the city. They can unveil experiences you might have missed—like a lively cultural enclave in Hong Kong or a historic site that unveils Marrakech’s ancient past. At the very least, they can help bring your travel dreams to life, whether that’s participating in harvest season in South Africa’s Winelands or enjoying a culinary tour in Paris. Here, we’ve connected with five of the finest concierges globally who can make all this possible—and more.

Art and flowers in Chelsea, London: Jason Laker-Jones, concierge at Corinthia London

London offers a rich array of cultural experiences year-round, and one of my personal favorites is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (scheduled for May 21 to 25 in 2024). This flower show represents the essence of British summer culture, transforming urban London into a floral haven. Combined with Chelsea in Bloom, where local designer shops and boutiques compete to craft their floral displays, the week becomes a truly quintessential British affair.

A Cultural Journey in Hong Kong: Michael Chou, Chief Concierge at The Peninsula Hong Kong

While Hong Kong is often viewed as a cutting-edge financial hub, there’s so much more to discover. One of my favorite spots is Tai Kwun, a revitalized historic site in Central’s Soho district, which I always recommend to guests for its rich blend of culture, art, and history. This former police station and prison complex was built in the 1920s and now stands as a key location for contemporary art and architecture, featuring the JC Contemporary gallery designed by Herzog & de Meuron, shaped like a giant cube and hosting various exhibitions throughout the year. In Tai Kwun, visitors can also glimpse what the city was like a century ago through its preserved structures, including old jail cells. After exploring, I suggest guests take the steep Peak Tram from Central to Victoria Peak—locally referred to as “the Peak”—which offers stunning panoramic views of the city, especially after dark.

Paris for Food Lovers: Julie Benoit, Head of Guest Experience at SO/ Paris

Upon arriving in Paris, the first question most guests ask is where to find the best places to eat and drink, given the plethora of choices. It can be quite daunting, but I’m happy to share my personal favorites. One standout is Tekès, located in Sentier (the historic garment district), offering vegetarian dishes inspired by Levantine cuisine in a cozy, candlelit setting. Another gem is Caché, hidden between Père-Lachaise cemetery and Rue de Bagnolet, a Parisian secret serving Mediterranean fare with fresh fish daily. It's ideal for a summer evening, especially with its charming cobblestone terrace.

Collier de la Reine is a beloved venue among my team, featuring a cocktail bar, a brasserie serving French cuisine and seafood platters, as well as an extensive wine cellar. Sushi Shunei boasts one of the finest omakase experiences in Paris, set in a chic and minimalist environment dedicated entirely to sushi. With only ten seats in the intimate dining room, it offers a unique experience. Established in 2016 by Jean-François Piège, Clover Grill has become a renowned steakhouse in the heart of Paris, famous for its outstanding cuts of meat grilled over charcoal or spit fire. For a delightful brunch as spring arrives, BB Blanche is the ideal spot, located in a former private mansion and offering a quintessential Parisian atmosphere.

South Africa for Wine Lovers: Nigel Oosthuizen, Concierge Guide at One&Only Cape Town

In the lush agricultural regions surrounding Cape Town, we have renowned vineyards that play a vital role in the lives of many locals, with the Cape Winelands producing about a billion liters of wine annually. We offer unique experiences that showcase Cape Town's finest wine culture. These tours provide hotel guests with an insider’s view of the winemaking process, from the rich soil to the final bottling. Luvo Ntezo, our head sommelier at One&Only Cape Town, invites you to join him for an exclusive tour of Simonsig Wine Estate in Stellenbosch during the harvest season, typically in January.

Tales from the Desert: Omnia Driba, Concierge at Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

Marrakech is celebrated for its rich historical sites and stunning desert landscapes. I recommend starting your journey with a tour of the Medina, the original walled city. Key attractions include the Koutoubia Mosque, Medersa Ben Youssef (a 14th-century Islamic college), and Bahia Palace. We can arrange private tours of the Medina, offering a wonderful opportunity to delve into the city's history. For an adventurous twist, my favorite experiences include excursions to the Agafay Desert, just a 30-minute drive from Marrakech.