AKL Concierge - Worth the $?

[gcphil]

I am debating on whether to upgrade to concierge at AKL even if for one night, but I want the experts' advice and comments! Is it worth the extra money??? I am really interested to know about the Sunrise Safari. Is this the exact safari ride that anyone can do at AK at regular times? Now that AK has extra hour mornings, is it really worth it? I know you get b-fast afterwards, but how else does it differ?

I got a rate of $375 for AKL concierge in June. Any comments would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

 

[ducklite]

I am debating on whether to upgrade to concierge at AKL even if for one night, but I want the experts' advice and comments! Is it worth the extra money??? I am really interested to know about the Sunrise Safari. Is this the exact safari ride that anyone can do at AK at regular times? Now that AK has extra hour mornings, is it really worth it? I know you get b-fast afterwards, but how else does it differ?

I got a rate of $375 for AKL concierge in June. Any comments would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

You are paying for increased service, including private check-in, upgraded toiletries, robes in yoru room, snacks (NOT MEALS!) at various times of the day, etc. If you are comfortable paying for this, then go for it.

The Sunrise Safari follows the same trail, but is much different. There's no storyline, and the driver stops regularly so you can take photo's.

Just as an FYI, the Sunrise Safari costs $50 per adult and $35(?) per kid over and above the cost up concierge.

Only you can decide if it's right for you.

Anne

 

[LOST_in_NH]

I am inpressed with the AKL Concierge Staff so far. I am staying 8 nights in May (15th thru 23rd) and so far I started working with them right after I booked and I have every PS I wanted and other special activties planned. Very stress free for me and DW. BTW first time I have posted......read this forum for months.

 

[Puffy2]

What could you have gotten a regular room for? Subtract the difference and then decide. I'll go concierge if the difference is only $50 or so. $100 more would be my personal maximum.

I suppose it depends on how free you are with your money - are you trying to save for the kid's college? Do you have to make payments on your cars? Still have a morgage? Do you have to watch what you spend? If so, I wouldn't get carried away with the idea of concierge - it's nice, but most often it is not a good value. It amounts to perhaps a separate check in desk (which may or may not move faster than the one in the lobby), some snacks - which are nice - , a turned down bed with a mint on your pillow, and maybe help with a reservation or something. Don't get me wrong, I love concierge service, but sometimes we have to weigh what is more important. Sense we aren't made of money, and we do have to work hard to save for the future it's just more important to me now that my kids are able to buy some extra books for school, or that I'm able to make donations to worthy causes from time to time, etc...

So, for me personally, if concierge was $250 a night - you bet (like I have gotten Polynesian Concierge for in the past). $375....when a standard room could be had for 200? that's getting rather out of line - for us anyway. Your situation may be different.

 

[ElizabethB]

We absolutely loved AKL concierge. It remains my mom's favorite hotel stay anywhere -- ever! The lounge is very nice and relaxing. The breakfast was lovely and very convenient. We also enjoyed the canapes, wine, desserts and cordials in the evening. Unlike some, I think the food offerings are the main reason to do concierge level, and the breakfast is most definitely a meal. One evening we made a light meal of the canapes and desserts and felt no shame whatsoever in doing so. (Time to flame me!)

Also, we had teen boys with us and they enjoyed stopping into the lounge on their own for snacks. We didn't use the planning office much, but they were nice and helpful when we did.

The Sunrise Safari was very nice -- took about 45 minutes as a recall -- lots of stops to take photos of the animals. The buffet breakfast afterward was nice, as well. I don't think we would do the Sunrise Safari again (over $400 for our family group), but it was nice to do once.

We asked for and had savannah view rooms on the 5th floor. It wasn't too convenient to the concierge lounge but the animal viewing was great.