Anyone dissapointed with Swan?

[disney91]

We got back this week from a week at the Swan on the Teach discount. I felt like we were looked down on because we were getting the discount rate. The family that checked in before us was told (You've got to be kidding) when they asked about a room upgrade with a discount rate, so I didn't ask until I found our room was on the third floor overlooking the roof of another building. Luckily, we were'nt in the hotel often but felt a little mislead by some of the Swan's (Disneylike) ads.

We definetly could tell the difference between the Swan and the Disney hotels we have stayed in previously. We were at CB(7/01), ASM(2/01) and Contempary many years ago and numerous off site accomodations.

I don't like to be so negative, but just be aware the Swan is DEFINITELY not Disney quality or service.

 

[madcoco]

The Swan and Dolphin are not Disney owned or operated. They have always been conference and convention hotels. Every year they seem to distance themselves from Disney operated hotels.They are on long term leases and IMHO Disney probably wishes they had the property back.Sorry you had a bad experience.

 

[amw5g]

And since it's the only set of hotels on property that allow smoking in many common areas, these two are real stanky....
That struck me most about them when he tottled around them.
-Andrew

 

[Blondie]

I'm sorry you weren't happy with the Swan. Our stay there in April 2001 as great, and our most recent stay at the Dolphin in February was even better. We had a government discount, and weren't treated any differently. The CM who checked us in was charming in every way.

Regarding the smoking in common areas, we did have a convention there at the same time as us, and even though there was smoking, after they left, you'd never have known. I don't know how they air it out so fast, but there was no stale after smoke odor.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by disney91
We got back this week from a week at the Swan on the Teach discount. I felt like we were looked down on because we were getting the discount rate. The family that checked in before us was told (You've got to be kidding) when they asked about a room upgrade with a discount rate, so I didn't ask until I found our room was on the third floor overlooking the roof of another building. Luckily, we were'nt in the hotel often but felt a little mislead by some of the Swan's (Disneylike) ads.

We definetly could tell the difference between the Swan and the Disney hotels we have stayed in previously. We were at CB(7/01), ASM(2/01) and Contempary many years ago and numerous off site accomodations.

I don't like to be so negative, but just be aware the Swan is DEFINITELY not Disney quality or service.

Hi disney91,

I guess I am a little concerned since we will be staying at the Dolphin for the first time in Aug of this year. We are booked with AAA rate that gave us 50% off our room.

At check in you are standing that close to the person in front of you that you can hear what that person asked and what the answer from the front desk person was? I do not know if I like the fact that someone can hear all of my info when I am checking in.

Also other then the fact that you were not given a free upgrade and the smoking in the common areas what else did you not like about the resort?

We have always stayed at a "Disney owned" resort so I am tring to learn as much about the Swan and Dolphin as I can before we go.

 

[pumba]

pleased with the workers .....the rooms and the lobby.....we are going back in two days so i will definitely look it over again.......I am sorry that your visit wasn't good.....We were not treated any different then anyone else.......and the area we stood in......we could not over hear any other customers with the workers behind the counters......but I will look and let you know in eleven days....

 

[Peg]

Disney91......
We had the same type of treatment when we stayed in the Swan in September. We had 2 rooms next to each other. The rooms were dirty and smelled really bad of smoke. We requested a room change because the baby (3 years old) has allergies (sp) The bell hop called down and told them we were requesting another room, even though he couldn't see why! Well we changed and the rooms were even worse! I called down myself and explained the situation. The front desk person said "well you really got a good rate" As if that made a difference. Needless to say we will never stay there again and I certainly did contact
Starwood as soon as we got home.

I have read many good things about the Swan and have never felt the need to post, but I think you are absolutely right about how you were treated because of your discount!

Peg

 

[snuggles]

I'm sorry you had a bad experience. My family has stayed at the Dolphin and the Swan several times and never had any bad experiences. Our rooms were very nice and clean, the lobbies of both resorts were beautiful, and check in was a breeze. We were always treated with respect at check in. I absolutely love being so close to Epcot and MGM. With our kids getting older we find ourselves going to those parks more often.

 

[charlie,nj]

Hi

We go to WDW once a year; we stay at a different Disney hotel every trip.

Last year we used the teacher discount and stayed at the Swan (3 days) and the Dolphin (4 days) We had to break it up like that because we booked a week before our trip and there were a lot of conventions in the S&D.

We actually had to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge one night in between because the Swan goofed up our ressies. (the AKL is out of this world but we paid $300 for one night)

When we checked into the Dolphin they couldn’t find our ressies and told us they were booked solid. (thank goodness we had the confirmation numbers) When we were trying to straighten out the ressie situation the desk person kept going back and talking to her manager. My wife swears she hear the manager say “where are they from, up North?”, “tell them to go back home”. (big joke ah ah we live 1000 miles away)

The S&D is definitely NOT Disney. IMO it is geared more toward business type travelers and not vacationing families. Don’t get me wrong it is a beautiful place, but not for Disney people. (something is missing) We had to battle the drinking businessmen as we walked through the lobby. I think one of the conventions was a Party City store manager’s convention. Those guys really know how to P-A-R-T-Y!

On the plus side it is close to Epcot, MGM, Mini-golf, and the Boardwalk.

PS – the one thing that really drove my wife nuts was that the bed blankets were PILLY. We were also surprised at the additional $8 (I think) a night for “common services”(?) (internet connection, morning newspaper, etc) We didn’t ask for these “common services” but we were charged for them.

(just my opinion)

 

[antnee]

I never felt that the Dolphin was a family resort but more of a business rersort. I also dont think the desing was meant for it to be a resort near an amusement park. I have never been impressed with the food either and beleve many places that offer doscounts treat you the same way

 

[madcoco]

The front desk person said "well you really got a good rate"

IMO It is really none of their business nor should they care how much you paid for your room even if it was free.The Swan and Dolphin have been great for years at giving discounts and we had some nice stays there but some really dissapointing ones the last 2 times , so it will be awhile before we return.

1.They double charged our account at the Dolphin after we had prepaid our room.Took 1 week to get it off the credit card.
2.A conventioneer who had too much to drink getting sick in front of our door.
3.Losing our res as well for 2 nights and having to go offsite because of the infamous hostage incident at the BW. (still wonder if they really lost them?)
4.Being denied boarding at the WL over to Ft wilderness for the Backyard BBQ still remember my nieces tears and the CM terse exact words. "your hotel is not Disney owned.You cannot use the Disney transportation system Embarrassed us in front of a load of people. She was misinformed and we were honest by stating where we are staying.How ofter do you get asked to show a room key? However, we were sent a formal apology from Disney and the Dolphin along with a fruitbasket.

We use to defend the S and D and hope they have worked the bugs out and Happy for people who have had wonderful trips there.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I have always had wonderful times at the Swan and Dolphin.. I have stayed there as well as the Disney Resorts.. The bottom line is you can have a bad experience at any hotel.. I have had some doozies with Disney as well... We need to keep that in mind..

 

[blanq]

We stayed at the Swan in 12/01, with the government discount rate. Shortly before we left, we became Starwood members (a tip received from these boards). At checkin we received an upgrade (which we did not request). At no time during our trip did we feel as though we were treated differently because we payed only $129/night for our room. We found the staff to be accessible and professional. We had a wonderful trip, and loved the Swan's location and amenities. Is it our favorite place to stay when at Disney?...Nope! The decor is a little garish, if you ask me, and definitely doesn't feel as "Disney" as the Disney-owned properties. But for the price we paid I can't legitimately complain.