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Overheard in the Lobby: Can The Concierge Get Broadway Tickets?

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 132 W 45th St, [map], New York, ny, United States, 10036-4003
August 20, 2009 at 4:33 PM | by | Comments (7)

A couple approaches the concierge of Night Hotel looking for Broadway tickets for the following night. The conversation went something like this:

Couple Guy: We want to see Billy Elliott tomorrow night.

Concierge: That show is sold out. I can get you tickets, but they will be over $200 a piece, maybe $250

Couple Guy: $250? That is way too much money. Why are they so much?

Concierge: Like I said, it is sold out -- every night. However, we go through ticket brokers and can get you seats, but it will cost more.

Couple Guy: Ok fine, what about if we go see Chicago?

Concierge: That would be easier, but you are still looking at around $200 if you go through the hotel.

Couple Guy: But it isn't even sold out?

Couple Girl: Let's just line up at TKTS tomorrow and take our chances -- half price face value I think

Concierge: Yes, she is right, that is probably your best bet.

Lessons Learned:
Hotel concierges mark up their ticket prices and not only pass the broker costs on to you, but more than likely the hotel gets a cut of the mark up as well. Oh, and Billy Elliott is way more popular than Chicago.

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Comments (7)

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Return to » Overheard in the Lobby: Can The Concierge Get Broadway Tickets?


Commissions...

The hotel doesn't get a cut, but the concierge will get a commission from the broker. The comission is already factored into the price the broker quotes the concierge.
Lo R on August 20, 2009 at 5:35 PM #Permalink

The same thing applys with car service

If you book through the hotel, it's usually much steeper than calling a town car service yourself. The concierge/hotel will split the profits with the car service.
juliana on August 21, 2009 at 5:10 PM #Permalink

memories

glad it's not just me who didn't know that - the first time i went to new york i was naive enough to ask about show tickets from the concierge at the waldorf. she quoted me $250, i went down the street to the box office and got a $100 ticket for $50 as a same day sale. DIY from then on.
londontown on August 28, 2009 at 11:29 AM #Permalink

DIY or pay

This principle applies to lots of things.. getting your hair cut or colored costs more when someone else does it for you; going to a movie theatre costs more than renting at home - if you are asking someone else to do something you can do yourself you should expect to pay more or DIY.
tellsthetruth on September 1, 2009 at 8:27 AM #Permalink

DIY

I will DIY rather than pay too much.
size8dresswoman on September 19, 2009 at 4:57 AM #Permalink

DIY for everything

I tend to leave the hotel to get anything done really
jenaefraba on September 23, 2009 at 3:30 PM #Permalink

oh please

What exactly was the big "reveal" here?  Concierges can get tickets to ANYTHING you want through ticket brokers, and if you waited till the very last minute to get tickets to a top Broadway show... you have to be prepared to PAY for it.  Moral of the story here: if you want cheap tickets, you have to go stand outside and pay for them... This article is a sad attempt at making the Concierge seem like he's unhelpful, he's not --- the guests are unrealistic in thinking they can show up and grab hot tickets at a discounted rate.  The Concierge is there to provide a PREMIUM service, rockstar-quality perks to people who are willing to PAY for it.
Chris Alwell on July 6, 2010 at 3:08 PM #Permalink

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