Concierge Services - Does anybody use them?

[Renato1]

Just wondering, for years my cards have had complimentary concierge services.

I've never used any of them.

Are they good for anything? Better than doing something one's self?

I was wondering if any frequent user could elaborate, in case I'm missing out on something of real value.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Daver6]

Great question. I'm in the same boat as you. Keen to hear what others might have to add on this subject.

 

[Deleted member]

A good way to spend more on something than if you bought it yourself

 

[Renato1]

A good way to spend more on something than if you bought it yourself

Thanks. Doesn't sound promising so far.
Regards,
Renato

 

[UP4014]

By the time you explain it you could have done it yourself. (and be satisfied you got the deal you wanted)

Matt

 

[Renato1]

By the time you explain it you could have done it yourself. (and be satisfied you got the deal you wanted)

Matt

Thanks Matt
Another non-positive response.

I'm wondering if anyone has found the service useful. I suppose it might be handy if one wants to book some show, and they don't speak English in the country.

Cheers,
Renato

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Just wondering, for years my cards have had complimentary concierge services.

I've never used any of them.

Are they good for anything? Better than doing something one's self?

I was wondering if any frequent user could elaborate, in case I'm missing out on something of real value.
Regards,
Renato

I have a family member who uses them... for stuff like tickets to Cirque du Soleil etc which might be 'sold out' or otherwise have long call wait times. The concierge service makes the call and connects you, then waits on the line while you select your seats/package, and then steps in to give the provider your credit card number, postal address, and anything else that needs completing.

 

[doctork]

Got a last minute Sydney serviced apartment at peak time through Amex concierge. Paid an awful lot, but would've had to anyway, and didn't need to ring around for hours to find it (called a couple places myself but fully booked). To be honest, I was really busy at work and desperate to shift this family-obligation task anywhere to anyone, at virtually any price, and I don't have a PA to do that sort of stuff.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I guess there is concierge and there is concierge - stating the bleeding obvious huh?

Recently received ~$2K in savings on 4 accom bookings through Prestige Concierge on their 'Stay 4 / Pay 3' promo - now that is significant concierge benefit.

 

[AviationNZ]

I've only used it once or twice, but found it very effective when needed. One example that springs to mind was getting myself and some family from out of town a table at a very nice restaurant/bar in Sydney. When we first walked in there was no chance, but a call to Amex Platinum had me with a stunning table in 15 mins.

 

[terryeveritt]

As others have said - they are useful in getting tickets, reservations etc that are not 'public'. At times comes at a slight price yet you do pay for getting want you want when otherwise you would miss out. I have found AMEX the best.

 

[Renato1]

I have a family member who uses them... for stuff like tickets to Cirque du Soleil etc which might be 'sold out' or otherwise have long call wait times. The concierge service makes the call and connects you, then waits on the line while you select your seats/package, and then steps in to give the provider your credit card number, postal address, and anything else that needs completing.

Very interesting, thanks.
That certainly seems handy if one is into that sort of thing. I wonder if the services have an allocation of seats?
Regards,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

Got a last minute Sydney serviced apartment at peak time through Amex concierge. Paid an awful lot, but would've had to anyway, and didn't need to ring around for hours to find it (called a couple places myself but fully booked). To be honest, I was really busy at work and desperate to shift this family-obligation task anywhere to anyone, at virtually any price, and I don't have a PA to do that sort of stuff.

That is one service I would never have imagined they provided. Thanks for that, though I doubt I'd ever use it.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

I guess there is concierge and there is concierge - stating the bleeding obvious huh?

Recently received ~$2K in savings on 4 accom bookings through Prestige Concierge on their 'Stay 4 / Pay 3' promo - now that is significant concierge benefit.

Thanks, one can't argue with that, that is significant.
Though it's out of my price range - I got cheesed off having to pay over $300 a night in Zurich two years go.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

I've only used it once or twice, but found it very effective when needed. One example that springs to mind was getting myself and some family from out of town a table at a very nice restaurant/bar in Sydney. When we first walked in there was no chance, but a call to Amex Platinum had me with a stunning table in 15 mins.

Fascinating, very fascinating.
Sounds like out of a restaurant scene from Goodfellas or the Sopranos.
Thanks for sharing, you must have been very impressed with that service.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

As others have said - they are useful in getting tickets, reservations etc that are not 'public'. At times comes at a slight price yet you do pay for getting want you want when otherwise you would miss out. I have found AMEX the best.

Thanks, that is interesting. I've been wondering what to do with my Amex card which I rarely use.
Regards,
Renato

 

[ermen]

AMEX concierge table service is good. used it many times to get into places like tetsuyas, vue de monde, quay,..
i wonder why Citi Prestige does not have something similar...

 

[Homer]

There are concierge services and then there are concierge services. The bank-issued cards seems to have call centres of young people using a concierge app; I can google all by myself and make better decisions/have more experience than these people. However AMEX often hires former hotel concierges for its offering and, while they struggle a bit to help you if you're outside Sydney, I have found that if you latch onto the right one they can be very useful.

 

[boomy]

Was about to attempt a last minute booking at Quay restaurant last week (heard they keep a table there for ANEX) but it was a such lousy weather so decided to leave it for next time.

 

[Homer]

Was about to attempt a last minute booking at Quay restaurant last week (heard they keep a table there for ANEX) but it was a such lousy weather so decided to leave it for next time.

They keep two for AMEX - one for Platinum charge cardmembers and one for Centurion cardmembers. Both tables are typically booked out months in advance (i.e. the AMEX tables are booked out) on Friday and Saturday nights but you can get lucky earlier in the week. My advice is to book early, be flexible with your seating time and don't be surprised if the concierge can't get you a table.