Another Swan/Dolphin Question

[kelscross]

We were planning on going to the Swan this year, but changed plans when the deals came out a few weeks ago.

Anyhow, I am already thinking about next year's trip...We will probably take advantage of the RN discount at the Swan/Dolphin this time. Which do you think is better...March or June?

Which resort is closer to the kiddie pool and grotto pool? Would you recommend the Swan or Dolphin for small children?

Additionally I received my Starwood Card in the mail yesterday and it said something about room upgrades but didn't mention having to use any points for this. How does this work?

Thanks

 

[Hieatt]

We've stayed at the Dolphin twice... it is the bigger of the two hotels and is closer to the kiddie and grotto pools. I would recommend the Dolphin over the Swan for this reason alone when with little kids.

As for SPG room upgrades, unless you are Gold or Platinum, you aren't technically entitled to an upgrade, but I can tell you that you should always ask. On our first trip we booked the lowest category, no view room, and I was a base SPG member. We asked for an upgrade, and they gave us a balcony room facing the lake.

On our last visit, I was a Gold member and actually paid for a Club room... which I got, but with a view of the parking lot. I was not a happy camper.

I have been told, as to room upgrades, that you should not expect to be upgraded more than one level... so if you book a base room, don't expect a balcony room, but rather a "resort view" room.

Hope this helps. We are going back down next week for 4 nights at the Dolphin... we booked the base room again, at AAA rate of $147.50/night. We are hoping for a good upgrade, as currently all categories of rooms are showing available for all nights we are there.