What exactly does a hotel concierge do? Well, the person behind that little desk in the lobby does more than just answering your query about restroom directions.

A concierge has long been one of the most respectable and most useful positions in hotels. Concierges have years of experience in the hotel industry and it is their job to know everything their guests need to know. They know the local scene well and they offer great pieces of advice as for the best ways a guest can get around the city. Moreover, they keep an extensive network of contacts to restaurants and shops to visit. Oftentimes, they do almost everything requested of them.

Most hotel guests fail to recognize that the hotel concierge is designed to assist with almost any travel issue a guest might face. Don't get too intimidated by the folks in a luxurious suit standing behind the desk. And no, not all concierges are as creepy as Mr. Hector, in case you've watched the film Home Alone 2.

Below are 10 of the things a hotel concierge can do for you.

1. Creating a custom itinerary. We've all been there – you want to visit a number of tourist spots but you don't know how and where to start. Make a list of attractions and let the hotel concierge pull off an achievable itinerary out of your list. You may also ask the concierge if s/he knows some underrated and “hidden” shops, cafes, and attractions most tourists have never heard of.

Further, you'll be notified of certain pitfalls, like closed subway stations, road construction, confusing passageways, and temporarily closed attractions, so you'll have a smooth and enjoyable trip.

2. Sharing time and money saving tips. The hotel concierge sure got some hacks to travel the city with less cash outlay but with more fun. Ask about the nearby bars that offer happy hours, the best free sights and activities, and the cheapest ways to score a ride. In addition, the concierge can dispense advice on what times or areas you'll likely to bump into traffic.

3. Getting you a ride. Rush hours, late hours, and rainy nights and days make it difficult for you to get a ride. If it seems impossible for you to hail a cab on the road or get an Uber ride, call the concierge and they'll do their best to get you a ride.

4. Reserving you a table. Thinking of spending a romantic date in a fine restaurant? Don't worry about the queue – the concierge will take care of your dinner reservation. Restaurants often find a way to fit in customers who were commended by their concierge contacts.

5. Pointing you to the best local services. Are you in dire need of a service that isn't offered by the hotel? Perhaps, the concierge can direct you to the best people and businesses they know. Auto repair shops, gadget repair shops, laundry shops, babysitting services, and even grooming services to make you look like a celebrity for an appointment – name it and they'll recommend a place tucked away just down the street.

6. Giving access to nearby fitness facilities. If the hotel gym lacks the fitness equipment you need, the concierge may endorse an affiliated hotel with better facilities. They can also suggest good running trails for your morning jog, and give you a list of fitness centers within the vicinity.

7. Fixing travel problems. Should you lose your passport, the concierge can help you make an embassy appointment or look for an expeditor.

8. Catering to your special needs. If you're disabled, ill, or you're with someone who is, a hotel concierge can offer assistance. Apart from lending a wheelchair, they can call wheelchair-accessible taxis, find doctors, and suggest restaurants that can accommodate special food preferences.

9. Helping you with your job. Not all of guests travel for leisure – some guests stay in hotels for their business trip while others simply just can't stop doing their paperwork while on vacation. Are you one of these workaholics? Take note that you can seek help from the concierge. They can assist you with almost all kinds of work-related tasks, like getting access to a printer, mailing packages, and setting up a meeting space.

10. Making your celebrations more remarkable. Are you going to give a friend a grand birthday bash? Or are you planning to propose to your partner in a sultry and romantic hotel room adorned with roses? Just communicate your vision and the hotel concierge can help you fulfill that plan, from reserving a room or even the roof deck to filling the space with balloons, flowers, and music. On top of that, some hotels offer a photographer to document the occasion.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is one of the writers for Holiday Inn Parramatta Accommodation, a modern hotel in Western Sydney known for their exceptional accommodation, service, and location, which appeals to travelers in Australia. She has always been passionate about giving in to her wanderlust and collecting mementos from different places.