Calling all AKL experts!! (View and Upgrades??)

[liznboys]

We think we've decided for sure to split our stay next Feb/Mar, instead of spending it all at POFQ. So, the plan is to stay 5 nights at POFQ then 5 nights at AKL! Yippee! We visited AKL last trip and were WOWED by it.

So all you AKL experts, where should we request to stay? What room/area? We have to do standard view as we can't afford more (especially at peak season prices.) So does it make a difference being a standard view?? Any advice is appreciated!!!

 

[ciera321]

The standard rooms face the parking lot, so it doesn't really matter where you are unless you don't want to be right above the walkway to the buses. You could be upgraded. There are only about 135 rooms that are standard view, and this resort seems to be a good one for upgrades. We reserved a standard view were upgraded to a deluxe savannah view. You will love this resort and be sure and eat at Boma's and Jiko!!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

And if you do get a standard room, it's of no serious consequence. There are many public viewing places (indoors and out) throughout this beautiful resort.

 

[liznboys]

Thanks guys.

So Robin, how and when did you get upgraded? Was it at check-in? Did you have to ask for it, or was it automatic since they weren't full or something??

 

[HopperFan]

Trip 1 - booked Standard (July)
At check in we were upgraded to Savannah by their initiative- WOW - the most incredible view. (They did ask if we wanted 2 beds or bunks and we requested bunks).

Trip 2 - (May) too scared to take a chance, so we paid the extra for pool view. Was a waste of money. Were not "wowwed", did not use balcony and wish we had saved the money, booked std and taken a chance on an upgrade.

If you do end up in standard, there are so many places to go look at animals. The whole hotel is a treat ! Next time it is standard only for us! BUT I would not take a room along the bus path, you were inches from folks walking if you sat on balcony.

 

[liznboys]

Thanks HopperFan, great advice, we appreciate it. We're going to request bunk beds as well. Here's hoping we get upgraded next year, that would be cool. But it sounds like we'll be happy at AKL no matter what. Although we'll try to avoid the bus path rooms!!

 

[ciera321]

liznboy: In June 2002 we checked in around 5pm. I asked what would be the charge for a conceirge upgrade and the cm said they were full, so I just assumed we'd get our standard room. When we started heading to our room, I realized we weren't headed the way I thought we should be and was getting really excited. Opened the door to find a deluxe room (a little more room by the window) and a beautiful sunset savannah room!! I went down a little while later and thanked the cm and he just smiled and said "Have a magical stay"!! We did!!

 

[tinkerbeth]

We have booked standard too at AKL and I'm hoping for some pixie dust but if we don't get it, just staying at a hotel that nice will be a serious treat for us!

Beth

 

[ciera321]

I agree with Tinkerbeth, you can have such a great time exploring this beautiful resort and finding all the viewing areas. When we go back to AKL we will book standard again. I can always find something to spend the extra $$ on!!