Originally posted by jennymouse
I feel the same way about it. Now, granted, I AM speaking out of turn because I've never stayed concierge. I've researched it though, and I still don't see the services or offerings even remotely special. If there were actual meals or something really special, I could see it. But, for donuts, cheese/crackers & other nick nacks, it's just not worth it to me....especially when you're in the parks most of the time and can't enjoy them.
Not everyone spends every waking hour in the parks. In your case, you are right concierge is probably not justified. In my case it's a great option. Breakfast for my family costs $40 if we eat in a restaurant. Concierge saves us that. We always stop back to the resort in the late afternoon to shower and change before dinner, and stop in for appetizers and wine. So there's value there as well.
I've never understood why someone would want a stranger to come in their room at bedtime to fluff thier pillows and pull their covers down for them. Plus you have to deal with the snotty people at the concierge desk if you need to change a PS...I don't mind calling to change PS's myself if I need to.
I enjoy coming back to a room that's had the drapes pulled, a soft lamp left on, used towels replaced, and the turned down. It's a nice extra touch. If you've never stayed on a concierge level, how would you know the people are snotty? Other than some problems at the GF, I've always found them to be extremely gracious and courteous.
Now, I would consider it worth the huge extra cost if they really did pamper you and offered tangable extras. If the food offering could replace a meal for dinner, if I could stop by the salon for a manicure, hair done, or spa treatment, if they met me at the door & drove me back & forth to the parks in a limo/private van....provided me with front of the line access during my entire stay. I would consider those types of services worth the extra money.
That's pretty unrealistic. You are paying for a higher level of service as well as some hospitality. I do'nt know of any hotel that offers these type of services to concierge guests as a general rule of thumb. (Four Seasons comes closest I think)
I'm sorry, but as it is, I wouldn't pay all that extra money for a donut & cracker and the right to use a fancy french word in connection with my reservation. As John Stossel would say, "Give me a break!" JMO
And that's your choice. But don't be condescending towards those of us that do enjoy the experience. There is other value, such as checking in with the concierge instead of waiting in lines in the lobby. Also, it's been my experience that concierge guests tend to get better tables in the restaurants. Perhaps you can't put a dollar amount on these things, but it certainly adds to the magic.
Please don't make statements about the concierge staff that you can't back up. They generally will try to bend over backwards to make your visit magical and take care of anything you need. BTW--the food offerings are much more varied than donuts and crackers--but again, by your own admission you haven't had the concierge experience, so you really wouldn't know, would you?
Anne
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