India, Jan. 26 -- Perhaps no person in the travel hospitality world receives more questions on the ground than a hotel concierge. From making the most coveted restaurant reservations to sharing favorite lesser-known landmarks, a concierge's tips can make or break a great travel itinerary. I recently visited The Langham, London-a historical mainstay that's been welcoming guests for 160 years-and was thrilled to chat with Rashid Ali, who has worked as the head concierge at the hotel for 34 years.

"What I enjoy most is being a bridge between guests and London itself," says Ali. "The Langham sits at the top of Regent Street, so we're surrounded by world-class shopping, galleries, and theaters. Helping guests go beyond the obvious-whether th...