It has been that way for years, too many people calling the Front Desk of the hotel before they arrive, asking for room requests, etc. etc. the staff spent too much time on the phone and not enough at the desk.
The call center agents all answer as if they are at the Front Desk, I am really surprised you have not seen us talk about this before.
We have always spoken to someone at the desk at the AKL. I've actually taken down names and gone to the front desk to speak with them. I had never heard that before.