concierge collection

[vicandmick]

Just wondering if anyone has use their points for any concierge places, and how you compair them to our Disney "Homes". Thinking about staying of the coast of Florida some time. Anyone stay in those places?? Going back "home" in April!!! Can't wait

 

[mikeymars]

Yes, stayed at the Sagamore at Lake George, NY last October over the Columbus Day weekend on points. Had a very cozy one bedroom suite that overlooked the lake. Incredibly nice property in the Adirondacks, one that in terms of setting and style blows away any of the DVC properties (it's on the natonal register of historic places, and once you arrive, you'll understand why).

http://www.thesagamore.com/html/intro1.html

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by mikeymars
Yes, stayed at the Sagamore at Lake George, NY last October over the Columbus Day weekend on points. Had a very cozy one bedroom suite that overlooked the lake. Incredibly nice property in the Adirondacks, one that in terms of setting and style blows away any of the DVC properties (it's on the natonal register of historic places, and once you arrive, you'll understand why).

http://www.thesagamore.com/html/intro1.html

Interestingly enough, my wife's aunt has a second home on Lake George. I have been quite often, and while boating on the lake I have seen The Sagamore. It did look nice, but the locals (my wife's side of the family) did not hold the resort in "super high" regard. They did say it was nice, but they were far from drooling over it.
Perhaps this is because of the status it takes to own a home on Lake George?
There was also something posted here about reported hauntings there (not that I believe that, but it would make for an interesting stay).

Anyway, my opinion... Although the reort looks nice, I am not enthralled with that type of vacation or scenery.

I am trying to build up the courage to visit The Plaza in NYC. I can't get Disney out of my blood, so I will have to see The Lion King!

MG

 

[rocketriter]

I've stayed at several Concierge Collection hotels, although not on points. Generally they're world-class, quite posh, and far snootier that a DVC resort.

 

[mrsdon]

I have stayed at Big Cedar Lofge in Mo and it is wonderful. It avtually madde the list of 100 best of the worlds hotels and it is NOT snooty in the least. it is a beautiful resort and my whole family loves it there.

 

[niks81]

I've stayed at several Concierge Collection hotels, although not on points. Generally they're world-class, quite posh, and far snootier that a DVC resort.

I wouldn't necessarily call them snooty but they are very nice and very luxurious. I stayed at the Sagamore also and it was very nice. I think what stood out to me was their dining choices....they had THE BEST brunch I've ever had in my life. The rooms were nice but I think our DVC rooms are nicer...perhaps they just needed renovated, not sure.

I've also stayed at a few others, not using points. The OP is right that they are world class for the most part

 

[travelbug]

I stayed at the Mauna Lani on the Big Island 2 years ago, and loved it. I'd like to try Kapalua Bay on Maui someday. I'm also interested in the Keystone resort for a summer visit to the mountains sometime.

 

[3drsdwn]

My humble advice would be to rent your points and then use the money to vacation at the Resort of your choice. You can probably negotiate a better rate that the equivalent $10.00 to $11.00 per point value that your points are currently worth.

 

[new_yawka]

I have stayed at both the Sagamore (Lake George, NY) and the Grove Park Inn (Asheville, NC).

Both were excellent!

Both resorts (not unlike many) have had times in their past where they have lulled and been more run-down. At the moment (and for the past 10 yeasrs or so) each of these resorts has been putting a great deal of money into refurbishment and update. Both are, without a doubt, world-class and very worth a stay (whether on points or cash...your choice).



The sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains from the Grove Park Inn is spectacular (It also has a truly excellent Golf Course - Donald Ross or Robert Trent Jones, Sr., I do not recall which - and the most phenomenal spa I have ever seen). Although I am not an expert on 5 star hotels...I have stayed in several Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton's and both of these resorts compared favorably.

Based upon these experiences I have concluded that I will be perfectly comfortable at any of the Concierge collection hotels. I have little doubt that I will enjoy others in the future (again, whether on cash or points is a different questions).

Maistre Gracey...interestingly...everyone I have spoken to who lives around Lake George had a remarkeably high opinion of the Sagamore...I guess it is all in who you know.

Louis

 

[61079]

That is an option...you could rent your points out for cash if you aren't staying DVC. I've done that before and paying for the room saved me some money


newyawka...I really wanted to try out Grove Park Inn...its nice huh? That's the one by Biltmore right?

 

[new_yawka]

It is on a hill overlooking Asheville. Biltmore is not too far. Grove Park has great history with wonderfully modern amenities.

When we were there, we were placed in the "Pink Lady Room" (we found this out at the time we registered). The Pink Lady is Grove Park Inn's resident ghost. The accommodations were very nice, wonderfully historical and the story of staying in the Pink Lady Room was a bonus.

The restaurants were very good and the service was great. The Sunset Terrace (a terrace where you watch the sunset over the mountains) is a wonderfully romantic place to eat.

We went with very young children and, although it is not a resort specifically designed for kids, we were never at a loss for things to do.

If you get a chance to go...enjoy!

 

[mikeymars]

>> have stayed at Big Cedar Lofge in Mo <<

We seriously considered doing that property this August through the Concierge program. Two things made us change our mind:

First, the points required for the 8-9 night long sort of stay we were looking for (in one of the private cabins, not the lodge building) were just a little too much. Yes, the property looks quite nice, but not at the "I'm going to have to borrow almost all of next year's allocation to do this" level.

Second, I guess the whole "in your face" Branson thing wasn't what our family was looking for. I sensed the kids are still burned out on theme parks and shows, given our trip to California last year.

So we're going to the rest at the beach (HH) instead.

 

[wildcatwmn]

Take The Sagamore over The Plaza anyday. The Plaza is not worth it. There are plenty of other NY hotels much more reasonable and warm.

 

[Synonymous]

The Plaza is great. We stayed there on points a couple years ago. The room was quite small compared to what you're used to with DVC properties, but you have to expect that from a hotel room, especially in a beautiful old hotel like this.

The room was quite beautiful, however, an antique in itself. Crystal chandelier, amazing woodwork, wonderful king size bed and a great view of Central Park. The staff were wonderful and you really get the feeling of "old time" NYC. You also can't beat the location, right across the street from the park.

We also stayed at Charleston Place in South Carolina. We got upgraded to concierge level and had a great time. Again, the staff were wonderful and we felt very comfortable. The room was very nice, although not as beautiful as the Plaza room. The pool and hot tub were great- the roof over the pool opens when the weather is nice and the whole area is very peaceful. The restaurant there (can't remember the name) was first rate, at least as good as any of the top restaurants at WDW.

 

[Bcat]

We've stayed at the Arizona Biltmore but not on points. The Biltmore is fantastic, but I still wouldn't use points to stay there unless it was in the summer.

 

[mapny]

We have stayed at The Plaza twice on DVC points and enjoyed both stays. I don't think we ever would have stayed at The Plaza otherwise and it is an experience, including being very well-located. There is also another hotel in NYC that is part of the Concierge Collection. I can't think of the name, but it is an all-suites hotel. We have stayed there once and the hotel is great, but not very well-located.

Maistre Gracy, Build up your courage and go to NYC and see The Lion King. We went to see it on 9/22/2001 - the first Saturday that Broadway theatres were open after 9/11. It was an amazing performance and the fact that the performers could do so well 11 days after the disaster is truly a testament to their commitment, talent and professionalism. It is a thrilling show!!!

 

[nezy]

..is the name of the all suites hotel in NYC. It is located in what was once called the "Murray Hill"section of NYc-around 41st on the East side.

We stayed there a few yrs ago on the night before Thanksgiving. We went to see the inflation of parade ballons and then to the parade the next day. It was great-very old fashioned like an old NYC apartment. We are very familiar w/ the city so the location was not a concern for us.

we have also gone to the Sagamore-in a Lodge Suite. The room was not as nice as a DVC, but a great room none-the-less. we love the resort and the location as well as the history of the hotel. We have only gone off season so we had the place practically to ourselves.