How to best utilise concierge services

[gumpy]

Hi All,

Over the last 4 years I have a growing level of access to various concierge services but I don't really use any of them. I once called up concierge on the Platinum Charge card to try and get into Per Se but because it was the Aussie concierge they had no special access in to the restuarant...

I'm not sure if it's a generational thing (i'm gen Y) or a reflection of my background (i don't come from a lot of wealth) but I just do things myself. If I want to find a good restuarant I look it up on tripadvisor etc...

How do you guys best utilise this service from various sources and get best value from it?

 

[Awesom Andy]

I tried them a few times before with quotes for purchases and bookings, and it always work out that I can find better prices than they can, and quicker too. But then, concierge services attached to credit cards probably want you to spend a higher amount, since the banks would also benefit from a larger charge.

 

[QuikSmart]

I agree - they are useless. Internet access these days has made these concierge services redundant. If there is a special show or restaurant thats booked out then maybe they could help, but generally I find a local prepaid 3G SIM card is for more valuable for researching and making hotel bookings, locating transport and finding local entertainment etc.

 

[simongr]

I tried 3 times with 6 months notice to get into Tetsuya's and my colleague tried for months to get into Quay. In both instances I got the time and date i wanted after a quick call to Amex Plat.

However when I tried to pre-book a photo with Santa at Harrods the Plat desk in Oz was no use The concierge at the hotel was a different matter

 

[QuikSmart]

Hmmm...maybe I'll start using Amex Plat to start requesting QF upgrades for me