1. Upgrade Your Vacation Experience
No matter where you’re planning your vacation this year, you can make it an extra special trip by upgrading your overnight accommodations to a concierge level of services.
2. Understanding Concierge Level Amenities
Generally, a hotel that offers concierge level rooms has an entire floor (or a section of a floor) which receives special service and amenities. These perks might include premium-quality sheets and pillows, a reception area with complimentary food and drinks, and a special concierge desk to assist you with requests.
The cost varies widely per hotel, but you can expect to pay about 50 percent above standard rates for a room at concierge level. The available amenities also vary by hotel, so it is advisable to compare different companies’ policies by visiting their websites before your stay.
3. Different Benefits: Choosing the Best Hotel
While not all hotels have concierge-level services, popular chain accommodations and special resorts like Marriott, Westgate, DoubleTree, and Hilton Resorts typically offer these upgraded rooms with a variety of different perks.
For instance, DoubleTree offers a concierge lounge with breakfast, beverages, and hors-d’oeuvres. The rooms include all the extras such as a blow dryer, coffee maker, ironing board, complimentary robes, and a newspaper.
Moreover, the concierge level at some hotels, like the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, offers better views from your room by placing the concierge floors higher up (25th and 26th floors at Westgate) or access to specialty lounges reserved for concierge-level guests.
4. Exclusive Services Beyond Hotels
Hotels aren’t the only accommodations that offer this exclusive level of service and benefits. Some cruises, such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, allow guests to upgrade their rooms to include concierge-level amenities. Perks on Regent include private verandas, the ability to book special rooms with better sheets and more space, and even a personal butler for guests staying in the Penthouse Suites and higher.
5. Concierge Profile: The Grand Floridian Resort
While numerous hotels around the world offer enhanced services for guests who pay a little extra, a closer examination of one specific hotel can illuminate what you might expect from upgrading your room.
For example, upgrading your room at the Grand Floridian Resort during your Walt Disney World vacation can provide a myriad of benefits that will make your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth even more magical.
Concierge service is available on the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the resort, with a private check-in desk for concierge-level guests on the third floor. After checking into your room, your key will grant you access to a special Concierge Lounge on the first floor, which serves meals and snacks throughout the day that are included in the price of your upgrade.
Consequently, at any time you visit the Concierge Lounge, you’re likely to encounter a delightful snack or quick meal, starting with a Continental breakfast that includes cereal, oatmeal, donuts, pastries, yogurt, coffee, and juice. For lunch, the Lounge serves small finger sandwiches and vegetables, and even a midnight snack featuring chocolate eclairs and cordials; however, the highlight of the Lounge’s food service is dinner. Each night, dinner includes a selection of specials from one of the resort’s four gourmet restaurants, quiche, cheese and crackers, wine, and soft drinks.
Although the Grand Floridian does not provide a personal concierge, you can visit the exclusive help desk on the third floor for assistance with booking reservations at restaurants and shows in the parks. Additionally, they can help with various tasks you may need assistance with during your vacation, such as mailing letters or dry cleaning your work clothes.
