Forgive me but I didn't like it

[ducklite]

LOL! This just reminded me of something my travel agent told be when I was booking our trip to the Poly and I had to share:

She was trying to get us to book concierge and one of her big "selling points" was that we could just grab some free bottles of water on the way out to the parks and save money on bottled water that way. Yea, right, it's worth the extra $$$$ a night just so I can save $10 bucks on bottled water!

There is no longer individual bottles of water in the concierge lounges.

To the OP, we stayed at the Poly recently, too and I appreciate your review. We didn't stay concierge, nor lagoon view, we just don't think the perks of either are worth the cost. We enjoyed watching Wishes and the EWP from the beach, and our room had a beautiful view of the quiet pool. We also had a long wait to check in. There was no one in the concierge line, but a very long line of people in the regular line, and the concierge CM was just sitting there, not doing a thing. You'd think he could've taken the next person in the regular line and checked them in quickly, while waiting for concierge guests to show up. I don't know, or does his computer only allow him to check concierge guests in? Whatever, not really a big deal, but it's something that has been done for us at other hotels, and at airline ticket-counters (when the first-class line is empty), so I was surprised it wasn't done at the Poly.

The "concierge" in the hotel lobby is unable to check anyone in. They are NOT the "concierge" in the private concierge areas of the hotel, they are there for guest services--making dining reservations, giving transportation advice, etc. Concierge guests don't check in at the front desk, they check in at a private check-in area in the "Club Level" of the hotel.

We used ME, so we had no choice on our bags, and no one showed us to our room, either, but they gave us a map and pointed it out and it was very easy to find, so we never gave it a second thought.

I"ve mentioned this on this board before, and I know a lot of people disagree, but really, I don't think Disney hotels compare to non-Disney hotels in the same price ranges. The rooms and service are always a step down from what I'm used to, traveling to other parts of the country/world. But hey, it's Disney, you're paying for the conveniences of being on-site, and I've learned that if you have to decide what's more important and make trade-offs.

With Disney hotels you are paying for convenience. Just like you would expect to pay more for a hotel AT the airport rather than one you need to take a shuttle to off site. The deluxe resort rooms are four diamond/three star, and are the same as any other hotel with four diamonds/3 stars. In some ways perhaps better, in others not as good, but overall equivelent. You can compare a four diamond hotel in Boise with a WDW four star hotel but you can't challenge them on cost. The Boise hotel isn't offering free transportation within a 20 mile range to various attractions as well as free transportation from the airport, as well as many other complimentary recreation related amenities.

Anne

 

[AnaheimGirl]

The "concierge" CM that you saw in the main lobby of the GCH is something fairly new and is actually the "Lobby Concierge" which is just a fancier name for Guest Services. He has nothing to do with checking in the concierge guests, and I'm not even certain that his computer has the capability for checking in the regular guests either.

The true concierge check-in desks are in the concierge buildings only; Tonga and Hawaii.

Interesting. I could've sworn I saw people checking in there, toward the end of my wait in line, but I guess I was mistaken.

Thanks.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

With Disney hotels you are paying for convenience. Just like you would expect to pay more for a hotel AT the airport rather than one you need to take a shuttle to off site. The deluxe resort rooms are four diamond/three star, and are the same as any other hotel with four diamonds/3 stars. In some ways perhaps better, in others not as good, but overall equivelent. You can compare a four diamond hotel in Boise with a WDW four star hotel but you can't challenge them on cost. The Boise hotel isn't offering free transportation within a 20 mile range to various attractions as well as free transportation from the airport, as well as many other complimentary recreation related amenities.[/COLOR]

Well, I don't know about Boise, I'm talking about bigger cities and other resort communities. My experience has been that other three star/four diamond hotels are nicer than the Disney deluxes that I've stayed in, and yes, I've already factored in all the amenities offered by both, including the convenience of staying on-site at Disney, as I already mentioned. Obviously, I haven't stayed in every such hotel in the country, and neither have you, so our experiences likely differ, and we just disagree on the matter. No need to try to challenge my opinion, which is, after all, just my opinion, as is yours.

There is no longer individual bottles of water in the concierge lounges.

That's hilarious! Think I should tell my travel agent??

 

[MisterDisney]

I agree that Disney hotels (dollar for dollar) dont quite live up to standards of other comparable hotels. Then again, I would bet the overwhelming majority of people who pay these rates are very happy with their vacations, because so many of us return. Thats all that matters, supply and demand, people are willing to pay the price, you cant blame Disney for charging them.

 

[skiwee1]

Interesting. I could've sworn I saw people checking in there, toward the end of my wait in line, but I guess I was mistaken.

Thanks.

They can check you in there if the other lines are busy. I was checked in to that line because the other lines were so busy. I was not concierge either. That concierge has nothing to do with the concierge rooms.

 

[SeaSpray]

Interesting. I could've sworn I saw people checking in there, toward the end of my wait in line, but I guess I was mistaken.

Thanks.

You might not be mistaken, I said that I wasn't sure if they had the capability to check guests in or not. I just wanted to clarify that the Lobby Concierge is not the same as the concierge that was being referred to in the thread.

 

[kirbsam]

To the OP: I am not going to flame you becasue of a negative post. It is your honest opinion and I appreciate it. I have always had great times staying lvc at the Poly. I will agree that they are slipping. That being said, we had a great check in, our view was awesome and we loved it. I am not about to tell someone that some of their complaints are not valid. If you feel slighted, then they are valid to you. Good luck with your next stay.

 

[Sammie]

I agree that Disney hotels (dollar for dollar) dont quite live up to standards of other comparable hotels. Then again, I would bet the overwhelming majority of people who pay these rates are very happy with their vacations, because so many of us return. Thats all that matters, supply and demand, people are willing to pay the price, you cant blame Disney for charging them.

When you compare Disney hotels do you only compare by price. To me that would be like comparing a 2 bedroom apartment in New York City, to one in Orlando that rent for the same price. There will be a huge difference in what you get.

I would think you would need to compare other theme park hotels such as the ones at Universal and based on comments on these forums, no one is overally impressed with what they offer.

 

[MrsNick]

When you compare Disney hotels do you only compare by price. To me that would be like comparing a 2 bedroom apartment in New York City, to one in Orlando that rent for the same price. There will be a huge difference in what you get.

I would think you would need to compare other theme park hotels such as the ones at Universal and based on comments on these forums, no one is overally impressed with what they offer.

Is there any such thing as a 2 bedroom apartment in NYC that rents for the same price as one in Orlando? If so, please show me the light!

 

[SpecialK]

We stayed in a non-concierge lagoon view room. Liked the Poly well enough, loved the view of the castle, but don't think we'll return. Just not our cup of tea.

In response to a previous post, all rooms should be "cared for immaculately", not just concierge or deluxe.

 

[kath1210]

I"ve mentioned this on this board before, and I know a lot of people disagree, but really, I don't think Disney hotels compare to non-Disney hotels in the same price ranges. The rooms and service are always a step down from what I'm used to, traveling to other parts of the country/world.

I agree, except for the value resorts, in value season. No way can I get a hotel room and grounds as nice as the All Stars or Pop for $77 per night anywhere else I've ever been!!

 

[GailT]

I stayed at the poly, I thought the concierge was rude, I like the room, I was surprised the hotel is that old and still kept up nice. I wouldn't go back to the poly again, BWI concierge is my choice

 

[Sammie]

Is there any such thing as a 2 bedroom apartment in NYC that rents for the same price as one in Orlando? If so, please show me the light!

That is my point. You can't just compare prices you have to compare similar locations. Even the most expensive apartment in Orlando would probably get you nothing in NYC, or at the most some rat infested hole in the wall.

 

[LukenDC]

Room
Our room was a smoking room. The smell from years of smoke was almost unbearable to me. I went down to request a room change but was told they were fully booked and maybe they could try the next day. Later when I used the bathroom I saw toenail clippings on the floor. That pretty much sealed it for me.

I stayed at the Poly in September (non-concierge) and loved it. However, I would have been miserable had I had a smoking room. I got stuck with a smoking room at a nice hotel in NYC and it really detracted from my visit.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

That is my point. You can't just compare prices you have to compare similar locations. Even the most expensive apartment in Orlando would probably get you nothing in NYC, or at the most some rat infested hole in the wall.

See, and this is what's funny to me. Every time I've made a comment like the one I did, people have responded as if I'm comparing hotels in the cheapest parts of the country.

But I actually have stayed in nicer hotels for the same or less money in places like Chicago, San Diego and yes, even NYC. (OK, the one in NYC didn't have a pool, but the room, the service and other amenities were so much nicer, that overall I have to give it a "nicer" rating.)

ETA Disclaimer: Again, this is my personal opinion. Others will disagree, and part of that probably depends on the different levels of importance people place on different amenities. For example, swimming pools aren't a real big deal to us, living in a community that has better pools at our rec centers (excepting SAB), so if you really like Disney pools and use them a lot, your opinions of the hotels will differ.

 

[Sammie]

See, and this is what's funny to me. Every time I've made a comment like the one I did, people have responded as if I'm comparing hotels in the cheapest parts of the country.

But I actually have stayed in nicer hotels for the same or less money in places like Chicago, San Diego and yes, even NYC. (OK, the one in NYC didn't have a pool, but the room, the service and other amenities were so much nicer, that overall I have to give it a "nicer" rating.)

But I don't think comparing a luxury resort in downtown Chicago is the same as comparing a resort in a theme park setting. I would compare a downtown hotel to another downtown hotel. I would think a fair comparsion would be location to location regardless of price. That is my point.

But then we have always gotten excellent service at Disney hotels from All Star to the Grand.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

But I don't think comparing a luxury resort in downtown Chicago is the same as comparing a resort in a theme park setting. I would compare a downtown hotel to another downtown hotel. I would think a fair comparsion would be location to location regardless of price. That is my point.

LOL! OK, well then we have to disagree. I've never stayed at a non-Disney theme park hotel, so my closest comparisons will have to be other resort areas, such as those on beaches or ski areas, and I think those are reasonable comparisons.

Anyway, I didn't mean to get into such an in-depth analysis of hotels, either. My only point is that, having done a lot more travel outside of WDW than in it, we have come to expect certain things from the hotels we stay in, and we're always a little disappointed by the Disney hotels. I know the reasons why that is, and clearly I find some worth to Disney resort prices, or we wouldn't stay in them. I'm just saying that they are disappointing compared to our other hotel experiences, and I only offered that up in this thread because I thought the OP might have had expectations more like mine, and I think those expectations have to be adjusted for Disney.

 

[Sammie]

LOL! OK, well then we have to disagree. I've never stayed at a non-Disney theme park hotel, so my closest comparisons will have to be other resort areas, such as those on beaches or ski areas, and I think those are reasonable comparisons.

Anyway, I didn't mean to get into such an in-depth analysis of hotels, either. My only point is that, having done a lot more travel outside of WDW than in it, we have come to expect certain things from the hotels we stay in, and we're always a little disappointed by the Disney hotels. I know the reasons why that is, and clearly I find some worth to Disney resort prices, or we wouldn't stay in them. I'm just saying that they are disappointing compared to our other hotel experiences, and I only offered that up in this thread because I thought the OP might have had expectations more like mine, and I think those expectations have to be adjusted for Disney.

Ok we will agree to disagree about making comparisons. I too have traveled to many vacation destinations and overseas and I never been disappointed in our Disney accommidations.

Just for the sake of discussion and my curiosity; you say you have come to expect certain things from hotels you stay in and you're always a little disappointed by Disney hotels. What were the differences and what disappointed you?

 

[AnaheimGirl]

Ok we will agree to disagree about making comparisons. I too have traveled to many vacation destinations and overseas and I never been disappointed in our Disney accommidations.

Just for the sake of discussion and my curiosity; you say you have come to expect certain things from hotels you stay in and you're always a little disappointed by Disney hotels. What were the differences and what disappointed you?

Mostly it's the rooms, and it's hard to really put a finger on some of it, it's the overall welcoming feeling when you walk into a room. Other hotels generally feel brighter, cleaner, newer. Not that I've actually had a dirty or disgusting room at WDW, but the furniture/fixtures just seem old and blah. Disney rooms feel so small to me, I'm used to having more room for all the kids' things. Larger bathrooms, too, usually with the toilet behind it's own door for more privacy. Better lighting both in the room and the bathroom. Mini bars, complimentary newspaper left outside the door, plumbing that doesn't squeak, larger bathtub/showers, room for the coffee maker somewhere other than the already-cramped bathroom counter, bigger closets, more hangers in the closets, bigger TV's (that's one dh noticed, lol).

Outside the room, well, like I said (or was that another thread?? lol!) Concierges that will notice a long check in line and pull you over to check you in at their desk, Nicer, newer elevators, pool attendants that will find a lounge chair for you and take it where you want it, sometimes complimentary breakfasts and/or "happy hours", for all guests, not just concierge, hmm, nothing else comes to mind right away. Nothing really important, and I'm not going to say that every other "comparable" hotel has all of these things, but often they have many of them.

 

[Maria395712]

sorry to hear you weren't happy
maria