Concierge; Yes or No? Is it worth it?

[Timon]

I have a friend that will be staying at the Polynesian at the end of May and will be staying in a lagoon view room. She is contemplating upgrading to concierge but isn't sure it will be worth it. The difference per night will be $116.00.

Obviously the additional $116.00 is a con but what are additional pros and cons. She will be traveling with her dh and 2 dd's ages 4 & 2. The 2 year old is still on a bottle somewhat.

[MargaretJ]

I have never stayed Concierge but I would wonder how beneficial it would be with a 4 & 2 yr old. Now with my teenage son I would probably get more than what I paid, he loves Disney food. Hopefully someone who has stayed can give you all the pros & cons.

[sandar]

hi Timon,

Lots of folks will tell you that concierge is worth it for all the services the concierge staff will provide, as much as for the food/snacks. I don't happen to agree, but trading opinions is part of the fun of Disney communities.

We tried concierge at the Polynesian once (first trip, we didn't know anything) and it just didn't happen to suit us. Your friends may be more inclined to use the concierge staff for making PSs, etc., but we found we ended up doing that for ourselves anyway. So the much vaunted "personal service" didn't mean that much to us.

As Margaret points out, it's hardly likely your friends' kids are going to eat much at the concierge lounge. And since your friends are booked in a lagoon-view room, the view from the lounge isn't going to be a draw.

Given all of that, I'd vote for renting a fridge for the room (about $11 a night) and maybe splurging on room service once a day (about $50 a shot). Your friends would still be way ahead on the money and feeling quite pampered.

Just my 2 cents - your friends may end up with a very different opinion.

Sandi

[Barb D]

We got a free upgrade to Beach Club COnsierge in 2002 and for free it was deffinetly worth it :-) I would not have paid more than about $30 to $40 a night for what we got. We rarely found ourselves there at dinner time which was really good with finger type foods. We did eat breakfast there a few times but we found after that we needed something more than cereal, bagles and pastries. We are two 40something adults and no kids with us at home anymore. I do not drink alchohl but they did include free wine I think. If you drink it may be worth more to you. We did make mid day a few times and it was the same type of snacks each time. Pretty yummy but again the same each day. We had 5 nights there.

I know many people swear by it so I guess its a matter of your style of touring and vacationing. My husband and I share most meals including breakfast so we dont find food to be so expensive and I think the food savings is probably your most visual savings. Also bottled water. (We already had a grocery stop and bought a lot of water since we was suppose to be in a regular room)

[disneylover]

Timon your friend can get a garden view concerige room in May for $340 a night using code BBY or ONZ .I don't know what they are paying now,but it sounds like a saving looking at prices there..If the kids or adults eat breakfast,like snacks.fruit etc... it is worth it.We have stayed there before and are hoping codes come out for Dec.If there is a saving on the room and she doesn't care that it's not a lagoon view,IMHO change.

[Joe]

Timon, I think I would recommend that they rent some DVC points and get a 1BR at either BWV, BCV or WLV. Cheaper in the long run, bigger room, more amenities all that good stuff.

Just my $.02, your mileage may vary.....

[Sheryl]

Hi Timon, :wave:

We are planning on staying at the Poly in January when we are there for the 1/2 marathon. I already know we want a lagoonview room, but cannot decide weather or not we want to go concierge.

My favorate travel agent (Nanc) made a suggetion that worked well for us in August of 2002. We were staying at WL and were interested in trying concierge. At check in my sister (Sandy) and I asked if concierge was available (we needed two rooms). It was available and I think we paid $40 extra a night for each room. Now this was quite a bit lower than if we had booked concierge right from the start. Nanc had already gotten us a great rate for a standard room (I think it was $119) then add the $40, and it was much less than booking it right from the start. We did take it and found it to be well worth it for our families. We tried it again last year and concierge was available, but it was $60 more a night, and since we were staying there for 10 nights I did not go for it.

If it is NOT a must for them, then possibly they could give this a try. I like to look at it as, if it is meant to be it will happen. :wink:

:mickeyWalk: Sheryl :minnie:

[vettechick99]

I sorta think it might be worthwhile. I've stayed at Poly Concierge and enjoyed the ammenities and the staff. A++++. I've had experience with 3 resort's concierge services and Poly Concierge is among the best (as good, if not better, than GFs)!!

But what I'm thinking, and bare in mind I have no kids, but with a 2 & 4 year old, they may be spending a bit more time at the resort vs the parks (naps, swimming, etc). Having food available all throughout the day might be a lifesaver! Plus, after the kids are asleep, they can go grab some cordials and cocktails and enjoy the garden or lagoon view! ;)

~allison

[Joe]

Having just spent 3 days at the Poly concierge, I agree with Allison that it could be a lifesaver. I saw a number of parents there during the course of the day with kids having some down time and enjoying the ability to take it easy, have a snack, plant the kids in front of the TV and rest a bit away from the parks. And the evening snacks and adult libation selection was always great.

JMHO

[Ahnalira]

I'm a two thumbs up for concierge style travel. I love the ease... even if I'm not exactly getting my "money's worth", I'm getting so much that makes the little details of travel and touring (like free water and between meal snacks) worth it to me.

Here's a review I wrote a few years back of the Polynesian Concierge service:
http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/article.asp?request=DisplayArticle&cat=resort&articleId=4

Hope it helps!