Worried about Polynesian Concierge

[CaliforniaDreaming]

After reading more and more reports from recent stays at the Polynesian Concierge, I'm really starting to get worried. Everyone is complaining about the staff. We had a problem with them on our last stay, and that's really why we haven't been back since, but we decided to give it another try. Should I just switch now while I can to avoid disappointment? Maybe it would be best just to head over to the GF. It's such a shame that the Polynesian still cannot get a staff that can be of service to its guests that is up to par of the "Disney way" of things.

 

[Bojangles]

We didn't have any big problems with the staff other than housekeeping. Our room wasn't made up until after 4PM a lot of days.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Cali... why don't you just switch to Poly LV with no concierge? That way you won't have to worry about staff problems or them not living up to your expectations. I think your trip would be more enjoyable and relaxing that way.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Sounds like a good idea, Erika. I just don't want to get there and be disappointed. I'll wait to see what the rest of the family says; we'll be arriving late so it really doesn't make sense to have the concierge anyways. I was just hoping that it improved over the years, which lately, it doesn't sound like it.

BTW, Bojangles, when we stayed there the last time, housekeeping was absolutely horrible! LOL

 

[JayCT]

I would not switch. The reports I have seen were not really that bad and the pluses far out weighed the minuses. We stayed at the Poly Concierge last year and had some minor problems, but we are planning to return next year. We loved the lounge and the food. The staff in the lounge were great and how much do you really deal witht he staff at the Concierge Desk? Like I said, I would not switch.

 

[dylansdad]

Cali, we were there 10/8--10/13 while it was still in Tahiti, only problem i had was trying to catch one of those darn lizards. The entire staff was excellent. The lounge staff could not do enough for you. Kathy at desk printed out my boarding passes and Tara from planning stopped by just to ssay hi. The trip exceeded my expectations

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I just checked, LV is sold out. They do have rooms at the GF & AKL, though. Not sure what to do.

 

[Wendi]

That's a tough one... I like the idea of going with a non concierge room, but since they are not available..................
It's a tough call. When are you going if you don't mind me asking.
We have had bad luck during off season there. I don't know if with more time on their hand they tend to overlook things or just not feel pressured to help people since there are fewer people to help. I would go with what you want........you can always Visit the Polynesian?! I would try the GF since you like it there.
I will agree with one thing.......the lounge staff was ALWAYS nice to us. They tried to get us to take an entire tray of cookies one night as they where cleaning, there was NO WAY we would have taken that many. My husband gave into a ziploc bag full buy that was it. They said they would be thrown away.

I feel for you........that's a tough choice.

Wendi

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'm kinda tempted just to try and switch to Garden view at the GF, and then maybe buy something special down there with the $200 we'd save. The GF has such nice things in their gift shop! Ahh, once the family gets home, I'll see what they think!

 

[Tikiman]

Cali,

You spend enough time on these boards to know not to freak out about bad reports. There are bad reports about every resort and they seem to come in waves but remember it is still a small percentage of all the experiences. I have been getting 20 good reports for every 1 bad report. The staff there is mostly the same great CMs that I have experienced over many years. I still get reports from them from time to time even as early as yesterday. I myself have run across rude CMs there and at other resorts. It is going to happen but the concierge experience is more than just the people at the desk. I would say your chances are good that there will be no problems. There are no guarantees but that is the same at any resort.

You know better that to have bad reports change your mind. I heard the same things before my last visit and everything went fine.

I don’t see you considering not returning to the GF even after many postings about bad experiences so why should this be any different?

 

[DisneyFans4]

I had a bad experience with a CM last year as well and will not stay this year. When we stayed concierge in 2002 it was our first time and it was wonderful so I booked again for 2003 but unfortunately had a problem. What bothered me is that nobody did anything about it which upset me, no apology, nothing. All the money we spent and to be treated that way appalled me.
Needless to say, I don't want to have it happen again so we're not staying there this year.
I should have been treated better, especially since I was a return guest.

 

[JESW]

We were just at the Polynesian concierge in November and had NO problem at all with the staff! Our family LOVES that resort (it was our 2nd time there) and we hope to get back soon.

I hope that you have a great time too!!

Jill

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by Tikiman
I don’t see you considering not returning to the GF even after many postings about bad experiences so why should this be any different?

Well, Tikiman, you are right. However, I did have problems with the Polynesian staff before, but haven't had problems with the GF. I guess that's the difference. But, I'm also starting to look at the fact that we'll be at the Polynesian for less than 48 hours, and the concierge service won't be of too much use to us. And, if we have one "un-good" experience with them, that'll basicly be the experience for the stay. There won't be time to experience all the CMs.

So, what I'm probably really looking at is the question: Is it worth it for a two night stay when we'll be arriving late on day 1 and leaving semi-early on day 3? Will it be worth it to pay $60 a night extra for the service (difference in price of LV & CLV). I'm not sure. And, one of the big reasons I did like to stay in Hawaii was all the bottled water in the lounge. We'd always take a bottle or two with us when we stayed there (Scott in the lounge always encouraged it - he really was the best), and now I hear they don't have them anymore. That does take away from the "value", but, then again, that was never a perk that was included in the room description, either.

 

[Bojangles]

It is rare to hear any complaints about AKL concierge. The staff there was wonderful. You should consider staying there.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

AKL Concierge is $40 a less/night than Polynesian Concierge. It's on my list, but I think we want to stay there during the summer instead. I don't know, but trust me, it's a possibility.

 

[ppony]

I'm so sorry to have been one to send your doubts flailing. Many do have good times though both you and I have had bad ones before and we BOTH were considering trying them again. I've now had 2 unplesant experiences in relation to next to none elsewhere. It's enough to me to not go back. There are so many other resorts to see and try we haven't been to yet. The AK lodge looked gorgeous when we went there for dinner one evening. Boma's wasn't my cup 'o tea (I have a Minnesota mild palette all the way) but it was packed. People really love it and the cm's were VERY, VERY nice to us.

I hope your trip turns out fantastic! What ever way you go. DO tell us when you get back!

Steph

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Tikiman

You know better that to have bad reports change your mind. I heard the same things before my last visit and everything went fine.

DITTO, Tikiman! ...come on, Cali~~you know better! I LOVE the Poly, and it's been a while since we stayed there...but we LOVED the Concierge. We are even thinking about a Poly (Concierge) stay this year (as we did the little thing last summer @ the CR Concierge). It's heavenly there...and we ALWAYS visit anyway (Luau, shopping, boating and restaurants...not to mention the wonderful gallery of fine paintings off the Lobby!). Of course, I would consult with the master (Tikiman) prior to making any plans/special requests. I hope you go, and enjoy the Poly concierge. You are stressing over something you should be "day-dreaming" about. RELAX...and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

TTFN...DF99

 

[DisneyFans4]

We were just there at the Poly in August.
When did they stop the bottled water and why?
We had stocked up on tons of those.

 

[Tikiman]

I am sure Cali will make a good decision. He knows about the resorts. Maybe he will be happier at the GF.

I guess I see things different. I had a not great experience with the concierge staff at the AKL but I did not let it ruin my stay and I would go back in a second and I am sure I will. Even with the bad experience I don't come in here and scare people off from staying at the AKL jsut because I got a CM having a bad day or that did not pay attention.

 

[Tikiman]

The water was stopped just a few weeks ago. It is not a decision the Polynesian made. You will notice other concierge lounges did not have water out for many years while the Polynesian did.