Just back from the Polynesian Concierge (and Hard Rock Hotel)

[Dagny]

Had a great time and would be happy to answer any questions

The Polynesian was WONDERFUL, as usual. We were in a Garden View room, but just a quick walk outside the building, we had a beautiful view of the castle and seven seas lagoon.

The Concierge staff was very nice and friendly. Enjoyed being able to run upstairs for a quick breakfast in the morning and drinks and snacks during the day and evening. Kids enjoyed the evening desserts and cookies. We didn't take advantage of the 5-7 offerings except for one night as we were at the parks during that time. Loved the new pool - slide is much faster than the old one which made the kids happy. Truly a magical resort experience. Miss it already

 

[nwdisgal]

I don't want to get in trouble over on the Universal Board, so am posting this here. Maybe they won't catch up with me ; ) What did you think of the Poly vs. HRH? I've stayed at the HRH and enjoyed it for many reasons, the rooms and resort were beautiful....but prefer Disney for a reason that I can't put my finger on. I don't know if its better theming, characters that I am more familiar with.... I'm looking forward to our stay at the Poly. When we were at HRH, the facilities on the fifth floor (where we where our room was at were starting to show some wear and tear - hallways banged up, holes in the drywall, carpet worn in spots). The place was packed, and it took forever ( until 5 pm) to get maid service. I liked the decor and would probably go back there, but Disney won out for next trip.

 

[Dagny]

Hi nwdisgal...

Sooooo, you got maid service at the HRH, did ya, LOL. Seriously, they didn't even make up our room one day - truly dissapointing to come back to an un-made room after a day at the parks. You are right too, maid service, on the days they showed up, wasn't until very late in the afternoon. We have stayed at the HRH twice prior and this time was a little dissapointing for us. One thing that really frustrated us was the mini-bar lady - she came every morning at 8:30 am (we are late sleepers on vacation) - knocked ONCE and just came in....needless to say, the last person in forget to lock the safety latch. We complained to the Mini-bar manager that morning, but it didn't do any good. She showed up every morning at 8:30 am, knocked once and just tried to enter every darn day. Thankfully, we managed to remember to lock that safety latch, but it was *really* annoying.

The throw pillows on our bed were very dirty and in need of replacement, but other than that, I was happy with our room and location (1st floor).

We have stayed at PB and HRH and definitely prefer the HRH - plus, you can't beat the FOTL which we definitely needed over Memorial Day weekend.

To compare to the Poly... well....in my opinion.... just can't beat Disney Magic....

 

[cottontail]

Glad you had a great stay at the poly concierge. We just came back 3 wks ago. How did you like the ducks coming to visit, what a riot, we enjoyed the bunnies, ducks etc.

Just wondering how did you find the check in staff, and did you get lieys when you checked .in? We found them kind of non enthusiastic, but the lounge staff, Scott, and the chefs were great would do anything for you, what a difference.

The resort is out of this world beautiful.

Deb.

 

[nwdisgal]

Dagny - Thanks for the update! I can relate on the HRH thing. Maid service optional ; ) But...I agree for FOTL access and the hard rock music I could probably wind up there again someday.

Dagny and Cottontail - Have you done a standard room at the Poly? I am booked for a standard garden view and wondering what that would be like compared to concierge? How did you like the food offerings? Did they have bottled water? Were you in the Hawaii building? I am debating whether I should spend the extra $$$ for my upcoming trip and upgrade?

 

[Dagny]

I have stayed many times at the Poly in a standard room and have enjoyed each stay thoroughly. I must admit that I enjoyed the Concierge service. Yes, they had bottled water and sodas available throughout the day. Was great to be able to grab a few to head to the parks with. They also had no problem with us grabbing some extras for the frig in our room. Being able to run upstairs to grab breakfast was great and the evening desserts were to die for. We only did the 5-7 offerings one night - not enough to make a meal out of, but great for a quick snack. The kids loved the candy and cookies, naturally

We did get lieys, but I had to ask for them which was kind of a dissapointment to me. When we walked into the Great Ceremonial House lobby, they had a CM providing them to all guests who were checking in - nice touch. They also had little buckets with goodies for the kids which I also had to ask for So, yes, I agree that the check-in staff needs to add a little more pixie dust. The concierge staff, however, on the 2nd Floor were great. They were very accomodating and friendly!

As for the ducks, we had a slew of them coming up to our patio - which the kids really enjoyed. My son managed to scare the bunnies away each time they ventured to our patio.

I love the Polynesian - it is still my favorite resort of them all and I have stayed at most on Disney property. If you can get a good deal for the Concierge, then I would strongly recommend it, however, you will enjoy yourself regardless of whether you have concierge or not

 

[cottontail]

Hi Dagny:

"If you can get a good deal for the Concierge, then I would strongly recommend it, however, you will enjoy yourself regardless of whether you have concierge or not"

I totally agree with your above statement.

Deb.

 

[LAWalz23]

Another person to agree that if it is agood deal go for it. I have to agree, we were also underwhelmed by the desk staff but the 2nd flor lounge staff was great.