Originally Posted by
Raffles
Quite a bit on Quintessentially on the BA forum and in the Amex forum, oddly enough. They are generally believed to be a waste of time and money, but if you're not actually paying for their service (as opposed to paying thousands a year) then you've got less to lose. I've never found anyone who subscribed to their concierge service for hard cash who rated it, though - nothing they can find for you that Google can't also find.
The one thing they may be good at is restaurant tables. People stupid enough to pay Q's annual five-figure fees are stupid enough to spend £500 on a bottle of wine, so restaurants make more of an effort to fit you in.
Some of this is a bit harsh, but some warranted. Have used a variety of concierges Amex Cent/Plat, Q (as member) and TenUK.
Q is a bit younger and "hip", for the more jet-set luxury crowd. The low end membership (>$1000) is expensive for what you get (IMO just get Amex Plat). The high-end (>$20,000) is designed for people too busy to look stuff up themselves and just want something "done" - e.g. busy CEOs and celebrities. Its an alternative to a full-time not-as-well-connected PA. Probably costs less. The middle of the range (c$3000) gets you a private concierge who will constantly seek events/trips etc that could interest you (you meet them and tell them what you are in to). Like most things you can find it cheaper online, but not everyone is always online ;-) or has the time. Where Q is good, is sourcing tickets to non-publicised events: award shows, private functions, premiers etc. As Raffles mentioned - they have expanded loads so can provide quality chauffeurs, flower arrangers etc etc. How good they are at T5 I really don't know, but they should be good for restuarants, clubs and hotel reservations wherever you're headed (with benefits). Its advertising for them, so the service should be the same as for a member, only BA is paying the fee!
I find for restaurants Amex is great (been good at getting alternatives if preferred place is full, esp in NY). For nightlife Amex is chronic (apparently loads of Cents have been booking tables and not turning up so clubs have severed the relationship). For travel they are as good as any other corporate TA, but you have to go through the painful verification process. For hotels, I love the amenities and benefits on FHR (upgraded at all hotels in India and late checkout) though its rarely the lowest price. With Amex you generally get loads more benefits (hotel cards, MR points etc.) than with just a concierge, even though Q has a credit card.
I am starting to use TenUK through another card, so will see what its like. Apparently they are very good, but more focused on day-to-day things, rather than luxury goods/events like Q. Will see.....