Request: Find modes of transportation from Hilton Marina Ft. Lauderdale to Sawgrass Mills Mall####
Amex Platinum number called: 1-800-263-1616
MasterCard World Concierge number called: 1-888-531-4227
Amex Platinum Conceirge
The first person I talked to (male) was not helpful at all. I made my request and he told me that the only thing he could offer was to book me a taxi or limosine to the mall. Definitely, very disappointing.
Not satisified with the result, I called in again, and a very helpful girl was able to assist me. She told me she was at the end of her shift, but would be able to get me my information within 24hrs. True to her word, I received an email with the information I was looking for:
Dear Mr. Chan,
Thank you for your request to get information on transportation to and from the Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall leaving from Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. Please see options below:
There is a Shuttle Bus that leaves from your hotel at 9:55am and 12:55pm each day for a cost of $25.00USD per ticket( there and back) and returns at 5:00pm and 7:00pm at the end of the day.
Or
A taxi costs anywhere from $45.00-$50.00 per way.
For a car transfer it will cost more approx $70.00USD + so please let us know if you would like a quote for this as I figured you may prefer to take the shuttle bus from your hotel.
Warm Regards,
Brxxxxx
MasterCard World Concierge
The person I talked to was very polite and helpful. I gave her my request and she even took the initiative to ask if I wanted additional information for my trip. She offerred to find other tourist information for me. Similar to the Amex Platinum concierge, she told me that she woudl reply to me within 24hrs. I told her I wasn't in a hurry and to take her time.
Not only did I get the information I wanted, she followed-up to make sure I had everything I needed!
Note: If you look at the emails, the first one was from a different concierge. Not only did they help me find what I needed, there was a team of them working on the request!
Email 1:
Dear Mr. Chan,
Thank you for using Capital One Mastercard Concierge. It has been my pleasure researching options for you in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and I am delighted to provide you with the following recommendations. Please also keep in mind that the beach is only 1.5 miles from your hotel as another option.
Option 1
Fort Lauderdale Riverfront Sightseeing Cruise
Hop aboard a sleek boat and cruise along Fort Lauderdale's stunning marinas and riverfront on this 1.5-hour ride. You'll see this tropical city from a new and beautiful perspective as you sail through its clear blue waters. Gawk at the sprawling mega mansions and giant yachts, choosing your favorites along the way. Enjoy the chance to do some sightseeing from the water! Make your way to downtown Fort Lauderdale to join this 1.5-hour luxury cruise of the city's scenic riverfront. After posing for a souvenir photograph as you board the boat, stake out a prime viewing seat upstairs on the observation deck or in the air-conditioned dining room with picture windows. Relax and take in the sights as the boat departs the port to begin the journey. Broward County is Florida's second-most-populated county, with a variety of stunning homes, mansions and yachts. In recent years, Fort Lauderdale has distanced itself from its notorious spring break reputation and is now known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle and swanky properties. Take in the stunning views of Florida's blue water as the ship makes its leisurely way along. Gaze out at the city's massive luxury homes and mansions with Roman fountains and palm-tree filled yards. Get your camera ready for the mega yachts — you'll see them up close and personal. Take in the stunning views of the marina and piers. Should you want a beverage or something to eat, the ship's bar offers cooling cocktails like a specialty punch, nonalcoholic beverages and light snacks (own expense). You don't want to miss this scenic journey.
Includes: 90-minute sightseeing cruise and Live commentary
Excludes: Gratuities (optional), Food and beverages (available for purchase on board), Hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: Per Adult –USD $21.99 (ages 17-up) Senior Rate -$13.99 (ages 65-up), Child $11.99 (ages 4-16)
Departure Information/Departure Location: Duration: 90 Minutes -11am-5pm Downtown Fort Lauderdale-Daily
Additional Information: Confirmation will be received at the time of booking. Children under 4 years are complimentary. Seating is first come first serve. Cruise operates rain or shine. Restrooms are available on board. Outside food and beverage are not permitted on board but are available for purchase. Wheelchairs and strollers may be accommodated on the first deck
Cancellation Policy: Activity tickets are NON REFUNDABLE once purchased. All activity ticket purchases are final and cannot be cancelled, refunded, exchanged, or transferred. Carefully review the Activity ticket purchases for any errors or discrepancies prior to completing the purchase.
Conditions of Sale: Once you have booked and received your travel voucher, the contact details for the travel service operator will be on this voucher under the heading Important Information.
Option 2
Hollywood Beach Night Segway Tour
Spend a fun night out exploring the Fort Lauderdale area by Segway on this 1-hour tour. Ride down the spacious and scenic Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, cruise through Hollywood North Beach Park, and learn about Hollywood Beach's history as you wind your way through its back streets. Your guide will customize your route to suit your group's skill levels and interests. A stop for complimentary ice cream completes your nighttime Segway adventure. Meet up with your guide at the Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood Beach, just 15 minutes away from Fort Lauderdale. Your guide will set you up with a Segway and safety equipment and give you some riding pointers during a brief training session. Segways are easy to learn how to ride and allow you to cover lots more ground than walking at a faster pace. Once you've got the hang of your Segway, it's time to start your nighttime adventure in Hollywood Beach! Enjoy the warm Florida evening as you travel along the 2.5-mile (4-km) long Hollywood Beach Boardwalk beside the Atlantic Ocean. Ride past trendy boutiques and restaurants and the historic Garfield Street paddleboard courts, which have been operating since 1930. Explore Hollywood North Beach Park, and duck into some back streets to go at faster speeds on your Segway if you like. You'll even get the chance to stop and recharge with a complimentary ice cream. Throughout your tour, listen by personal headset as your guide shares facts and anecdotes about the history of Hollywood Beach and throws in a few amusing celebrity impersonations. Your guide will also tailor your tour to suit your group's abilities and tastes, and take photos of you on your Segway. Your 1-hour night Segway tour ends where it began in Hollywood Beach.
Please note: there is a maximum of eight (8) passengers per tour guide.
Includes: Segway Tour, Local guide, Training session, Helmet and other safety equipment, Complimentary ice cream
Excludes: Food and drinks (additional charges apply), Gratuities (optional), Hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: Per Adult –USD $59.89-1hour tour, 2 hours tour $89.89 Per Adult ages 14- and up
Departure Information/Departure Location: 10am- sunset 8pm , Fort Lauderdale, Florida Central location within Hollywood FL-Daily
Additional Information: Confirmation will be received at time of booking. Dress code: No baggy clothes or closed toe shoes; please dress appropriately for the weather. Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund. Not recommended if you are taking prescription drugs. You will need to schedule your departure time prior to your date of travel with the local operator; your tour is NOT confirmed until then. Contact details will be provided on your pre-paid voucher.
Cancellation Policy: Activity tickets are non-refundable once purchased. All activity ticket purchases are final and cannot be cancelled, refunded, exchanged, or transferred. Carefully review the Activity ticket purchases for any errors or discrepancies prior to completing the purchase.
Option 3
Fort Lauderdale Social Mixer Pub Crawl Tour
Riverwalk Recreation 300 SW 1st Avenue #111
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
http://www.cycleparty.com/pricing/
Cycle Party’s mission is to provide safe, fun experiences that create smiles now and memories that last a lifetime. Chris, Simon, Aileen and Michael started Cycle Party in 2012 to have fun and do no harm to anyone, including the environment. To date we have given over 500 tours with over 7,000 riders in Fort Lauderdale alone! Cycle Party is a part of South Florida. We are engaged in the community. We live here, we work here and we play here. We always deliver on our promises. And we promise YOU exclusive deals and discounts at the local hot spots, because we have unmatched relationships with the establishments.
Incidentally, Cycle Party is a tour company providing active group entertainment on self propelled or electric assisted 2- or 4-wheeled vehicles, always guided by trained drivers or tour guides. Cycle Party group bikes’ seats up to 15 riders and the Cycle Party driver. As a 15-person quadracycle, Cycle Party is perfect for any celebration and all social outings, including: birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, ice cream socials, fund-raisers , church outings, progressive dinners, sightseeing, tailgating, pub crawls, singles mixers, parades (we are an instant float!)
Includes: 3-4 Stops
Excludes: Gratuities (optional), Food and drinks. Hotel pickup and drop off.
Price: Per Adult –USD $39.00
Departure Information/Departure Location: Duration: 2 hours – Las Olas & Historic Downtown Himmarshee
Cancellation Policy: Non –Refundable
Please keep in mind all ticket sales are final and tickets cannot be refunded or changed once they are purchased. In addition to any event cancellation policy there will be an additional fee equivalent to USD $30.00 for any amendments or cancellations per booking.
Once you have made your selection, we would be delighted to help you make a reservation/purchase with any of these options and/or to provide additional research or to process any additional requests.
Availability can change at any moment and all rates are subject to and may change without notice. We recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment, so if you would like to make a reservation please let us know as soon as you can. When booking the request, you would need to have your credit card available and we would need you to verify the date, details and times of travel.
In the meantime, if we can arrange any additional details for you, for example dining, show tickets do not hesitate to contact us at 888-300-3548. I would love to assist with your sight-seeing tours. I am available Sunday-Thursday from 12am-8am est, if you need assistance outside those hours any of our wonderful Concierge Team would be happy to help.
We can be reached at 888-300-3548, 7 days a week 24 hours a day.
At your service,
Exxxx
Concierge
Email 2:
Dear Mr. Chan,
Thank you for using Capital One Concierge to assist with your upcoming stay in Fort Lauderdale. It has been my pleasure to research transportation from the Hilton Marina Fort Lauderdale to the Sawgrass Mills Shopping Mall, for you.
I called and spoke with Pedro, who is a concierge at the Hilton Marina Fort Lauderdale. Pedro provided two options for shuttle service to the Sawgrass Mills Shopping Mall. The Hilton Marina provides a shuttle service for around $45 each way and can be scheduled as needed. The Sawgrass Mills Shopping Mall also provides a shuttle and costs around $25 per person, roundtrip. The Sawgrass Mills Shopping Mall shuttle departs at 9:55am and 12:55pm, from the hotel, and returns at 5pm or 7pm, to the hotel. The Sawgrass Mills Shopping Mall shuttle can be scheduled on the same day you need it by visiting the concierge desk in the hotel.
I hope you find this information helpful. We would be happy to assist you with dining recommendations for your trip as well if you like.
If you have any questions or need further assistance you can reach me by replying to this email or calling 888-531-4227. I will be available until 5pm est today and from 9am - 5pm est tomorrow. If I am unavailable then any of my colleagues would be delighted to assist you as well.
At your service,
Txxxx
Concierge
Follow-up Email!
Dear Mr. Chan,
Thank you again for your requests. I wanted to follow up with you to make sure you received the options for sightseeing and information regarding transportation to the Sawgrass Mills Shopping Mall that my colleague and I sent and to see how you would like to proceed. Availability can change at any moment, so if you would like me to make the arrangements for you, please let me know as soon as you can. I am working until 5pm est today and from 9am to 5pm est tomorrow. You can call me at 800-336-6420 or reply to this email, and if I am unavailable, one of my colleagues will be delighted to assist you.
At your service,
Txxxx
Concierge
Final Thoughts
The MasterCard concierge definitely performed beyond expectations with a follow-up email and very detailed information about things to do. The concierge's proactive approach of asking to do more definitely made her the better choice! I will probably continue to use both to see the different information I would get and to see the quality of the different reps.