Silly Q: What is concierge service?

PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
Okay, granted i'm a college graduate and this might be a silly question, but what in the wide world of sports is concierge service and what are the actual perks at a WDW resort? :brick:

I've always seen it listed and i'm trying to figure out what it is and what i could consieveably get out of it.

I realise its a bit different from <i>consigliere</i>, which is a totally un-Disney like thing altogether. :lol:
 

Maria

New Member
Concierge in a hotel

concierge: NOUN: 1. A staff member of a hotel or apartment complex who assists guests or residents, as by handling the storage of luggage, taking and delivering messages, and making reservations for tours.

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So... the concierge area of the hotel is defined as "a hotel inside the hotel" because the concierge does the functions of a receptionist, all of the above and many more; like a personal assistant for the guests staying there. There is usually a lounge with movies, music, and some food at different hours of the day for guests to have breakfast, or a snack.

It´s a very nice area with personalized service, very popular among businessmen who need the area for business meetings or simply to have an assistant there.

I´m sure the Disney ones are very busy too!

Does that answer your question? I hope so! :animwink:
 
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Woody13

New Member
Ok, I am ready to get some flame for speaking the truth. Concierge service is designed for people without a clue. "Turn down the bed and put a mint on my pillow please", type people. The idea is that the "concierge" is supposed to guide you from start to finish and make your vacation a great experience. Nothing wrong at all with that type of service. My concern is that many travel agents and resorts offer "concierge service" and they don't have a clue either! It all boils down to special services that don't really make a big difference because an average visitor can provide those same services for themselves without the MAJOR extra cost. Most travel agents are just way out of date concerning current travel information and resort accommodations. It's best to do it yourself! Some folks get really impressed because they get "free" sodas, water, snacks and other stuff. I have actually seen some posts on this board in which folks stated they saved money because of the free treats. In short, concierge service normally amounts to a lumpy bed. Travel agents love it!
 
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Maria

New Member
Originally posted by Woody13
Ok, I am ready to get some flame for speaking the truth. Concierge service is designed for people without a clue. "Turn down the bed and put a mint on my pillow please", type people. The idea is that the "concierge" is supposed to guide you from start to finish and make your vacation a great experience. Nothing wrong at all with that type of service. My concern is that many travel agents and resorts offer "concierge service" and they don't have a clue either! It all boils down to special services that don't really make a big difference because an average visitor can provide those same services for themselves without the MAJOR extra cost. Most travel agents are just way out of date concerning current travel information and resort accommodations. It's best to do it yourself! Some folks get really impressed because they get "free" sodas, water, snacks and other stuff. I have actually seen some posts on this board in which folks stated they saved money because of the free treats. In short, concierge service normally amounts to a lumpy bed. Travel agents love it!


Nah... don´t worry, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that´s your experience with the service. ;)

I was Concierge Supervisor for a Grand Tourism Hotel and I loved that area and that job.
As I read in this website, many of the ones who post, go to WDW with their PS and all arrangements made in advance. So out of those arrangements, I see little things needed to be taken care of once there.

The savings they talk about in food and drinks taken from the lounge, are probably for real. As I remember my time in charge of that area, some people preferred to pay a little more in the room and have literally a "dinner" with the "hoeur d´evres" (sp?) in the lounge than going to the restaurant and have a real dinner for an extra price. It does happen, so *shrugs*. ;)

The light breakfast in that area is also a nice "plus" for me, because I usually have a light breakfast anyways, and it´s a lot faster than going to the hotel restaurant so it also saves you a lot of time.

In my experience, that area works very good for business people as I stated before. The personalized service is a plus, and while I worked there, that area was always busy with meetings and lots of phone calls transferred, so the concierge girls there played the role of secretaries while the bosses were travelling. I myself became very familiar with the businessmen and their families, so much that I kept getting presents for my bday, Christmas and special ocassions. The concierge position is in my opinion, a very rewarding one, and I´m not speaking of money or gifts, but as a personal feeling of doing the right thing and helping someone with their trip when most of the times they don´t have the time (and willing) to do those things themselves. :)
 
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Woody13

New Member
Originally posted by Maria
Nah... don´t worry, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that´s your experience with the service. ;)

I was Concierge Supervisor for a Grand Tourism Hotel and I loved that area and that job.
As I read in this website, many of the ones who post, go to WDW with their PS and all arrangements made in advance. So out of those arrangements, I see little things needed to be taken care of once there.

The savings they talk about in food and drinks taken from the lounge, are probably for real. As I remember my time in charge of that area, some people preferred to pay a little more in the room and have literally a "dinner" with the "hoeur d´evres" (sp?) in the lounge than going to the restaurant and have a real dinner for an extra price. It does happen, so *shrugs*. ;)

The light breakfast in that area is also a nice "plus" for me, because I usually have a light breakfast anyways, and it´s a lot faster than going to the hotel restaurant so it also saves you a lot of time.

In my experience, that area works very good for business people as I stated before. The personalized service is a plus, and while I worked there, that area was always busy with meetings and lots of phone calls transferred, so the concierge girls there played the role of secretaries while the bosses were travelling. I myself became very familiar with the businessmen and their families, so much that I kept getting presents for my bday, Christmas and special ocassions. The concierge position is in my opinion, a very rewarding one, and I´m not speaking of money or gifts, but as a personal feeling of doing the right thing and helping someone with their trip when most of the times they don´t have the time (and willing) to do those things themselves. :)

Thanks fo the information. I rest my case!
 
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Woody13

New Member
Originally posted by Maria
Awwee :kiss:
Let me know when you try The Concierge in a business trip and you´ll see what I meant! :animwink:

Been there and done that on many occasions. As I said, it is not bad if you have no clue. :D
 
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Maria

New Member
Originally posted by Woody13
Been there and done that on many occasions. As I said, it is not bad if you have no clue. :D

I understand your point... depending on how acquainted you are with the city and the area, and depending on your needs, The Concierge may or may not be for you. :animwink:
 
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Nansafan

Active Member
The Chicago Tribune newspaper did an article about consierge services at 4 luxury downtown hotels. What the concierge did for the reporters in question was amazing. The paper sent 4 reporters to the hotels in secret and told them to do whatever they wanted. Each concierge came through with high marks. Some had simple requests, museum schedules, theatre schedules/tickets. One of the concierge people got this reporter into a very exclusive nightclub with just a phone call and the guest bringing the club the concierge's card. It's a preference thing. I like being pampered and enjoy the extra attention. I'm a secretary. When on vacation, I love to be treated like the boss. This year we'll be staying at the GF concierge to celebrate my bro's 40th b-day. We travel to Disney 2 times a year, this will only be our 2nd concierge experience and we are definitely looking forward to the extra's
 
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AkiraRaptor

Meega, nala kwishta!
While I may agree with some of the above statements about consierge service at some hotels as I've stayed in a few over the years for buissness trips, I would not agree that it's the same with Disney.

We stayed at AKL consierge last year, and have booked again this year. We liked it that much, and believe the cost is worth it in our case.

Now, one of the special perks of AKL's consierge is the Sunrise Safari tour, only available to consierge guests. So for us, that is one of the major draws.

Also, last year they were invaluable in getting into sold out reservations places and events. Things that I tried to do myself, and could not get into. And this is one of the biggest plus of using them.

Is it for everyone? No. But to say it's for anyone without a clue is not true.

I'm on vacation, I want to relax. I don't want to worry about anything, and the consierge staff helps me do that. It's a piece of mind I'm willing to pay for. Plus the tour, the food, the private areas, the CMs, they all add to it.

...and I love my mint on my bed at night. :slurp:
 
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PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Thanks Folks! If i ever get the $$$$ I'll have to do the concirge service for the AKL Sunrise Safari. That and having a personal assistant just must be nice.
 
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