Ques. about gifts for Concierge Staff

[WDW TRIP NUT]

We've never stayed conceirge before so I'm a little unsure about the tipping/gifts for Concierge. I like the idea about bringing a gift for the concierge staff to enjoy. What are some gifts that you all bring AND when do you give it to them? When you arrive or when you check out?

 

[WDW TRIP NUT]

bump

 

[Cinderella37]

We've always had the company we buy gifts from (Coach, Godiva, etc.) ship them directly to the CMs and enclose a gift card a few days prior to our stay.

 

[cajunfan]

Check out page 7 of the "bitten by the concierge bug" thread. Lots of suggestions there!

 

[vhoffman]

Just my 2 cents (I realize this isn't the debate board), but why should one buy gifts for the concierge staff? They're getting paid to wait on you! They're not doing you some sort of favor! Just look at how much extra you pay for concierge. I personally don't think its worth the extra money, but to each his own. However, I can't see paying twice for something. Also, once you start tipping and giving gifts for every little service they come to expect it and you've essentially painted yourself into a corner. So unless you want to drop money for every little thing (which you've already paid for), don't start it to begin with!

 

[KELLIE JONES]

I HAVE 2 AGREE WITH vhoffman. YOU MAY WANT TO TIP JUST LIKE YOU WOULD IN A RESTERAUNT OR AT A SPA. BUT GIVING " GIFTS " TO THE CONCIERGE WOULD BE LIKE BRINGING A GIFT FOR YOUR SERVER AT A RESTERAUNT BEFORE YOUR MEAL.

BUT HEY, THATS JUST ME

 

[BambiTamby]

Just a FYI...the concierge staff normally does not accept cash tips.

We usually send a special gift to a CM in IPO ...
the CM that gets us that CRT 8 am ressie, specialty cruise, etc.
We do that before the trip.

On the last night, I usually give our favorite CMs at the CL special gifts for their outstanding service.
These gifts range from gift certificates to candies/specialty items.

I like to do this and establish a relationship with these wonderful CMs.
I'm also the first to get special treatment, VIP seating, special room requests, and even suite upgrades.

But, hey, that's just me!

 

[floridafam]

ITA, BambiTamby.

I sent a fruit basket to the IPO office when they were able to secure the Grand One.


As with any service, if they go above and beyond, I like to recognize that.

 

[momxx5]

It kinda sounds like bribery to me.
Wow- I'm glad it's not me!


Quote from Bambi:
"I'm also the first to get special treatment, VIP seating, special room requests, and even suite upgrades. But, hey, that's just me!"


I guess you are "special".

 

[WDW TRIP NUT]

Thanks for the ideas everyone! I think I'll send something ahead of time. I am so looking forward to my stay. I love to give little 'happy's' to CM's that make my trip more enjoyable.

 

[AspiringCindy]

We usually bring the CMs Salt Water Taffy from Atlantic City, NJ. It doesn't cost much, yet it is something they can't buy! Not that we wouldn't be treated nicely anyway, but we always seem to get a little extra magic when we are there!

 

[BambiTamby]

momxx5....we are all special!

And....it isn't bribery, it's appreciation.

 

[floridafam]

Just an FYI,

Most of the time, the concierge staff you deal with before your stay is completely different than the staff at the resort. They have seperate offices, etc.

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by BambiTamby
Just a FYI...the concierge staff normally does not accept cash tips.

I was always under the impression that you tip (cash) concierge at any hotel you stay at -- if you use them for stuff. (they make reservations for you, get specific information for you etc...if I never ask them for anything special I don't tip). Concierge at the Poly has accepted my cash tip.

 

[auntpolly]

sorry - accidental double post!

 

[floridafam]

Concierge at non-Disney hotels is usually for all guests. At Disney, it is basically called guest relations.

You can compare the services provided by Disney's Concierge staff to other hotels Club Levels. A particular hotel may have a club level that has restricted access but will have a concierge in the lobby that is available to assist all guests.

 

[YCFAN]

I bought Godiva chocolates for the YC staff and gave a box every two days or so to the desk. I also brought a special gift for the planner in the IPO office. She had helped us so much and secured everything we had wanted to do: CRT, Breathless Illuminations cruise, numerous PS's. I gave her a Waterford crystal desk clock and a note that said, "Thank you for the time you spend making other people's dreams come true." She seemed very appreciative and left a thank you note in our room. Although I truly did it because I wanted to and she deserved it, we seemed to get a lot of special treatment that week, but then I always feel special at the YC!!

 

[The Duchess]

We sent our itinerary planner a Vermont Teddy bear last trip. We didn't give gifts to the Concierge staff b/c the planner handled all of our scheduling.

 

[goodferry]

I think gifting the concierge staff (planning and lounge) is a great idea. How much more likely are they to remember your name and be more helpful on your next trip? We have our own business, and we do not usually take tips since we own it, but we do have customers that bring us gifts of appreciation, and I must admit that we remember that treatment and act in kind when they return. People will remember kindness and return it. We all like to be appreciated for what we do, even if we are only doing our job.

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by goodferry
I think gifting the concierge staff (planning and lounge) is a great idea. How much more likely are they to remember your name and be more helpful on your next trip? We have our own business, and we do not usually take tips since we own it, but we do have customers that bring us gifts of appreciation, and I must admit that we remember that treatment and act in kind when they return. People will remember kindness and return it. We all like to be appreciated for what we do, even if we are only doing our job.

I couldn't agree more, goodferry!