wdwnut61
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2002
Hello everyone,
On Jan. 1st we checked out of the CR. I had requested express checkout so we didn't have to stop by the front desk. We called bell services for our luggage and there were plenty of cabs waiting outside. As we drove up to the AKL I was impressed with the guard who stopped our cab. After checking to make sure our names where on her list, she smiled warmly and said, Welcome to the AKL". My jaw dropped as soon as I saw the lodge, the pictures don't do it justice. It is truly beautiful and you feel like you're in another world. Isolated, perhaps but that is the appeal of the lodge. We found it to be very relaxing to come back each day and be surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the lodge.
When we arrived, the bellman that took our luggage checked and our room was ready. As concierge guests we did not have to register at the front desk...YEA
As we walked to the elevator he gave us a brief tour and explained a little about the lodge. I found it interesting that the lobby is located on the 3rd floor and the restaurants are below the lobby on the 1st floor. Our room was 5225 on the Arusha Savannah Kudu Trail. At first I was worried we wouldn't see any Zebra because we werent on the Zebra Trail. He assured us we would see Zebra as they graze all over the Arusha Savannah. When we walked out onto our balcony we saw 3 Zebra, 2 Giraffe and 3 Ankole Cattle...very cool. He gave us a packet, which contained our room keys and a newsletter explaining all that the lodge had to offer. He also gave us a paper containing the food offerings in the concierge lounge. Waiting for us in our room was a lovely cake decorated with Happy Anniversary and a card from the concierge staff. What a wonderful surprise
Our room wasn't as large as the CR and I did prefer the bathroom at the CR. Still we had plenty of room. I was happy to see a separate dresser with 3 large drawers. The armoire also had 2 long drawers and two smaller drawers. There was a large comfy chair and ottoman next to the bed. A small table and two large chairs were located next to the armoire. I agree the lighting is low but to me it added to the atmosphere. I was happy I had brought my lighted makeup mirror
We went up to the lounge on the 6th floor where we met some of the concierge members. Everyone we met had a warm, friendly smile. The lounge is beautiful and there were many places to sit and relax. The view of the lobby below is gorgeous, especially with all the Christmas decorations. In addition to the elevator, we found another way to access the lounge from the 5th floor. As we were walking from our room, instead of crossing the bridge to go towards the elevators and the Zebra Trail side of the Arusha Savannah, we followed the hallway around and found a large iron gate. You still need to insert your card and walk up a few stairs to the lounge. We found this way a little closer. The offerings were as follows:
Macheo(Sunrise Offerings) 6:30am
Miamko(Adventurous Awakenings) 7:00am-10:30am
Vitafunio(Safari Snacks) 11:30am-3:00pm
Chai(Afternoon Tea) 3:00pm-4:30pm
Kisikusiku(Twilight Offerings) 5:00pm- 7:00pm
Rehema(Evening Indulgences) 8:00pm- 10:00pm
You did have to ask for water bottles and soda's each day but the staff in the lounge was so accommodating. We ate at Boma twice and loved it. We also liked Mara and found the food to be very good for fast food.
The pool is the largest on property and is wonderful. My two daughters really enjoyed the slide. Both of the hot tubs are somewhat secluded and very hot! The fitness center is located just behind the slide. My DD loved having her hair wrapped and seeing animals around the pool area.
Our most favorite part of staying concierge was going on the Sunrise Safari. The morning of our safari it was 34 degrees but that didn't dampen our spirits. We met in the lounge at 7:00am and they gave us badges with our names and warm, woolen blankets. We left the lodge with our guides at 7:30am and headed for the AK. It was very interesting to see where they animals go at night and how they keep the animals separated from each other and us. They do a wonderful job hiding all the barriers and fences. After departing our bus we boarded our vehicles and began our safari. We saw white rhinos, elephants, alligators, a lion and lioness. The giraffe came right up to the car. We saw an ostrich, hippos, zebra and assorted hoof stock. I can't remember all the animals but we saw so many. The great part about the safari is how close the animals are and they make frequent stops so you can take lots of pictures. After the safari, we walked to the Tusker House and had the best breakfast buffet. In addition to the traditional offerings, they had several African inspired dishes that were truly amazing. After breakfast, we were given a FP for Kilimanjaro Safari. I highly recommend the Sunrise Safari.
We found the transportation from the AKL to be very reliable. Our longest wait was 10 minutes and that was only once. Usually it was no more than 5 minutes. I really liked the fact that the AKL doesnt share its bus with other resorts. It was very nice to go directly to and from the parks. The crowds dropped off dramatically after Jan. 3rd. The front desk told me over 400 people checked out on the 4th and over 500 on the 5th. The lodge never felt crowded but you could definitely a difference in the parks.
When we were ready to leave, I asked everybody which was their favorite resort. There was no contest with my DH and two DDs. They absolutely loved the AKL. As for me, I also fell in love with the lodge but I would prefer another split stay with the CR again. There is just something about that view. Watching the castle change colors at night and seeing the fog lift in the morning. Hearing the train whistle and watching the monorail glide through.
On Jan. 1st we checked out of the CR. I had requested express checkout so we didn't have to stop by the front desk. We called bell services for our luggage and there were plenty of cabs waiting outside. As we drove up to the AKL I was impressed with the guard who stopped our cab. After checking to make sure our names where on her list, she smiled warmly and said, Welcome to the AKL". My jaw dropped as soon as I saw the lodge, the pictures don't do it justice. It is truly beautiful and you feel like you're in another world. Isolated, perhaps but that is the appeal of the lodge. We found it to be very relaxing to come back each day and be surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the lodge.
When we arrived, the bellman that took our luggage checked and our room was ready. As concierge guests we did not have to register at the front desk...YEA
As we walked to the elevator he gave us a brief tour and explained a little about the lodge. I found it interesting that the lobby is located on the 3rd floor and the restaurants are below the lobby on the 1st floor. Our room was 5225 on the Arusha Savannah Kudu Trail. At first I was worried we wouldn't see any Zebra because we werent on the Zebra Trail. He assured us we would see Zebra as they graze all over the Arusha Savannah. When we walked out onto our balcony we saw 3 Zebra, 2 Giraffe and 3 Ankole Cattle...very cool. He gave us a packet, which contained our room keys and a newsletter explaining all that the lodge had to offer. He also gave us a paper containing the food offerings in the concierge lounge. Waiting for us in our room was a lovely cake decorated with Happy Anniversary and a card from the concierge staff. What a wonderful surprise Our room wasn't as large as the CR and I did prefer the bathroom at the CR. Still we had plenty of room. I was happy to see a separate dresser with 3 large drawers. The armoire also had 2 long drawers and two smaller drawers. There was a large comfy chair and ottoman next to the bed. A small table and two large chairs were located next to the armoire. I agree the lighting is low but to me it added to the atmosphere. I was happy I had brought my lighted makeup mirror
We went up to the lounge on the 6th floor where we met some of the concierge members. Everyone we met had a warm, friendly smile. The lounge is beautiful and there were many places to sit and relax. The view of the lobby below is gorgeous, especially with all the Christmas decorations. In addition to the elevator, we found another way to access the lounge from the 5th floor. As we were walking from our room, instead of crossing the bridge to go towards the elevators and the Zebra Trail side of the Arusha Savannah, we followed the hallway around and found a large iron gate. You still need to insert your card and walk up a few stairs to the lounge. We found this way a little closer. The offerings were as follows:
Macheo(Sunrise Offerings) 6:30am
- Coffee and assorted juices
Miamko(Adventurous Awakenings) 7:00am-10:30am
- Coffee (Regular and decaf)
- Assorted Teas
- Hot Chocolate
- 3 Juices ( Orange, Guava and ?)
- Minutemaid juice boxes
- Small cartons of milk ( white and chocolate)
- Bagles
- Crossants
- Assorted Danish
- Fresh Fruit ( whole and cut up)
- Boxed cereal
- Oatmeal
Vitafunio(Safari Snacks) 11:30am-3:00pm
- African snacks and beverages
Chai(Afternoon Tea) 3:00pm-4:30pm
- Imported loose leaf teas
- Assorted freshly baked scones
- Homemade cookies
- Biscuits
Kisikusiku(Twilight Offerings) 5:00pm- 7:00pm
- African wines ( 3 different varieties)
- Hors d'oeuvres ( from Boma and Jiko)
- Chicken nuggetts
- PB & J sandwiches
- Juices and milk
Rehema(Evening Indulgences) 8:00pm- 10:00pm
- Fine desserts (from Boma and Jiko)
- Premium cordials
You did have to ask for water bottles and soda's each day but the staff in the lounge was so accommodating. We ate at Boma twice and loved it. We also liked Mara and found the food to be very good for fast food.
The pool is the largest on property and is wonderful. My two daughters really enjoyed the slide. Both of the hot tubs are somewhat secluded and very hot! The fitness center is located just behind the slide. My DD loved having her hair wrapped and seeing animals around the pool area.
Our most favorite part of staying concierge was going on the Sunrise Safari. The morning of our safari it was 34 degrees but that didn't dampen our spirits. We met in the lounge at 7:00am and they gave us badges with our names and warm, woolen blankets. We left the lodge with our guides at 7:30am and headed for the AK. It was very interesting to see where they animals go at night and how they keep the animals separated from each other and us. They do a wonderful job hiding all the barriers and fences. After departing our bus we boarded our vehicles and began our safari. We saw white rhinos, elephants, alligators, a lion and lioness. The giraffe came right up to the car. We saw an ostrich, hippos, zebra and assorted hoof stock. I can't remember all the animals but we saw so many. The great part about the safari is how close the animals are and they make frequent stops so you can take lots of pictures. After the safari, we walked to the Tusker House and had the best breakfast buffet. In addition to the traditional offerings, they had several African inspired dishes that were truly amazing. After breakfast, we were given a FP for Kilimanjaro Safari. I highly recommend the Sunrise Safari.
We found the transportation from the AKL to be very reliable. Our longest wait was 10 minutes and that was only once. Usually it was no more than 5 minutes. I really liked the fact that the AKL doesnt share its bus with other resorts. It was very nice to go directly to and from the parks. The crowds dropped off dramatically after Jan. 3rd. The front desk told me over 400 people checked out on the 4th and over 500 on the 5th. The lodge never felt crowded but you could definitely a difference in the parks.
When we were ready to leave, I asked everybody which was their favorite resort. There was no contest with my DH and two DDs. They absolutely loved the AKL. As for me, I also fell in love with the lodge but I would prefer another split stay with the CR again. There is just something about that view. Watching the castle change colors at night and seeing the fog lift in the morning. Hearing the train whistle and watching the monorail glide through.
I really enjoyed it.
The night before there was a message from one of the concierge staff (Don) again thanking us and wishing us a safe trip home. It's all the little touches that make the difference
