Benefits Of Concerige????????????

[scousemouse67]

Hi all

I have booked Concierge at a deluxe hotel, wont tell you which one, because I want to try and get a feeling for poeples views on concierge service and not the hotel or staff.

My wife and I and my 3 children aged 9, 6 and 4 will be staying for 12 nights.

I have already done all my own PS and shows. I have no special services needed that I could not or have not arranged myself. I booked concierge because it sounds special and the lounge could be great way of relaxing with the children whilst they have a few munchies, but I guess we could this in our room or outside. Begining to think I should just a book a normal room.

Please could people who have used concerige bullet point a few reasons they used the service and based on the above, woud they advise I do it.

Cheers

 

[goodferry]

OK, I will give it a try, we have only stayed at one resort's concierge level, I will let you guess which one
-We have a 13, 9, 6, and two year old. They eat and drink like you would not believe, it was nice to be able to take them to the lounge for a snack.
-There was no need for us to buy refillable mugs ($12 each times 5)
-The rooms at all the resorts will be crowded with this many people. Having the lounge to spread out in was wonderful
-In the mornings DH would go down and get me breakfast and then I would get each kid ready and take them down to him in the lounge to eat, saved a lot of time that we would have spent sitting around waiting for everyone to get ready and then go eat.
-During nap times DH and I could go to the snack and relax. We had a third floor room right next to the lounge so we would take the baby monitor with us and relax. My kids won't sleep if they can see me sitting there.
-I too had already made my PS, however, the ones that I changed and let them book for me always led to better service. At the Rainforest Cafe, they led our party of six past people a ton of people who also had PS and had gotten there before us, straight to our table. Not fair, but we were hot and hungry with cranky kids, so we didn't mind. I would give the planning staff your priority seating confirmation numbers and they will confirm them for your and let them know you are concierge guests.
-The pre-planning staff was able to get me CRT about a month out at the first seating.
-Private check-in rocks! After speding an hour and a half at the CB waiting to check in, 10 minutes was much better.
-Depending on which resort you are staying in you have a better location. We were very convenient to the pool, the boat transportation, and the main building.
-Turn down service is ok. Not a necessity, I can turn my own lights on and turn back the covers, but they also straighten up and give you fresh towels.
-Last minute priority seating is a breeze. They won't promise you CRT at the last minute, but most restaurants are still available to you.
-The feeling that someone is there to help YOU out, that you are being pampered. A definite plus for someone who is working and raising four kids, to have someone take care of you for a change is nice.
-They will arrange to have gifts in the room for your children for you. They had a Cinderella dress waiting on the bed for DD (at my request), but she thought it was from Cinderella!
-They will help you arrange transportation to and from the airport.
-The evening appetizers were really good, as were the wine, beer and desserts.
If you told us which resort you were in, I could probably give you more specific advice.
Have fun!

 

[JESW]

During one stay at the YC we were bumped up to concierge and that is how we have stayed since - you do get spoiled. People will argue the pros and cons of concierge ($$$ being the biggest argument) but only you can decide what is best for your family.

We have stayed concierge at the CR (14th floor), Polynesian, AKL, Yacht Club and Boardwalk. My two favorite *lounges* are the AKL and Polynesian. At the AKL it overlooks that wonderful lobby. At the Polynesian it is in a separate building and on two floors. We also like the YC & BW but the lounges are more "formal" (not in a bad way..), smaller, and seem to have less food options. The CR has an AWESOME view of the MK and it is fun to sit on the balcony. Yes, the concierge is NOT a substitute for meals but there ARE differences in the offerings. (they may all offer concierge but each resort is very different)

We have found wonderful service at ALL the concierges - no complaints. We have just booked a trip for august (nine nights at three different resorts, with only one being concierge) and I will be calling for PS's (or whatever they are called now..) soon. So nice to have them do it. So nice to have all your reservations printed up for you. So nice to sit with a concierge CM and have them book you something for that very day/night.

Anything not available in the lounge? Just ask. Our kids are now 6 & 10 and they love the lounges. One of the best parts is to not have to run out in the morning for breakfast. Fresh fruit every morning. DS & I are early risers and I often take him to the lounge to eat while DH & DD stay in the room to sleep. During the day we like to stop in for drinks & snacks. At night we stop there before bed for drinks and snacks. It was sooo nice when DD was still on the bottle and we could stop there for milk instead of having to buy and store our own. At the Polynesian they have strollers (first come first served) to borrow.

Since you are staying for so long have you considered splitting your stay so you could enjoy TWO different concierges? We like to stay the first part of our trip at a MK resort and then move over to an EPCOT resort. (EPCOT is our favorite park)

I do hope that you enjoy your trip and that concierge level will be a positive experience for you. Hey, try it once and see if it works for your family!

Jill

 

[fam4jc]

We have stayed concierge level before at a WDW resort. I am considering staying concierge again, but only for the larger room size at this particular resort.

I would say that concierge isn't worth it if you are not going to use their services. It is nice to have the food offerings and drinks available all day long; but you can do that yourself in your room with a mini fridge. We found that our ps's conflicted with the concierge food offerings so we didn't take full advantage of the food instead of eating in the loung we went to a restaurant.

I have small children and one teen. They also eat and drink all day long. It is cheaper for me to have goshop deliver sodas & snacks to my room. My dd's still want to do the character breakfasts so there really goes the only real food benefit for us. Unless you really spend alot of time at the resort (not in the parks) you won't have time to enjoy what concierge has to offer.

If I add the three nights to our 10th anniversary trip as concierge, I will let that staff make all my ps's for the entire trip. That way I will get some service that I would normally do myself. jmho

 

[VAgal76]

The worth of concierge is in the eyes of the beholder. Some think it's a complete waste of money and some think it's worth its weight in gold. If I have the money, I will continue to stay concierge as I take full advantage of the pre-arrival planning assistance they have to offer as well as the use of the lounge. I've had a wonderful experience with the Itinerary Planning Office and wouldn't hestitate to trust them to book any of my ressie's as they would probably get a better spot for me anyway. Recently CR IPO has reserved CRT ressies for me right on the particular day and an early morning time as I had requested. I couldn't imagine stressing myself out trying to get to the phone to do all this myself with the schedule I have these days...especially for the mid & west coasters (one eye open with dining on speed dial, right?). I know I would book my own stuff if I had to, but I love being able to pass the buck. It's my vacation and I enjoy having someone else doing some of the footwork for me. Lord knows I do plenty while I'm at home. It's like starting my vacation early - no worries. I'm another one that loves the convenience of the lounge especially for breakfast. Just having a place to relax other than my room was an added bonus. My DS & DH took naps each day. I'm not a mid-day sleeper so I'd grab my book and sit in the lounge (at AKL I also utilized the balcony to view the magnificant view of the animals sometimes) and veg-out. It's hard deciding to concierge or not. You should weigh your own pro's and con's of the benefits you feel you'd get. If you don't think you'd utilize the features of concierge, I'd say pass on it. If you don't use them, you're not going to feel it's worth it. If you decide to not do concierge this trip, maybe try concierge on another trip so you can feel the experience from the beginning. Best of luck on your decision.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I will tell you one thing..once you go concierge you can never go back. For our family it is well worth it because we start every morning with a breakfast and that alone makes it all worth it. A good breakfast can hold us over until midday. Our family also needs beverages and they are always on hand whenever you want them. You can also grab a few and leave them in the room fridge for later.
Having concierge staff make all my PS arrangements is also very helpful and if I need a car for anything I just ask them to do it for me.
When I go on vacation I want to be pampered because we only go away once a year and I look forward to finally having somebody do something for me!!!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Hi all

I have booked Concierge at a deluxe hotel, wont tell you which one, because I want to try and get a feeling for poeples views on concierge service and not the hotel or staff.

My wife and I and my 3 children aged 9, 6 and 4 will be staying for 12 nights.

I have already done all my own PS and shows. I have no special services needed that I could not or have not arranged myself. I booked concierge because it sounds special and the lounge could be great way of relaxing with the children whilst they have a few munchies, but I guess we could this in our room or outside. Begining to think I should just a book a normal room.

Please could people who have used concerige bullet point a few reasons they used the service and based on the above, woud they advise I do it.

Cheers

Concierge is, indeed, special. You get that special key and access to a lounge that is like your area to relax and eat snacks. I loved it because I was there with a small child and it was very convenient to get up and and just go down the hall rather to a restaurant for breakfast...or to stop by for an easy snack on the way back from the parks. At the Beach club and WL, for example, they greet you when you exit the elevator (on the way to your room) and that friendliness is a very pleasant addition to your stay.

In most cases, I like to save concierge for special occasions because I like to preserve the rarity of it and it is not a big deal to me. I love it but would probably not want to spend that much every visit to WDW on it, because I also love at the WDW restaurants and don't also feel the need to use the lounge all that often. I have rarely used their PS services, actually. I have just liked concierge for the purposes of the lounge to relax in once in awhile and enjoy it on birthdays and the like

 

[dreamflight99]

Hi all

I have booked Concierge at a deluxe hotel, wont tell you which one, because I want to try and get a feeling for poeples views on concierge service and not the hotel or staff.

My wife and I and my 3 children aged 9, 6 and 4 will be staying for 12 nights.

I have already done all my own PS and shows. I have no special services needed that I could not or have not arranged myself. I booked concierge because it sounds special and the lounge could be great way of relaxing with the children whilst they have a few munchies, but I guess we could this in our room or outside. Begining to think I should just a book a normal room.

Please could people who have used concerige bullet point a few reasons they used the service and based on the above, woud they advise I do it.

Cheers

I completely agree with all the sentiments posted to date, especially DisneyFans4 & Ladyhawke.The statement "Once you go Concierge, you never go back" is 100% true in our family. We began this cycle before DD was even born. It's the same with everything in life...as I can not travel on an airline, if not in First Class (same reason...once you fly FC, you can NOT return to coach). The incredible differences, make it worth every penny (IMHO).

Most all the concierge lounges employ a fabulous "staff" ready and willing to assist you in any manner possible. They are closer to "personal Butlers" than mere CM's. When our DD was ill, and I was unable to locate the medicine she uses at home w/o leaving property, I mentioned this dilemma to a Concierge member. I told her we intended to "rent" a vehicle the following morning, just to drive to Target, etc., and purchase the medicine.

She must have literally "rushed" to the store as soon as we left the lounge (and she closed the doors after breakfast). We were in our suite, when there was a light "knock" on the door. I opened it to find another concierge member (from the main desk area), holding a large gift bag with tissue, etc. He said, "this is for your daughter" (after inquiring if she was ill, and if she was feeling any better, etc?).

After closing the door, I opened the bag. Inside, was a large bottle of the medicine we needed, Some children's soothing lolly pops (for sore throat), a small container of Vick's vaporub, a box of "Lipton cup-a-soup" chicken noodle packets (which can be easily made with hot water from the coffee machine) a soft cloth, and an adorable stuffed animal...all for DD! When we took it all in to DD, (whom was resting in bed), she was SO happy...mostly for the stuffed animal!! LOL. We later, received a call from the concierge desk, informing DH & I we had a FREE PPV movie, if we wished to use it! This was also a gift from this concierge member.

We purchased a very special gift for her in DTD, and had it nicely wrapped before DD personally presented it to her. She gave new meaning to the word "Humble" with her reaction to the gift. This concierge member is still working in this resort, and is one of my favorite on Disney property.

For us, it's mostly the "little" things we enjoy about CL/Concierge. We love the variety of newspapers available in the lounge each morning. The manner in which you are greeted by name with a warm smile each time you enter the lounge, or hop off the elevator, the slippers and robe, the help with ANY reservation request, beverages & bottled water (depending on where you are staying), and a fresh array of fantastic food/snacks.

As VAgal76 wrote, I too...am not a midday sleeper. I prefer to VEG-OUT while relaxing in the lounge during this time to revitalize my system.

And, as JESW posted...we too began the CONCIERGE path on a complete whim and complimentary upgrade! WOW...it was love at first sight. We too, were blown-away by the ability of the staff to secure coveted reservations at the LAST minute!! Very impressive, especially since I had called several times the same day...and was repeatedly told it would be "impossible" to obtain seating for our party! Having concierge service at a resort stay, to us, is like having an insurance policy. You may never need/use the entire blanket of coverage or benefits available through this service...but it's comforting to know it's THERE if you need it.

If you can afford the extra for Concierge, I would urge you to give it a go! You will more than likely be pleased with everything, and wonder why you ever pondered otherwise!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Yak]

I'm staying at AKL concierge in September based in no small part on recommendations like the ones above. I've also placed all my tough reservations in their hands. I'll know in a month if that was a good idea or not. I don't think I'll be disappointed.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I have already done all my own PS and shows. I have no special services needed that I could not or have not arranged myself. I booked concierge because it sounds special and the lounge could be great way of relaxing with the children whilst they have a few munchies, but I guess we could this in our room or outside. Begining to think I should just a book a normal room.

Please could people who have used concerige bullet point a few reasons they used the service and based on the above, woud they advise I do it.

Based on what you've said here, if money is not a concern, then go ahead and book it. The concierge services vary greatly from resort to resort and depending on which one you have booked, you could find the lounge disappointing or maybe that it lacks that special feeling. How do you define special? To me, it's the fact that the pre-planning staff will take care of all your vacation needs, but you've already done that. They will arrange any special services, but again you posted that you'd take care of that yourself. On site assistance is excellent if you need it, but we've had concierge stays that other than check-in, we've never had to visit the concierge desk. Room sizes are no bigger than standards and other than automatic turndown, newspaper delivery and bathrobes in your room (which can be requested by anyone staying at a deluxe resort) the actual room amenitites are all basically the same. I'm definitely not knocking concierge service, as this is the level that we typically stay in while vacationing, just agreeing that perhaps you might be best served in a standard room.

If you are just planning on utilizing the lounge for relaxing and munchies, be aware that not all lounges are created equal. For instance, the BC and YC have very small lounges and while they have a nice offering, it is very limited compared to some of the others. That and the fact that the lounge is only open during food service times (7-10am; 11am-4pm; 5-7pm; 8-10pm). You also pay an upcharge for a preferred view room. The WL currently does not have a lounge. They are in the process of building one, but obviously it will be a few months before reviews come in. The CR and GF offer both a full and light concierge. If you've booked the light, your lounge offerings will be limited. The GF, Poly, AKL (and maybe CR) all offer an additional afternoon tea service that the others don't and their lounges are probably the nicest in concierge level. AKL has offers of a sunrise and sunset safari exclusively for their resort guests. The 14th floor of the CR has so few rooms that you'll feel like a VIP guest. You can see that sometimes the actual resort choice can really make a difference.

You mentioned staying 12 nights. Have you considered possibly splitting that stay between two resorts? Maybe start out in a villa in the Boardwalk area, then switch to a concierge room at one of the monorail resorts. This would give you the best of both worlds in regards to transportation and convenience to the parks. Just a thought.

Tammi