What to request, when to request it, and how to get a smoother (more elevated) stay
If your resort stay includes concierge or butler service, you’re sitting on one of the most underrated perks in travel.
These teams can transform your trip from “we’ll figure it out when we get there” to everything feels handled — dining, timing, special touches, and those little moments that make a stay feel effortless.
The key is knowing what they can do, what they can’t, and how to use them well.
Concierge vs. Butler: what’s the difference?
While every brand is slightly different, here’s the general breakdown:
Concierge
Concierge teams usually help with:
- Dining reservations (on-property and sometimes off-property)
- Spa scheduling
- Excursion coordination through resort partners
- Celebration notes (anniversary/honeymoon/birthday touches)
- Room preferences when possible (quiet area, near elevator, etc.)
- General questions and logistics that save you time
Butler (when included)
Butler service tends to be more personal and more hands-on, often including:
- Priority communication (text/WhatsApp style)
- Personalized in-room setups (breakfast, bubble bath, turndown enhancements)
- Reserved seating/area assistance (varies by property)
- More proactive “anticipation” service (they learn your preferences and repeat them all week)
- Helping coordinate special moments with privacy and timing in mind
What to ask for (high-impact requests that actually elevate your stay)
Here are “safe” requests that typically lead to a better experience at most resorts:
1) Dining that fits your vibe
Instead of asking, “What restaurants do you have?” ask:
- “Which restaurant has the most romantic atmosphere?”
- “Which has the best sunset timing?”
- “Which feels the most private for a special night?”
You’ll get a recommendation — not a list.
2) Spa appointments that feel like a true reset
Ask concierge/butler:
- “What’s the calmest time of day at the spa?”
- “Do you recommend booking earlier in the week or later?”
- “Do you have any signature couples experiences we should consider?”
3) A “first morning” or “last night” moment
If you want a trip to feel special, these two anchors do it:
- First morning: slow start, breakfast setup, ease into vacation mode
- Last night: private dinner, best table, or a memorable setting
4) Room comfort requests (the underrated win)
You can ask for preferences like:
- Quiet location
- Away from elevators
- Best possible view within category
- Extra pillows / bedding preferences
- Stocked mini-bar preferences (when applicable)
They can’t always guarantee location, but they can often improve your odds.
How to get better service without being “high maintenance”
This is the part people worry about — and it’s simple.
The best approach is:
- Be clear
- Be polite
- Give a little flexibility
- Tip appropriately when tipping is customary at that resort
Give preferences, not demands
Examples of preferences that help:
- “We love quiet spaces.”
- “We’d rather have privacy than a busy central area.”
- “We’re celebrating something special and would love one memorable evening.”
- “We’re early risers / late sleepers.”
When they understand how you want the trip to feel, they can make better recommendations.
What not to expect (so you aren’t disappointed)
Concierge/butler teams are incredible — but they aren’t unlimited.
They typically cannot:
- Override sold-out inventory or fully booked restaurants/spa slots
- Guarantee upgrades (even if you’re celebrating)
- Control weather, crowds, or external vendors
- Fix airline disruptions (but they can help with on-property adjustments when plans change)
One simple strategy that changes everything
Pick three priorities for your stay:
- A standout dinner night
- A spa moment or reset day
- One “effortless” morning (or sunset) experience
When you focus on a few high-impact moments, the whole trip feels elevated — without turning it into a schedule.
Concierge and butler service is less about asking for more and more about asking for the right things at the right time.
If you’re staying somewhere that includes these services, you deserve to use them well — and enjoy the kind of trip where the details feel handled.