Jan 16, 2015, 2:33 pm
Amex Concierge: What have they done for you?
Jan 17, 2015, 8:43 am
#16
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Snohomish, WA
Programs: AS MVP Gold, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,793
They got me reservations for valentines day at Canlis, the fanciest restaurant in Seattle (well, maybe second fanciest).
I asked back in December for them to get the reservation, and they reported back that Canlis doesn't accept reservations until a month out. They said they'd call on Jan 14th. I completely forgot about it.
Lo and behold, on the 14th I get a mail from the concierge. We're booked.
Could I have done this myself? Sure. Was I happy to avoid the hassle? Yep.
Neil
I asked back in December for them to get the reservation, and they reported back that Canlis doesn't accept reservations until a month out. They said they'd call on Jan 14th. I completely forgot about it.
Lo and behold, on the 14th I get a mail from the concierge. We're booked.
Could I have done this myself? Sure. Was I happy to avoid the hassle? Yep.
Neil
Jan 17, 2015, 9:14 am
#17
Join Date: Mar 2003
Programs: BA GGL; AA LT Gold; AS 100K; DL MM GM; Hyatt G*list, Hilton Diamond; SQ silver
Posts: 3,806
They got me reservations at the French Laundry on the first try for the date and time I wanted. The two times I tried with Visa concierge, they only got my 3rd option date.
Jan 30, 2015, 6:37 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
Jan 30, 2015, 7:53 pm
#21
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,216
They seemed to do a pretty good job for a valentine's day reservation. Person I texted with said that she talked with the managers at two restaurants I gave her and got me a time I could not get on my own at both of them. But then again, I have heard/seen the same from Circles.
Feb 11, 2015, 11:14 pm
#22
Join Date: May 2012
Location: BWI, SFO, SIN
Programs: UA-Plat, A3-Gold, HHonors-Gold, Marriott-Gold
Posts: 22
I realize this is slightly off topic, but does anyone know how to dial the extension to reach a specific concierge? I was given the extension and asked to return a call. But I cant figure out what number to dial before inputting the extension...
Feb 11, 2015, 11:18 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On a Bridge
Programs: Starwood Residences Owner, AA 1MM, MP Gold, Avis-Hertz PC, Ritz Gold
Posts: 1,072
My experience with Aspire so far has been mixed. Concierges aren't as intuitive, bright or open minded as Circles. When I ask for something, I don't want to be told "they've never done this before."
When I give them a roadmap of options on how to possibly execute, I'm told "we'll do everything given the tools at our disposal."
Seriously
When I bought a car in Australia and expected to drive off the lot, but was told buying a vehicle was a 2 week process, Circles called the dealership and coordinated a complimentary loaner.
When I wanted to sail aboard a sold out Quantum of the Seas cruise, but had my reservation lost in an IT glitch...Circles contacted the head of AX Travel and RCCL's executive office.
When I got rid of my Personal Platinum card, Circles migrated my profile and preferences to my Business Platinum without a fuss. Disappointedly, my profile, preferences and history weren't transitioned.
Anywho, that's the bar, Aspire Lifestyles. You can do it!
When I give them a roadmap of options on how to possibly execute, I'm told "we'll do everything given the tools at our disposal."
Seriously
When I bought a car in Australia and expected to drive off the lot, but was told buying a vehicle was a 2 week process, Circles called the dealership and coordinated a complimentary loaner.
When I wanted to sail aboard a sold out Quantum of the Seas cruise, but had my reservation lost in an IT glitch...Circles contacted the head of AX Travel and RCCL's executive office.
When I got rid of my Personal Platinum card, Circles migrated my profile and preferences to my Business Platinum without a fuss. Disappointedly, my profile, preferences and history weren't transitioned.
Anywho, that's the bar, Aspire Lifestyles. You can do it!
Last edited by JAGMAP; Feb 12, 2015 at 4:09 am
Feb 13, 2015, 4:39 am
#25
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On a Bridge
Programs: Starwood Residences Owner, AA 1MM, MP Gold, Avis-Hertz PC, Ritz Gold
Posts: 1,072
Leaving my original post but I've been threadcrapping! I have an email from September 4 from an Aspire concierge. I thought the transition was in November-December!
So Quantum of the Seas story was Aspire, not Circles.
So Quantum of the Seas story was Aspire, not Circles.
Feb 13, 2015, 8:38 am
#26
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Dreamland
Posts: 927
With the right expectations going in, I've been happy with Circles. Interestingly, I just had the occassion to engage Plat Concierge via email to gather some city guide, hiking maps, helicopter tour info, etc for an upcoming HNL/LIH trip.
Sent in request by email - told them no rush, take time and would appreciate some thorough research.
City guide which were pre-printed of course came within 12 hours. Hiking and helicopter tour pricing/options/routes came a day later - but the attachment for hiking was a city guide for LAX, helicopter tour options/pricing was cursory info at best.
I'll hop on the phone this weekend (figure easier to communicate the correct info I need on phone, not email) and try to clarify - but seemed like a little lack of attention to detail - again, I know its always a function of *who* you get to do the work, not the company itself, but hope Aspire works a little harder.
Sent in request by email - told them no rush, take time and would appreciate some thorough research.
City guide which were pre-printed of course came within 12 hours. Hiking and helicopter tour pricing/options/routes came a day later - but the attachment for hiking was a city guide for LAX, helicopter tour options/pricing was cursory info at best.
I'll hop on the phone this weekend (figure easier to communicate the correct info I need on phone, not email) and try to clarify - but seemed like a little lack of attention to detail - again, I know its always a function of *who* you get to do the work, not the company itself, but hope Aspire works a little harder.
Feb 25, 2015, 12:12 pm
#27
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 12
Just noticed that my Gold status on my SPG account had dropped off so I shot an e-mail to Amex Plat concierge with all of my details thinking it'd be a fairly easy thing for them to fix. All I get back is the following standard form letter. Annoying.
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for your recent request on your account. In order to ensure that the best person works on your request, please contact American Express Customer Service. They will be able to provide answers and information on your account.
You can reach Customer Service by calling 800-345-2639 and then pressing 4 at the prompt.
Regards,
Platinum Requests
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for your recent request on your account. In order to ensure that the best person works on your request, please contact American Express Customer Service. They will be able to provide answers and information on your account.
You can reach Customer Service by calling 800-345-2639 and then pressing 4 at the prompt.
Regards,
Platinum Requests