American Express Membership Rewards - Platinum Concierge Service??

Im a new Platinum Member and I just had a question regarding the concierge service. I was trying to get a reservation at the Cheesecake Factory in San Francisco by calling directly to the restaurant. I was told that they dont take reservations and it was first come first serve. I arrived to the restaurant and it was a 75 min wait which I never encountered at that restaurant. Do you think if I called the platinum concierge they would of been able to get me a reservation? Does the concierge only get reservations at certain restaurants? Please let me know your experiences and if they are really worth to call.

Im a new Platinum Member and I just had a question regarding the concierge service. I was trying to get a reservation at the Cheesecake Factory in San Francisco by calling directly to the restaurant. I was told that they dont take reservations and it was first come first serve. I arrived to the restaurant and it was a 75 min wait which I never encountered at that restaurant. Do you think if I called the platinum concierge they would of been able to get me a reservation? Does the concierge only get reservations at certain restaurants? Please let me know your experiences and if they are really worth to call.

They can't get reservations there; Cheesecake does not bend that rule at all.

Oh yeah, 75 minute wait is pretty typical on a normal busy night (weekend).

For the record, and I'm not sure if I just got a great concierge on the phone, but I too wanted to go to the San Francisco Cheesecake Factory. Called concierge maybe two hours ahead of time, and they of course told me that Cheesecake doesn't do reservations, but said that they had placed me on a VIP list at the restaurant. When I got there, I was told the wait was about 90 minutes; told her my concierge had called to place me on a VIP list. She checked in her computer, found my name, and my wait was maybe 40 minutes. This was a Friday night, by the way. Great service! ^. Sadly I was very sick that whole trip, so didn't even get to enjoy the meal that much :mad:

Used this at a different Cheesecake as well. I went to one that had a roughly 60 minute wait, so I put my name in and got a pager and all. Called concierge as I was waiting, told the concierge that I know Cheesecake didn't do reservations but to see if he could do anything to cut my wait time down. Was placed on hold, came back on maybe two minutes later and gave me the name of a manager to speak with. Asked the hostess for the manager, who came out and told me it would just be a short wait. 15 minutes later, I was seated. ^

Of course, YMMV with this, but I've been more than impressed with concierge coming through to help me out. I always feel like I'm abusing my privileges but heck, they're there to help, so I might as well make use! Used them the other night to get a reservation at a trendy restaurant in LA, got me in at the time I wanted with maybe five hours notice.

I always feel like I'm abusing my privileges
I wouldn't; I live in LA- where even some kid with a role in a 2-star C-movie can get into nearly anything- which teaches us, boys and girls, that if you can use something at your disposal to get you in somewhere, do it and count thine blessings.

Oh, and I forgot- on NYE Plat Concierge got me into a restaurant claiming they had no res' before 10 and a 45-minute wait for folks w/o one; I called PC on the way and when we strolled up we were seated immediately. It wasn't anywhere too special, but at least we were sure we wouldn't be cutting our night close (had a NYE harbor cruise for later that night).

Thanks for the heads up! And love the LA analogy, lol. I need to get myself as an extra in a movie and see if I can get recognized at restaurants to be seated quickly.

Besides restaurant reservations, what is the second best use of the concierge service?

The concierge booked me into a Ruth's Chris on a same day reservation for Valentine's Day. The used the premium dining hold-a-table service and saved my hind end from a potentially bad situation.

Besides restaurant reservations, what is the second best use of the concierge service?

They are definitely there to help with just about anything. I'm trying to think of things I've used them for, besides the usual flowers, gift baskets, etc. I remember not having internet access and needed to check the time/directions of an event I was going to, called up and had them look into it with no problem. Very helpful with nightclub access in Las Vegas, as well as last minute concert tickets. I had a beverage at a hotel in LA, and after I thought about it I wanted to get the recipe; called Amex and they called the hotel, got me the recipe, and all was well!

Very helpful with nightclub access in Las Vegas,

Can you provide examples? This could be useful for line skipping.

Can you provide examples? This could be useful for line skipping.

I think pretty much wherever... It depends on several factors, however, including the individual concierge's connections (ie: contacts, promoters, hosts, etc), YOU (how you treat them and how you are... ie: big fat poorly dressed 70 y/o isn't getting anything w/ plat), and the individual whom is called. Also, factor in the night, and the overall population in Vegas at the particular time. This is completely my opinion though and could be totally wrong. I've used Cent. concierge many times and have personal connections in LAS so donno specifically Plat stuff.

Can you provide examples? This could be useful for line skipping.

Only used it once, but was put on guestlist at Pure with no problem. Wanted to do Tryst, called Amex at the last minute, who told me Tryst had no guestlist. Turned out there was no line at Pure or Tryst, so I really didn't need to use Amex, but still nice to know they can help.

As a side note, to Dr. Dave, as you posted something that someone else posted a while back in the Vegas forum on a similar subject; my understanding is that when I am put on a guestlist through Plat Concierge, it's a name on a list. It's not like the list says "Amex Platinum." I say this because when using a CENT concierge, it's also just a name on a list. There's no little note that says "this person has a black card, let them in." The bouncers have no clue what type of card you have, so essentially both Platinum and CENT concierges have the same pull (they may use different contacts, though, and that may play a factor). And just flashing a black card to a bouncer will get you NOTHING.

You are correct that many factors are into play, but it's worth a shot. I may try to use concierge for club access in LA at some point, let you know how that goes.

Only used it once, but was put on guestlist at Pure with no problem. Wanted to do Tryst, called Amex at the last minute, who told me Tryst had no guestlist. Turned out there was no line at Pure or Tryst, so I really didn't need to use Amex, but still nice to know they can help.

As a side note, to Dr. Dave, as you posted something that someone else posted a while back in the Vegas forum on a similar subject; my understanding is that when I am put on a guestlist through Plat Concierge, it's a name on a list. It's not like the list says "Amex Platinum." I say this because when using a CENT concierge, it's also just a name on a list. There's no little note that says "this person has a black card, let them in." The bouncers have no clue what type of card you have, so essentially both Platinum and CENT concierges have the same pull (they may use different contacts, though, and that may play a factor). And just flashing a black card to a bouncer will get you NOTHING.

You are correct that many factors are into play, but it's worth a shot. I may try to use concierge for club access in LA at some point, let you know how that goes.

Cent concierge arranged for several things and gave me personal blackberry IM and phone contact info for head promoters, etc. I doubt plat would do same. Also, annotated on my reservation was "Dr.Dave has black amex." I saw the guestlist. Not sure if common or not.

Cent concierge arranged for several things and gave me personal blackberry IM and phone contact info for head promoters, etc. I doubt plat would do same. Also, annotated on my reservation was "Dr.Dave has black amex." I saw the guestlist. Not sure if common or not.

Ah, I did not know this. Thanks for the heads up on it! I speak from experience; when I had CENT I sometimes had trouble gaining access to places that I was supposed to be let in to, which was a disappointing given the prestige. Smart for your concierge to give you contact info; I remember a poster here saying he used PLAT concierge for club access in (I think) London, and similar situation, was given phone number and info to call as soon as he arrived. I imagine it all depends who you get on the phone. Either way, great benefit from Amex concierge.

i know everyone is talking about "other" things conierge does... but wanted to give thanks to the agent who helped us out 'round christmas. we wanted a good place to go in nyc. she suggested a place that she loves. i was like... uh... what the hell (to myself). my wife and i went. its called Park Avenue Winter. Maybe the best restaurant i ever went to in nyc. how very cool. no wait and amazing service. i know i know... typical story.

glad to hear about all the other things like clubs. i've tried to use them to get last minute tickets but find the tickets are expensive and i prefer to go through a broker. if you got all the cash and just want tickets at any price i guess its good.

Somewhat OT, but I think it's great so many people here have gotten great use out of the concierge. For the most part it seems everyone is happy with the service (like myself), and it's just another great benefit to a great card. Maybe because most PLAT customers never had a concierge to begin with (I know I didn't when I first got my Amex), so the idea of having one is just lovely, but it seems we all have found great use from them.

All I can say is that the annual fee for the card has been well justified for me. In less than the last year I can count four occasions I was upgraded via FHR (the Skylofts upgrade was by far the coolest ^), gotten several hundred dollars in spa credit via my various stays, which I put to good use, not to mention the breakfasts, late checkouts, etc. Factor in the domestic companion ticket (which I used once but saved me $300), as well as Amex being great in giving us early iPhone adopters $200 credit, I'm coming out way on top.

A few years ago we wanted to go to a sushi place in La Jolla. When I called to make a reservation I was told they didn't take reservations and wouldn't have any tables available until 930p because of the wait (it was roughly 630pm).

We called AMEX, who called the restaurant, and we had a table for 1.25 hours later. ^ Always had great experiences with Amex dining concierge.

A few years ago we wanted to go to a sushi place in La Jolla. When I called to make a reservation I was told they didn't take reservations and wouldn't have any tables available until 930p because of the wait (it was roughly 630pm).

We called AMEX, who called the restaurant, and we had a table for 1.25 hours later. ^ Always had great experiences with Amex dining concierge.

I have had similar experiences. Sometimes, NO ONE can make a difference. But the majority of the time, if it CAN be done, they will do it. As for is a piece of plastic (or titanium) worth a fee when you're spending $$?? It depends on what you make use of. I am very happy paying a fee for the services rendered nearly 90% of the time. Just my 0.02 cents.

Very interesting discussion here. I was wavering on upgrading to the PLAT as I got an offer to upgrade for 15K MR points, which I realize won't be their best offer (I got one for 10K pre-Xmas but just didn't get around to calling), but I want to use the lounge access for a flight to Miami for MLK weekend.

Has anyone used the concierge in Las Vegas? I am traveling there in March with a group of 10 or so guys and it is notoriously difficult to get into clubs with few to no girls accompanying us. Has anyone had luck in those type of situations? Thanks.

Very interesting discussion here. I was wavering on upgrading to the PLAT as I got an offer to upgrade for 15K MR points, which I realize won't be their best offer (I got one for 10K pre-Xmas but just didn't get around to calling), but I want to use the lounge access for a flight to Miami for MLK weekend.

Has anyone used the concierge in Las Vegas? I am traveling there in March with a group of 10 or so guys and it is notoriously difficult to get into clubs with few to no girls accompanying us. Has anyone had luck in those type of situations? Thanks.

Even with Amex, you might find yourself in a sticky situation here. Even when I called concierge to inquire about nightclubs in Vegas, I was asked the ratio of women to men. Of course it can't hurt to try, but if you're a group of 10 guys, you may find a level of skepticism and denial of entry by the bouncer (remember, bouncers have discretion regardless of what list you're on). If you're staying at a higher-end property, the concierge there might have some pull. But again, Amex seems to come through so definitely call and ask.

I pointed out earlier, if it's a busy night and there's a line, you could always have yourself put on a list and then find some girls waiting in line and ask if they'd like to go in with you, as you're on the guestlist but it'll be easier if there are girls. Maybe you'll make some new friends that way :)

Of all the great places to eat in San Francisco why would you want to go to the Cheesecake Factory??

And... WHY do people wait 75 min to eat there??

Even with Amex, you might find yourself in a sticky situation here. Even when I called concierge to inquire about nightclubs in Vegas, I was asked the ratio of women to men. Of course it can't hurt to try, but if you're a group of 10 guys, you may find a level of skepticism and denial of entry by the bouncer (remember, bouncers have discretion regardless of what list you're on). If you're staying at a higher-end property, the concierge there might have some pull. But again, Amex seems to come through so definitely call and ask.

I pointed out earlier, if it's a busy night and there's a line, you could always have yourself put on a list and then find some girls waiting in line and ask if they'd like to go in with you, as you're on the guestlist but it'll be easier if there are girls. Maybe you'll make some new friends that way :)


Living in NY, I know far too much than I'd like to about girl to guy ratio, but calling Amex and at least trying and seeing what's possible. We are staying at THEHotel at Mandalay, so it being a FHR property might help, who knows. Worth a shot. Thanks for your input!

Of all the great places to eat in San Francisco why would you want to go to the Cheesecake Factory??

And... WHY do people wait 75 min to eat there??

I was thinking the exact same thing. Even 5 minutes....