Grand Floridian Concierge

[kwhitt3202]

Would like to hear any info about the concierge levels in the Grand Floridian. ie
What are the food offerings?
How was the staff?
How was check in?

[Basket Mommy]

Main building or Sugar Loaf Key?

My husband and I stayed on the concierge level in 1996 (for our honeymoon) and again for our 10th anniversary in 2006. The staff is SUPER helpful. They will make any reservations you need made. There were also DVDs available for watching in your rooms (free for borrowing). From what I remember, there was a continental breakfast (pastries, coffee, juices, tea bags, hot water and oatmeal packets). There were afternoon cookies with lemonade and water, and evening appetizers/finger foods. I think there are still evening cordials and desserts (mini pastries, chocolate covered strawberries, etc.)

I'm going to PM you a link to some reviews of GF concierge service that will help a lot.

[TheRustyScupper]

GF CLUB FLOOR LOUNGE OFFERINGS

Morning:
7:00am - 10:30am
pastries, fruit, cereal & beverages

Snacks:
11:30am - 4:00pm
chips, cookies & beverages

Afternoon Tea: (Royal Palm & Sugarloaf ONLY)
3:00pm - 4:30pm
scones, cookies, tartlettes, fruit breads, trifle & beverages

Evening:
5:00pm - 7:00pm
hot item samples, children's corner, crudites, cheese tray, beverages, wine & beer (champagne at Royal Palm & Sugarloaf)

Cordials & Desserts:
8:00pm - 10:00pm
assorted desserts and cordials

All Day:
7:00am - 10:00pm
whole fresh fruit & beverages

[Hammer]

GF CLUB FLOOR LOUNGE OFFERINGS

Morning:
7:00am - 10:30am
pastries, fruit, cereal & beverages

Snacks:
11:30am - 4:00pm
chips, cookies & beverages

Afternoon Tea: (Royal Palm & Sugarloaf ONLY)
3:00pm - 4:30pm
scones, cookies, tartlettes, fruit breads, trifle & beverages

Evening:
5:00pm - 7:00pm
hot item samples, children's corner, crudités, cheese tray, beverages, wine & beer (champagne at Royal Palm & Sugar loaf)

Cordials & Desserts:
8:00pm - 10:00pm
assorted desserts and cordials

All Day:
7:00am - 10:00pm
whole fresh fruit & beverages

My experience staying in Sugarloaf club level from mid-July 2010 was slightly different. The food offerings are the same at Sugar Loaf and the main building. Here are the differences from my stay-

1) At breakfast, cold cuts and oatmeal are also available.

2) Lunch offerings are available from 11:30-2:00. They removed the crudités before the afternoon tea offering.

3) Afternoon tea was offered from 2:30-4:00 when I was there. Glasses of champagne were given to us when we requested them from the attendant. We also saw them get beer for some other Sugar loaf guests.

4) There is a beverage refrigerator in the lobby of Sugarloaf which is stocked with soda. The attendants restock it before leaving at 10:00 and the soda is available for guests to take throughout the night. Once a particular soda is gone, though, you are out of luck until the staff is back at 6:30 AM.

[kwhitt3202]

we are trying to decide between sugar loaf and main building.

[Hammer]

My thoughts-

I have only stayed in Sugar Loaf and I loved it. The only real difference that I can tell is location. Many people like the main building because you are right there with immediate access to the monorail, whereas you have a 2 minute outdoor walk from Sugar Loaf. The walk was not an issue at all for our family and we were pushing our mother in a wheelchair in July! I actually like that you are not in the middle of everything. Only those who are staying in Sugar Loaf can access that building, while anyone can go into the main building to gawk. It same reason I was never a fan of Tea at the Plaza. You were out in the open and every tourist would be watching you have tea and take pictures. Not really relaxing to me!

[TammiMcMan]

I've stayed in both and I'd have to say, I'm a main building girl . Both of them have their pluses, it really just depends on what you're looking for.

IMO, Sugar Loaf has a more casual "bed & breakfast" type feel. The staff, seating and lounge are all located on the ground floor level. Most of the area is interior, so no real views from the lounge. Super convenient to the courtyard pool though. View selection is the marina or pool/courtyard. You can't see the castle, but some marina rooms offer a partial fireworks view.

IMO, Royal Palm in the main building is more spread out. The staff is on the 3rd floor, the lounge and seating on the 4th and some additional seating on the 5th. It all overlooks the main lobby below, which is great for people watching and of course the GF Orchestra in the evening with a Baileys or glass of champagne. There are 2 club level balconies that guests can use. Specific views are bookable and include the castle, courtyard and beach. Some might feel awkward walking through the main lobby in their swimming attire, but there is an elevator that will take you right outside by the marina.

[rjmdds]

How was check in?

Well, if you use DME, check-in is a dream staying at the GF. As we walked off of the bus, there was a Cm with clipboard in hand waiting for us. She greeeted us by name and welcomed us to the hotel. She escorted us into the hotel and had a CM take our bags. No stopping at the desk at all. She had our keys and led us right up the elevators to our room. She explained everything to us and showed us where everything was. It was fantastic. This happened both times that we stayed at the Royal Palm Club and used DME. Now this November we will be staying there again, however will be renting a car. So they will not know exactly when we are arriving so I they will not be able to meet us at the door.

[TammiMcMan]

Now this November we will be staying there again, however will be renting a car. So they will not know exactly when we are arriving so I they will not be able to meet us at the door.

We usually rent a car and normally, the pre-planning staff will ask for your anticipated arrival time. I don't know if the guard notifies them when you pass through, or if bell services calls them when you drive up to unload the car. In either case, we've always had a club level CM come out to meet us within minutes of our driving in. If they aren't there to meet you, I would just ask bell services/valet to call them.

[rjmdds]

We usually rent a car and normally, the pre-planning staff will ask for your anticipated arrival time. I don't know if the guard notifies them when you pass through, or if bell services calls them when you drive up to unload the car. In either case, we've always had a club level CM come out to meet us within minutes of our driving in. If they aren't there to meet you, I would just ask bell services/valet to call them.

Glad to hear this Tammi..my wife always loves when they come togreet us. She was worried it wouldn't happen this time.

[HeadFairyInCharge]

Grand Floridian Club Level in Sugar Loaf is wonderful, and I have read the offerings are the same but the location is different. In either location you are greeted by a Cast Member and taken directly to your room. We do not use Magical Express and find it more relaxing. The rooms in the Main Building are much more expensive and I don't feel its that much better. We had a 4th Floor Lodge Tower which had a nice set up of two queen sized beds and extra sitting area with extra TV...worked out great for my family of 4. We loved the grounds and pools were both great. Concierge were very helpful in changing dining ressies and also printed my boarding passes for me ! Restaurants were all good except for Gasperilla Grill Counter Service food was not on par with the rest of this resort. Loved Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, Dinner at Narcoosee's and also dinner at GF Cafe. Easy access to Poly and Contemporary for other great dining options. IMO you can't go wrong here.

[Hammer]

We usually rent a car and normally, the pre-planning staff will ask for your anticipated arrival time. I don't know if the guard notifies them when you pass through, or if bell services calls them when you drive up to unload the car. In either case, we've always had a club level CM come out to meet us within minutes of our driving in. If they aren't there to meet you, I would just ask bell services/valet to call them.

When we stayed at Sugar Loaf last July, it was a last minute trip I planned to give my Mom some time away, so there was no way for them to know when we were arriving. We gave our name at the gate and there was someone from the club level staff waiting for us as we valet parked the car. This tends to make me think that the guard does call ahead when someone on the list for club level check in arrives.