Dolphin Concierge

[KIS]

I have a couple of concierge level questions:


1) I was told by SPG that they would allow me to upgrade using my SPG AmerEx points five days prior to our arrival at the Dolphin. I know we are staying while a convention is going on, although I do not know how big that convention will be. Also, we have the teacher discount rate which does not afford us much by way of views and so on.

How likely is it, those of you with experience, that we will get the upgrade? Is it best to get that by SPG over the telephone or in the lobby of the Dolphin? Or what?

2) If we do get the concierge level, it would be helpful given our itinerary for touring, to know what times the club is open for breakfast and what time it closes for breakfast. Similarly, knowing what times are available for the cocktail hour would be helpful.

Also, can guests who qualify for this level take some snacks out of the area? I'm thinking that if the breakfast is too late, then getting a snack the evening before and bringing it back to the room for an early morning energy booster might work.

What sort of food do they have? Do you have to dress a certain way?

In addition, is there any continental, courtesy in the lobby, just in case this does not work out?

Thanks.


KIS

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I've seen some of the answers to you questions posted on here on the new dolphin /swan FAQ's thread. Take a look at it. t least it will answer some of your questions.

 

[ozziewags]

The answer to most of your questions are in glo's thread, the second from the top (S/D FAQ, as stated in the earlier post), but here is some of it:

Club Room info

1) Where are the rooms located? Dolphin 12th and 14th floors//Swan 11th and 12th floors
2) Do these rooms have Park views or balconies?They are either resort view or front of the house views.Some may have partial park views,but very few.There are no direct park views.There are no club level rooms with balconies.
3) When is the food offered? Morning (7-10am), Afternoon (only offered at the Swan) and Evening (5-7pm)
4) What food is offered? Continental breakfast consists of assorted fresh pastries and fruits, cereals, yogurts, and coffee and tea. Afternoon
refreshments consist of fresh fruit, lemonade/iced tea, bottled water, and coffee. Evening Hors d'oeuvres consist of hot hors d'oeuvres, imported cheese/bread, crudites vegetables/dips, free soft drinks,and discounted beer,wine,and champagne.
5) Is concierge available for these rooms or do you use the one downstairs?
Concierge located on the lobby level (3rd floor)
6) What is the difference between these and the concierge rooms? They are one in the same as far as layout/size.
The Dolphin wing offer alcohol in the evenings through room service. The Swan wing offers
cordials in the evening and any other alcholic beverages through room service.
At the Dolphin the 12th floor-Royal Beach Level and had club privileges. The $8 resort fee is waived at the concierge level.
The Concierge level(club rooms) at the Swan and Dolphin have Westin Heavenly Beds, extra nice with great padding and sheets.
The Swan's Executive Suites and the Dolphin's Junior Executive Suites & Executive Suites may or may not have club privledges. The Presidentials, Gov's, or Swan Studios do not.

Sample Menu from Concierge Lounge

Morning services...(7am-10am)
Coffee (reg and decaf) and Bottled Flavorings to add to coffees. A large box of tea selections.Large trays of fresh fruit(pineappple, melons, strawberries, blueberries, bannas & mangos)
Large selection of boxed cereals
Juices, orange,cranberry,pineapple and tomato
Cold water was available on the counter to take to
the parks.
Selection of pastries,muffins, coffee cake and crossiants and jelly.
There was ample food well presented and refilled if it ran low.

Evening (5-7pm)
A fresh veggie/dip, cheese( hard and soft cheeses)and breads every night.
They had a rosemary focchia bread every night that I would have w/ cheese that was absolutely delicious.
Wine and beer were offered at an honor bar.I think it was $2 for each-a real bargain compared to lobby bar.

Late evening.
Coffee/flavorings an teas. Cordials were available for $3.50 a real deal for a full cordial
glass. No cookies or other stuff.

There is not a 'dress code', and there is not a complimentary continental breakfast in the lobby.
As for the upgrade, you can upgrade with points, or you can request a complimentary upgrade 5 days before. You can do this by asking at the front desk, upon arrival, and/or requesting on the S/D website and/or the spg website. Just because there are big conventions does not mean you will not be upgraded, but it is always based on availability.
Hope this helps.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Don't think just because you have the teacher rate you won't get an upgrade. I have booked on the teacher rate and received a complimentary upgrade each time. I am spg as you are. As ozzie said, it depends on availability. On one trip, I politely and humbly asked for an upgrade when checking in and my "wish" for a balcony room was granted.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip.

 

[KIS]

Thank you ozziewags and Mouseteacher! Ozziewags, how kind of you to highlight so much for me and others here.

It's a lot to take in. I am definitely more into the view and the balcony than I am in being on a certain level. I wonder if the club level has bigger rooms or something. Do you know?

The Dolphin concierge/club hours nearly always go against our time schedule for parks. The Swan's afternoon fare might work, but we are staying at the Dolphin and doubt guests can step into the other hotel's club.

Am I to understand that there is a concierge level and a club level? In other words, two different locations for this fare? Or, is there a concierge service in one spot and these fancier rooms in another spot?

I guess I better get all this straight before five days prior so I can make reasonable requests as I aim to take advantage of the SPG points, assuming I am a lucky one.

I'll be looking at glo's thread shortly.

Mouseteacher, I recognize your name from my initial and then routine times on these boards. I hope you are well and I thank you for your help as before.

KIS

 

[ozziewags]

KIS,
You are very welcome. Concierge = Club Level/ same thing.
Better rooms are not necessarily on club level. There are all types of rooms all over. Some with views and balconies. The King rooms might have more room than doubles. There are some rooms in the turret that have two balconies. The Dolphin is quite large and has more to choose from. You are right, it can be overwhelming. If you post on our thread, Dreamflight is the resident expert for the Dolphin and can tell you all about the rooms there. She started our thread ...S/D.(as opposed to Glo's). But Glo's is a good place to start.

 

[KIS]

Thanks again, ozziewags. KIS

 

[KIS]

Dear Ozziewags,

Well, I looked over glo. I then turned to the Dreamflight thread. Wow! I got through about 21 of the pages so far.

I enjoyed looking at the pictures of the views.

My family is definitely a view family. I would say the view would be preferred over a balcony, although having both, if it was a beautiful view, would be a dream come true.

We are staying at the Dolphin. There seemed to be more for a 5 year old girl to do there. We are a husband and wife, teacher and government worker, so even staying on the grounds near two parks seems like a dream.

I did not write too many special requests down because I wanted them to take our main preference seriously.

Ignorant of where the fireworks appear on the horizon, I requested a "fireworks" view.

I noticed other buzz words "east wing", "upgraded view" " "unobstructed view".

I got the lay out of the junior suites, too.

I am not too sure how likely upgrades will be given a big convention there. Moreover, we are going on a lowly teacher discount. Still, we've amassed 17,00 points or was that 17, 000 -- belive it or not, I was shocked when I heard it (we've been using only that card since August). On a recent SPG call, she acknowledged that I had enough points already to request the club level for the entire 8 nights/7 days. Still, she mentioned there was no guarantee. We have a gold card, not a platnum, which only reinforces how we will have to wait and see.

I wonder if my request call 5 days prior to SPG and/or the Dolphin should be more specific. You know, using some of those familiar buzz words on your thread so far.

I'd welcome your input. I'd also welcome seeing more of those pictures. How did you learn to take such pretty pictures?

KIS