Dolphin Fee Waived or Not?

[Leigh123]

Has anyone been able to get this waived lately? I had to call for something else, and she said it is a mandatory fee and can't be waived.


Thanks

 

[Bill From PA]

My understanding is that if you reserved your room before the rule making this non-waivable came into effect that you can still waive. We reserved last winter for a Nov. stay and I'm going to raise a little hell if they try to stick it to me. I reserved over the phone and was told that at check-in time I could waive it and that's what I intend to do.

Bill From PA

 

[Trekker]

I really have never understood resort fees. If they include a paper and coffee and use of the health club, and they are not waivable, why not be honest and just say the room is $8.00 a day more.

So for example the nurses rate would not be quoted as $129.00 but $138.00 a night.

 

[gm]

I made a ressie yesterday for 14 days and when I made the ressie marie told me that it is MANDATORY and cannot be waived. I told her that as a starwood gold, the paper and health club is included as a benefit and she told me well maybe at other hotels but we are a RESORT. Didnt want to tell her that I have stayed at several other RESORTS and never got charged but I did mention to her that I stay at the Dolphin 2 times a year for a total of 2 weeks each time and maybe they have a record of it since my address is always on file but she did not budge. She said that she can transfer me to keith her manager but when she transfered me it just kept ringing and ringing and I was not going to fight it so I decided that I can take my $2000+ to a Disney resort who just doesnt charge a resort fee. I guess my money is not enough for them. Oh well their loss is disneys gain even though I know it is a minor amount for them.

ps. I cancelled specifically because of the resort fee that is mandatory and cannot be waived and it is so silly that these items are free for starwood gold members. They claim that it is at other hotels and not at resorts but it legally does not state there anywhere on starwood rules and regs. Dont get me wrong, I LOVE THE DOLPHIN and that is why I stay there twice a year 4 weeks a year but I am not going to pay for something that should be included in their program.

 

[cboudre1]

I also made a reservation yesterday at the Dolphin and she said the resort fee could be waived with no problem.

 

[gm]

was it Marie you talked to? Because Marie was the one who specifically told me that it cannot be waived and was your reservation a discounted one like govt or teacher rate? I am thinking maybe if it is discounted than the fee is mandatory and if you pay a higher amount it can be waived and that is what I am trying to figure out maybe. That is sad that they lose customers because of errors like this.

 

[gschmerl]

We were at the Dolphin July 7-12. I went to the desk and asked if the resort fee could be waived. The woman replied, "No problem". Yes, I booked the trip before they made the fee mandatory, but she hadn't even looked up my reservation when she responded. The fee was NOT on our bill.

 

[dreamflight99]

Please, gm,make the ressies and plan as usual. The resort fee CAN be waived upon arrival and check-in. Also, the front desk is MORE in tune with the perks associated with the SPG Gold level status. Just as others have posted, there is NO problem waiving the fee. Sometimes, reservations associates are informed of procedures,etc., which the front desk personnel have the right to override. I have heard the fee can not be waived, but have YET to hear of anyone being stuck with the $8 per day when they specifically requested it be removed. All have had the fee waived, or removed at check-out. My sister requested it be waived at check-in,and continued to receive all benefits for the next two weeks. At check-out, the fee was on her folio. She informed the associate she requested it be "waived", and the associat removed the fee, and remarked it is free for PlatinumSPG members (my DS is PSPG). So...relax and plan your visit.

 

[jwfla422]

I agree with dreamflight99, I know it's quite a discouraging situation when you talk to a CM with "attitude" and they are so far and few between at the S/D.

I've been lucky to not experience this at the S/D but have experienced it with CRO. I'll just say "thank you" hang up and call right back. Obviously the person you spoke to has a real "chip" on her shoulder and probably doesn't really know the rules of Starwood membership.

I urge you to try calling back and asking for a manager directly and explain your situation and especially mention whom you spoke with prior.

 

[gm]

I did call back after your encouraging words and got a wonderful lady by the name of melissa who told me that it could be waived. I am glad to be back there because it is my resort of choice and hopefully it will be waived when I arrive. 2 weeks next month cannot wait. Melissa made a new reservation for me and she was very sweet to talk to also. Maybe I caught Marie at a bad time but that is no excuse.

 

[cboudre1]

I booked with the teacher discount of $129 and they said the fee could be waived. They waived it this past April also with no problem.

 

[Otisp]

We stayed at Dolphin this month as part of a land/sea package and they comped the resort-fee "benefits" (the CM made a point of saying that they were included as part of the package).