The concierge desk at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City has even had guests use translation programs on the tablet, which helps bridge communication gaps, said chief concierge, Nick Zilber.

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While the MGM Grand concierge desk, in the heart of Las Vegas, does do more than its fair share of snagging hard-to-get tickets, "A concierge is more than that, " she says.

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Until the professional behind the concierge desk stepped in.

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Inside, they are greeted by a concierge-like Help Desk of about a dozen support personnel, whose services include occasional free hugs.

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But they also have exclusive in-house amenities, such as a private lobby desk and concierge staff, with escorted in-room iPad registration, one of the best upgrades you can get in a city where main lobby registration, even at top hotels, often resembles the economy class check-in line at JFK. The 24-hour room service features the first-ever in-room dining menu designed by the man himself, culinary legend Nobu Matsuhisa.

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Club guests have a private check-in desk, access to the Virginia Room for concierge service and dining, and a private terrace and garden.

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Although the rental agency might have a daytime reception desk and an emergency phone number, there's no houseboat concierge to get you tickets to the Concertgebouw.

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