What is so great about concierge?

[mickeynme]

I see everyone booking the conceirge rooms, but why are they worth the extra money? What exactly do you get with conceirge? Obviously I have never stayed there, so those of you who love it, please enlighten me!!!

 

[ducklite]

Take a look here, it sums it up pretty well...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=429681&highlight=concierge

Anne

 

[Puffy2]

Anne has a good run down on it on that thread that is linked, but...

I found the rooms to be identical to the standard rooms in the same resort (not any better), and didn't notice any "upgrade" on tolitries (sp?) offered in the bathrooms.

I have never been contacted by the conceirge prior to a trip (4 concierge stays). I contacted them myself once and was helped with one reservation (the Contemporary).

On two occasions I was escorted directly to the concierge level to check in (Polynesian and Yacht Club) - on two others I had to check in the regular way (Contemporary and Swan).

All I'm saying is, don't expect to necessarily be "wowed"....sometimes it is a nice surprise and sometimes it's a let down.

The best benefit of conceirge is another room to go to to relax and have a cup of coffee or snack - especially good if some people in your party like to nap and some don't - you can spend some time apart this way.

 

[Pig Pen]

We recently stayed in concierge for the first time (AKL). There were four of us and we decided to stay in one room and upgrade to concierge rather than get 2 separate rooms. These are my observations:

Pros -

1. My dad is a very early riser and gets antsy waiting for everyone else to get ready. Concierge opened at 6:30 am so he spent every early morning there with the newspaper and TV and not worrying about waking anyone up.

2. Breakfast - none of us are big breakfast eaters and concierge was perfect for this. We were quickly able to get fruit, muffins, coffee and not have to wait in line in the food court or pay for a buffet that we weren't going to eat.

3. Relaxation - it was nice to stop by the lounge and get a drink or a snack and sit at a table and not worry about getting crumbs on the bedspread in the room.

4. Services - the concierge staff helped us make PS's and got a coffeemaker delivered to our room (my mom really wanted a morning coffee while she was doing her hair). They also answered any questions we had about park hours and events. We never had to go to the front desk and wait in line for service.

CONS -

1. A bit disappointed in the mid-day offerings. We would go to the parks early then return to the hotel around 2:00 - at which time they only served pretzels, gummy bears, and nuts. Breakfast was fine and I heard the 5:00 pm offerings were great (appetizers from Boma and Jiko along with a wine assortment), but I missed them. We frequently had the dessert (including Zebra Domes) and cordials offered later in the evenings.

2. The Savannah view concierge rooms are on a different floor so it was a long hike to and from the 6th floor lounge from our 5th floor room on the Kudu Trail. Although our room, 5315, was in perfect condition and had a great savannah view, it didn't seem any different from a standard room, but I am not certain. I would have thought concierge rooms would be more "special."

3. Since we upgraded to concierge on check-in, we missed out on the pre-arrival services and express check-in services.

Overall - I enjoyed concierge and would do it again but would try to get closer to the lounge if I stay at AKL again. I would also try to plan my schedule to partake in the evening food offerings in order to feel like I was getting my money's worth.

 

[rgionet]

Pig Pen - just curious what did you pay at check in to upgrade to AKL Concierge? Was it rack rate between the rooms or a discounted rate? If you don't mind sharing that info.

Thanks!