Chances of an upgrade to concierge at AKL

[penel3]

We are staying at AKL concierge 1/9-1/11 then change to a savannah view room for 1/11-15.What do you think the chances are that they will offer us an upgrade to concierge for the entire stay? Should I just ask what the cost would be to upgrade upon our arrival?
I am so excited!! I originally booked concierge for the whole week, but when the AP rates came out, they weren't quite enough of a discount so I had to downgrade, but I am hoping.....

 

[DutchsMommy]

I have never heard of this happening personally, that would be a pretty sweet upgrade and I'm not sure they would do this out of the goodness of their hearts - but I guess you never know

 

[Cass]

Did you book a deluxe savanna view for your non concierge nights?

It would be easiest so that you would not have to change rooms, just lose access to the 6th floor lounge.

Maybe if you just on your last day say - "you know we really love concierge and would like to stay the rest of the week - can you let us know the cost?" they will give you a break.

 

[eddieras]

penel3 -- how did you make out with the upgrade to concierge??
we're going in May and booked one nite in concierge (to do sunrise safari) and the next 5 nites in savannah view- i'm wondering about an upgrade myself!

let me know your experience/ advice

thanks!

 

[penel3]

I asked at checkin if we could upgrade and they offerred us the upgrade for an additional $135/night, which was well worth it. The room ultimately cost us $310/night (with AP discount).
They are so awesome, the lounge food is totally indescribable!! It is BOMA food and wine. It is available all day!! We loved coming back from the parks and stopping up for a quick drink and snack. It was great.

 

[eddieras]

thanks for the info-- i thought the food was only available in the am and pm-- and that it was only snack type food- can you get enough for a breakfast and lunch there then?? i have 2 kids - 9 and 5

thanks!

 

[penel3]

Most definitely! Their were chicken nuggets and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches available for lunch and dinner. My son is five and loved it. Mind you, there are no veggies, but fruit was available continuously. At dinner time they had skewers of nut crusted salmon, maple smoked salmon, ribs, marinated pork loin, variety of breads and dips, desserts etc. Thoroughly satisfying no matter what time we arrived. They had fresh coffee, espresso, latte, chocolate milk, regular milk, soda in the afternoon/evening. Not all of this was out at the same time, but large quantities and quite a variety were available throughout the day. Additionally, they don't "monitor" how much you take or eat, they make you feel very comfortable.
We ate at Boma's twice and chose the same items that they had in the lounge and ordered a bottle of wine we had tasted in the lounge. That meal alone cost $150.00 for the two of us! In the lounge they had various salads (not typical american green salad). It was well worth the additional money, especially to have cold/hot drinks at any time we were in the mood.
Mind you, all of the moderate and up resorts now provide a mini refrigerator in your room free of charge.
I hope that helped you! Because it just made me desperate to go back!!! We are already home, I just haven't changed my signature yet!

 

[penel3]

Just me again, I thought of more stuff! Breakfast was a variety of cereal, fruits, breads, muffins etc. They put us on the 5th level with key access to the 6th floor to get to the lounge, because we also had a split reservation. three nights concierge and four nights savannah.

 

[eddieras]

penel3-- thanks so much for the info--- question-- when you moved from concierge, did you ask, or they offer for you to stay in concierge? for a supplement of course... just wondering what the chances are of them offering up something...

oops just reread your posts

so you asked before check in.... and then took the $135 deal? how many extra nites did you stay in the concierge-the entire trip?

you ate / drank enough for 135 more a nite??
here's my idea - definately breakfast there- we'll probably head back mid day to relax (kids 9, 5) need to rest! do you recall the "lunch" hours? wonderin if i can snag that meal there too! obviously that extra $ will be more palatable if i can get the meals there too-- cheap i know!
thanks so much -- all input appreciated!!

 

[penel3]

I asked the cost to upgrade for the "second" part of our trip at our initial check-in. At that time, Karen Jean (concierge cast member) called someone and came back with the rate of $135.
I cannot remember what the times are for what is out in the lounge. I think breakfast started at 6am, I don't recall being there at the usual lunch time of noonish, more like 1-2pm. They seemed to always have the PB&J out, gummy bears, goldfish crackers, animal crackers (cookies) and milks and fresh juice. Then the salmon, ribs dinner foods and wine pairings were out from 5-7, then from 7-9 were desserts and dessert wines.
If you arrive early enough your first day, ask how much/if an upgrade is available and see if you can wait until the end of the day to make your decision, assessing the lounge and the food, etc. and make your decision then. We are very cheap, too. We also enjoy food, and aren't the type to be able to "share meals" as you often see recommended in some of these posts! My point is that the lounge really provides plenty to keep you satisfied, but not a perfectly balanced "meal", but heck, who cares You are on VACATION!!

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

We didn't care for "Karen Jean"...

 

[MECH8T7]

My understanding is that you have access to the concierge lounge for your check-out day until midnight. So, if you are going to extend the concierge portion of your stay, you can save some money by not including the last night of your stay in the upgrade. You'll miss out on breakfast and snacks on check-out day, but you'll also save some money.

 

[penel3]

Yes, you do have access until midnight, that is a good point. I wish I had thought of that while we were still there!!