Concierge Etiquette

[ead79]

Please folks, don't worry about your upcoming concierge stays. The rude people are the exception, not the rule. Our concierge stays have been wonderful, pampering experiences.

I don’t know what is is about the Polynesian CL specifically that seems to draw out the rude people, but I agree that it does. We’ve stayed concierge at the Poly (3 times), Yacht Club, Grand Floridian Royal Palm Club, BoardWalk Inn, and Animal Kingdom Lodge, and we have encountered more of a problem at the Poly than at the other concierge lounges. Perhaps it’s because Poly garden view CL is the least expensive CL on the monorail. However, despite any rude behavior we have seen, we have always enjoyed our trips to the Polynesian concierge. It’s my husband’s favorite concierge level as a matter of fact.

Now I’ll share my 2 rude behavior experiences. The first was at the Royal Palm Club at the GF. During evening desserts, I wanted to try a chocolate covered strawberry. When we first arrived, the strawberries were gone so we sampled some other desserts and relaxed in the lounge waiting. When the CM brought out some new strawberries, my husband went right up there to bring us each back a strawberry. A lady got up there just before him and took 6 of the 8 total strawberries there were. My poor husband felt so bad taking the last two that he just brought me back one and didn’t get to try one himself. At first we thought the lady had just taken so many back to share with her family (she was sitting at a table with about 6 family members). But no, she ate them all herself. The second experience, I’m embarrassed to say, was done by a friend that came with me to the Polynesian CL several years ago. On our departure day, we went to the lounge to grab breakfast and some drinks. I took 2 Diet Cokes (one to drink now and one for the ride home), not a ridiculous amount by any means. My friend, on the other hand, took 6 bottled waters for the ride home. I was so embarrassed I wanted to crawl into the carpet.

 

[Lewisc]

What you describe isn't what people are complaining about. The comments were directed at those people who see the need to eat and drink enough to compensate for the difference between the concierge rate and the regular rate.

Our experience with the Poly Concierge was wonderful. We were there last year from July 5-10. The lounge was quite crowded at times and there were lots of children (especially in the mornings). I have 2 dd's (10 & 4) myself. We frequented the lounge, but in no way did we or anyone else, that I noticed, overindulge or take large amounts of food or drinks from the lounge. Everyone in the lounge seemed well behaved and courteous of others. My husband and I, as did most of the other parents I saw, assisted the children with their food. The majority of the children (my 2 included) all gathered around the kids' table and watched cartoons every morning and I didn't think it offended anyone. After a couple of days many of the children knew each other and had made friends. The parents usually sat at a nearby table and kept an eye on the children.

We usually stopped in each morning before heading to the parks. If we came back from the parks later in the afternoon, we might stop and grab a coke and cookie and head to the room for a rest. If we were at the resort when the evening service or desserts were out, we usually stopped in then also. I hope that this was not considered poor etiquette because we were possibly in the lounge several times over the course of the day.

I hope I dont' get flamed for this, but I just wanted to present another side.
Concierge service encompases many things. I've never used the Concierge staff to arrange priority seatings or ask for anything special from them, but I may do so in the future. However, would it be considered any more a case of poor etiquette to have the Concierge Staff plan 3 PS for you everyday of your stay than it would be to visit the Concierge Lounge 3 times a day for food? I don't see a problem with choosing Concierge Service just for the food alone, even if you could fare better by dropping Concierge Service and eating elsewhere. Some may choose Concierge just for the PS planning, the robes, the location of the buidling, the special check-in location, etc.

It took me a while to compose this message and I considered not submitting it at all because I am definitely not a person who likes to "stir things up". I 'm just pointing out another view and I hope I have not offended anyone. My family and I loved staying concierge and are planning to be back this there this July.

 

[LindaR]

I don't blame folks for not wanting to comment.............but I would like to hear from people.

Maybe some people who really couldn't afford to stay concierge but did......

Was it everything that you thought it would be? Were you completely satisfied? What were you looking to experience at the concierge level? Did you? Would you do it again? Why or why not?

I've made some judgements..........now I'd like if someone felt brave enough to explain "the other side of the story"....

?????

 

[Threehearts]

It's always good to hear ALL experiences. I appreciate your positive post even though mine was different. Thanks. Threehearts

 

[tinknsnow]

I live in london and i have booked b c concierge reading these threads i am not so sure i have done the right thing. as the only knowledge i have is that of staying at concierge level in london hotels.which have always been very refined.the idea of having to be at the door of the lounge when it opens in order to have some food before it runs out.is not my idea of concierge.can anyone who has stayed at the b c tell me do the c m put more food out when theitems need refilling. or is it just a case of when its gone its gone.

Don't let this thread scare you out of concierge service! I think most people have a wonderful time. These posts definitely outline the most outrageous behavior (surely an aberration-- like "Booger Boy" ). As I posted early on here, most people are wonderful and considerate.

The Concierge food should be re-stocked and kept looking "full" until the end of the serving hours for that offering. Only once in 18 nights of staying on multiple trips) has an item "run out" and not be re-stocked. And it was the delicious "berry cobbler" at the WL... the third cobbler put out there, I believe.

Service and personal attention should be the main reason for choosing to pay extra for concierge, but I don't think anyone should be made to feel guilty or "pig-like" for grabbing two muffins or bringing food back to their kids in the room!

 

[Martha7]

We stayed at the Hyatt and were too busy at the parks everyday to use the concierge lounge, but I did do a doubletake one morning when I saw a gentleman there in his bathrobe. I think I can add that rude behavior goes on everywhere, since I witnessed a family of four at the Residence Inn (not in Florida) this past summer. The toddler boy became physically ill while at the table, and the parents just semi cleaned him up and let him stay there while they finished their meal, with no regard for the other guests and their discomfort. I felt that one of the parents could have taken him back to their room while the other parent stayed with the older sister. The general decline in civility is taking place at a rapid rate and seems to be more and more widespread.

 

[mycropht]

Why is it that most people complain about concierge guests at the Polynesian? We have only stayed at the Polynesian and AKL concierge and to me there is a big difference in the attitude of the guests at two resorts. Why is that? Are there that many more concierge guests at the Polynesian? It seems like the more complaints there are about the Polynesian concierge guests correlates to the level of service and offerings going downhill as well
[\QUOTE]

We have only stayed in WL Concierge and didn't have the glaring problems the Poly people seemed to be having. I can't speak from direct experience, but we did eat at the Poly (Ohana) a couple of times. My husband has always wanted to stay there, but after the exposure we had just going over there for the dining, he has lost ALL interest. It seems to me that many of the guests at the Poly were families who were trying to cram too many people in a room
Just walking through the grounds on a brief looksee tour, we saw 3 or 4 ill-mannered families with cranky children going into one room, and appearing to have 8 or 9 people to a room. Snobby though I am probably being, we have relatives who think that this is the only way to vacation. They cheap out on everything, and they can say that they stayed in a Deluxe resort, while "sneaking" 3 or 4 extra people into the room. Compound that by giving them the bright idea that they can feed all 9 people each day at the Concierge Food Offering, and you have a recipe for disaster. My brother and his wife have been known to "sneak" his 2 adult brothers-in-law, their 5 adult children, his adult sister in law and her teenage son into ONE room with their daughter and infant son. That's 11 people in one hotel room. But they all "chip in" and get to stay and a deluxe resort for about 40 dollars a person. What a bargain! Since they're that ill-mannered in planning their lodging, you can only guess about their behaviour around "free" food.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

I hope I dont' get flamed for this, but I just wanted to present another side.
Concierge service encompases many things. I've never used the Concierge staff to arrange priority seatings or ask for anything special from them, but I may do so in the future. However, would it be considered any more a case of poor etiquette to have the Concierge Staff plan 3 PS for you everyday of your stay than it would be to visit the Concierge Lounge 3 times a day for food? I don't see a problem with choosing Concierge Service just for the food alone, even if you could fare better by dropping Concierge Service and eating elsewhere. Some may choose Concierge just for the PS planning, the robes, the location of the buidling, the special check-in location, etc.

QUOTE]

I have to say I agree with your point. Most people have reasons for what they do, reasons that the rest of us have no idea about.

I think people need to stop taking inventory, get out the lounge and enjoy their vacations.

 

[BostonRob]

My only concierge stay was at the Swan (or was it the Dolphin? I couldn't even figure out which I was in while I was there) in May 2001. I don't remember witnessing any glaring attrocities. I do remember that we always seemed to wander into the lounge at the wrong time and frequently missed out on snacks, but it was no big deal - we weren't counting on them for sustinence or anything.

These stories really anger me - and it isn't about people trying to 'get their money's worth' - that's just stupid, but that's another story. What bothers me is the lack of consideration people have for others. That story about some lady grabbing 6 chocolate covered strawberry's off a tray of 8? What is wrong with her? I hate people who move through life with a lack of consideration for others.

 

[allisonwonderland]

i have been reading this and I am just blown away by the beavior of some people..I mean UGH...what is up with taking more that your share?Like the PB and J sanwiches,drinks and strawberries?I was staying at a Super 8..not exactly a concierge place BUT They did serve a free breakfast,I was expeting no more than cherrios toast and coffee but was surpised to see bagels,danish, 2 cereals juice and coffee....so ther is ONE PERSON in front of me,THIS GREEDY and very unacttraive male decides to take all 3 bagels that were left..,the four danishes that were there and the whole jug of juice,I REALLY LOVE Juice in the mornings.....so after i called him a nasty,a%$ ,greedy pig,,,,,I poured DH a cup of coffee and made myself a bowl of raisin bran(NOT what i wanted)...the lady that worked there saw what h did,,,came over to me and says"some people are just sooooo greedy huh?",,,,,so she brings out some fresh juce just for me and offers me some fresh fruit(i think it was HER breakfast) I drank the juice and declined on ,munching on her breakfast<she also brought me some bread so I could at least have some toast.I left her a little tip on the bar where they served the food........

 

[Beachangel]

In my opinion...........MY opinion, folks seem to go to a huge extreme with the WDW concierge. I've stayed in quite a few hotels around the country.....and the ones that leave me slack-jawed are the folks at WDW.

I don't care if I get flamed.........if money is sooooo tight and you stay concierge.........and expect to eat all your "meals" from the concierge offerings......you need to stay somewhere else.......somewhere within your real budget.

Wiping out the entire lounge without regard to others is very low class. Going to the lounge in your pajamas is low class.

If you have to "ask" what concierge IS, what the "food offerings" are..........well, ...............

Oh, I haven't even read thru all five pages, but so agree with this post. I have never seen more low class behavior staying club level than at Disney. Whenever I read posts about food offerings, can I get beer, etc it makes me cringe! Sorry I am a snob. Luckily I haven't seen too many rude people other than guests wearing robes to the lounge, maxing out their plates or asking for bags to take food back to the room. I don't care if I get flamed either!

 

[leighe]

Whenever I read posts about food offerings, can I get beer, etc it makes me cringe!

I really think this is unfair. Many people save and save and save to make a Disney vacation a "once in a lifetime" trip. I don't think that just because some people are curious about the food offerings means that they will necessarily be the ones who exhibit rude behavior. Just because someone doesn't stay in concierge regularly does not ean they don't or can't appreciate the ammenities other than food or don't have a right to be there. There has to be a first time concierge experience for everyone. Maybe the CM's should ask for a pedigree before letting people in the lounge.

BTW - My aunt is one of the most obnoxious people I've ever known - I can totally picture her taking a whole plate of chocolate covered strawberries or letting her kids touch all the food -and she and her family stay concierge all over the world.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

You know what I just realized, I don't need to go to WDW to witness this behavior. I see it every week at church. After the 9:00 am Mass, there is coffee, juice, donuts, cookies, danish, etc. set up in the basement. Since we always sit in the back, we are always one of the first families to get downstairs. Now, there are only a limited number of tables and a limited amount of food. We tell our boys that they are allowed to take 2 items and one cup of juice. When we sit down, my DH and I always stand, in order to make sure other people have a seat. We tell our kids (7,5, and 2) that they can only take 2 items b/c there are a lot of people and we need to make sure everyone gets a chance to have something.

It never fails that we see kids (and adults) walking away with plates piled high while there is still a line at least 30 people long. Some kids sitting down at our table with the equivalent of 4 donuts (they are cut in half, so 8 halves). Then their mother's telling them to get more if their hungry, while they pay no attention to the kids b/c they are in some deep conversation with friends. It irritates me to no end. I feel like I am doing my best to teach my children empathy and decency.

It all comes down to entitlement. When did the rules become, get all you can when you can get it, regardless of anyone else....

 

[Julia M]

I really think this is unfair. Many people save and save and save to make a Disney vacation a "once in a lifetime" trip. I don't think that just because some people are curious about the food offerings means that they will necessarily be the ones who exhibit rude behavior. Just because someone doesn't stay in concierge regularly does not ean they don't or can't appreciate the ammenities other than food or don't have a right to be there. There has to be a first time concierge experience for everyone. Maybe the CM's should ask for a pedigree before letting people in the lounge.

BTW - My aunt is one of the most obnoxious people I've ever known - I can totally picture her taking a whole plate of chocolate covered strawberries or letting her kids touch all the food -and she and her family stay concierge all over the world.

I have to agree with you on this one. We are having our first concierge experience this year, and I have been curious about the food offerings.

One reason is that I'm really excited, and knowing the details just makes it more 'real". It's fun to imagine relaxing in the lounge with some ameretto, watching the fireworks!

The other reason is that I am traveling with three kids, and one is quite picky. I mean, very, very picky. Knowing know that the evening hors douevres will likely have nothing that interests him, I know I will probably be letting him go to the GCH and pick up something from the counter service. It just helps me know a little better what I can expect. While I'll agree with people that picky kids need to learn to eat more variety (and at home, he has food on his plate that I am serving, whether he likes it or not), I don't really want to argue about it over vacation!!

Julia

 

[Beachangel]

I really think this is unfair. Many people save and save and save to make a Disney vacation a "once in a lifetime" trip. I don't think that just because some people are curious about the food offerings means that they will necessarily be the ones who exhibit rude behavior. Just because someone doesn't stay in concierge regularly does not ean they don't or can't appreciate the ammenities other than food or don't have a right to be there. There has to be a first time concierge experience for everyone. Maybe the CM's should ask for a pedigree before letting people in the lounge.

BTW - My aunt is one of the most obnoxious people I've ever known - I can totally picture her taking a whole plate of chocolate covered strawberries or letting her kids touch all the food -and she and her family stay concierge all over the world.

I agree just because some people are curious about the food offerings means that they will necessarily be the ones who exhibit rude behavior.

I agree just because someone doesn't stay in concierge regularly does not ean they don't or can't appreciate the ammenities other than food or don't have a right to be there.

Of course there has to be a first time concierge experience for everyone.

 

[PolyAddict]

I agree, they could at least throw on a pair of shorts and a pullover sweat shirt or something like that.

*Also I think it is so gross when parents just stand there watching their kinds take and sort through food with their hands...essh I just want to scream at them...

Ok, in all fairness. I have 3 kids, 11,13 and 4. Sometimes before you even know it they are touching

I always correct them once I notice, mostly just the little one now.

Sometimes you may not notice immediately, maybe talking to someone else.

But definently, once I notice, I am all over it.

Michele

 

[dreamflight99]

well I guess I will be able to add concierge snob to my list of titles after I share my opinion.

I agree with the others. And as Dreamflight shared if you stay often enough you have seen it all. I to have stayed at concierge at other hotels and agree the abuses are worse. I think when Disney began to discount concierge you have some that suddenly see the cost within their budget, if they use the lounge as a subsitute for meals. Concierge was never meant to be a subsitute for meals, with the only exception possibly being breakfast. It is a snack situation.

I have read the posts on Internet forums, will the food in the lounge save me enough to justify the cost? That is not what concierge is about. I think many at Disney have never stayed concierge and really have no idea what the protocol is.

We had a family group our last visit to the Polynesian, that literally would clean out the offerings on a daily basis. They were a family of 5, even then I could not imagine how they could eat so much. One day while waiting in the lounge for the rest of my family the woman of the group came in later than usual for the afternoon offerings and pickings were slim by then. She was irate, she wanted to know why they did not keep refilling everything like they do at Shoney's. The CM tried to explain they plan on the appropriate amount of food based on occupancy, it is not "all you can eat." She then proceeded to tell the CM she hoped he was happy as her 3 kids would have no dinner because they would not restock the lounge. I guess he felt sorry for the kids and went in the back and did get her some cookies for them. Later on I saw this family going to get on the monorail to go back to the parks and the kids were crying, saying they were hungry. It was horrible. I won't even repeat what was said to them.

I have also witnessed one family staying concierge and having large groups come over to visit them in their room. They had one person go back and worth from the lounge taking food to the larger group. One even had a list of what each person wanted.

I am sure some will say how do you even know this. If you have stayed concierge you are not blind or deaf to the other people in the lounge and they are not quiet about what they are doing either. One of the main reasons we like concierge is to use the lounge to wait on others in your family getting ready to go out. We sit around, have a soda, and read the paper. If you spend much time doing this, in a week's time you know the regulars.

I had the pleasure of being in the room next door to the ones sneaking in the others. They would go to the end door and let them in a few at a time and go in the room. Then the people actually staying there would go to the lounge and make multiple trips to the room with food for all. Plus kids are great about letting the world know what they are doing, they are just so honest.

And no I did not police them, I just shook my head and went on my way. But I won't stay concierge anymore because Disney allows this to happen or they punish everyone by making changes. I will just stay lagoon view and order room service.

Sammie... Your post reflects the very things I dislike about some of the WDW Concierge guests I have witnessed. The SHONEY comment had me FLOORED!!! I never even knew SHONEY's offers CONCIERGE!!?!

It is NOT funny these people used the concierge club lounge offerings to FEED/SUSTAIN their children? TRAGIC.

Yes, I too...do not enjoy the free-loaders invited by the actual guests. I've witnessed this abuse too many times to count. I too, do not say anything or alert the staff. It is up to them to do so, if they wish. I'm sure they are aware of the situation, but seemingly "look the other way" in most of the instances I have endured. I even know of people, whom CRAM more than the capacity permitted by law, into a DELUXE CL room at a WDW resort. They all SHARE the rate, thus permitting them to stay DELUXE and use the CL lounge. It just doesn't seem fair to the rest of us law-abiding citizens whom respect the rules and pay the costs associated with this level of service. Sure, over the years we too...could have traveled with my sister and her family. Or asked my parents or in-laws to accompany us and "share" costs. But who wants to CRAM into one room with so many people? I can't even imagine sharing a bathroom, and common areas with this many people. I cherish privacy, and will gladly PAY for it.

I must also agree, this abuse does not appear to be as rampant at OTHER resorts which offer CL. Staying at the Peabody on CL, there is a fabulous full HONOR bar set-up in the eves. It is fully and completely accessible to all CL guests. I enjoyed this tremendously, as I could pour a generous shot of baileys in my coffee, and place a few dollars in the till (amount recommended by Concierge present). No one was standing watch over the area, but as I viewed the persons enjoying this priv, it became apparent everyone was happily "paying" for their indulgence. It was so nice, to be among people exhibiting such traits of decency and integrity. I'm not so sure how this same type of "open bar system" would play-out in Concierge @ WDW.

As ead79 kindly pointed out, these persons are the RARE exception in Concierge. Yet, sometimes~their behavior can prove to be overwhelming (thus detracting from the enjoyment of all others). I still can not understand where people get the idea it is okay to visit the lounge in a robe/pajama's? I would not leave my home in this state of dress, therefore, I would not leave my room either. Please, for the sake of others....get some CLOTHES on! (LOL).

LindaR~Since we prefer to stay Concierge, and most likely would not consider otherwise, I'll offer a few personal insights (IMHO). I enjoy Concierge for many reasons. I enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the lounge, (and am PLEASED when others wish to take food on trays back to their rooms), and the wonderful offerings of food, beverages, reading material, etc. I enjoy the CL staff, most of whom have been in this line of work for years. I appreciate their professional assistance and gracious attitude when it comes to helping with a PS for a dinner show, etc. I prefer the CLUB rooms of most all the resorts, and the exclusivity and privacy offered by these designated areas. It's truly a combination of all these factors and more, which makes staying Concierge so rewarding and relaxing.

Candy~I agree with your statement regarding London Concierge as being refined. In fact, it may even be an understatement. Since the simple task of acquiring ice in a London hotel involves the room service staff (brought to your room promptly, in a silver ice bucket with glasses), I believe American hotels fall a bit short of this mark. I was in London last fall, and enjoyed CL and room service, etc. It was absolutely the BEST I've experienced.

This "me-first" mentality spills over into other travel-related areas. I can always tell whenever traveling in first class, the persons whom are there on a freebie, or promotional upgrade. They DEMAND special service, and readily abuse the offerings. These people act as if the world revolves around them, and become incensed if something isn't attended to immediately. They blatently detract from the enjoyment of those around them, as well as the frustrated flight attendants. It's as if they lack a social conscience.

 

[paladin]

I do think that it boils down to courtesy, which seems to be lacking everywhere these days. Also, someone mentioned "entitlement" - the folks out there who feel they are special; they are entitled to whatever they want, when they want it and others don't count. These attitudes are certainly not restricted to CL - you see it in the parks (let's not even get started on those folks who cut in lines or in front for watching parades) and you see it at home. A little courtesy goes a long way and wouldn't we all like to see more of it? It would make everyone's stay (and life in general) more enjoyable.

 

[ElizabethB]

We've stayed concierge twice - once at AKL and once at WL. Both times were absolutely delightful. We didn't see obnoxious behavior. And, unlike the other folks who have posted here, let me say unequivocally that the food offerings are a big reason we chose concierge. We had my teenage nephew with us as his teenage friend. It was great to have breakfast every morning and have them able to get snacks on their own when they wanted them. It didn't replace buying other meals by any means, but it did help keep their hollow legs full and I'm not the least bit ashamed to say it!

Also, my dad, mom and I enjoy the wine, canapes, desserts and cordials in the evening. We would definitely stay concierge again. It was a lovely experience in both hotels. The CM's were great, the food offerings were delicious, the wines (esp. at AKL) were great. And, we would do it chiefly for the food offerings -- make no mistake about it!!! We cruise often and staying concierge makes the trip somewhat more like a cruise for us with nice food offerings available throughout the day and evening.

 

[Angelgirl13202]

I have stayed in conceirge once (not my choice the reservation was made by a friend) I didnt know we were staying conceierge until we get thier.... I personally did not like it....

only time I would stay again would Possibly be at the AKL for the sunrise safari

I just dont see the point of paying the extra money for the food offerings (thats the only difference i saw except for the Card key to the Special Floor)