Dolphin govt rate: 2 stories, but a great ending!

[allicat1214]

After much review and discussion of the messages on these boards, we decided to book Dolphin for our Feb. 22-27 stay. When I just made the ressies, I got differing information from Dolphin directly and Starwood 800#. I wanted to pass that along.

My husband is a government employee so after seeing one message that suggested we contact Dolphin directly, I did so. I asked about government rate. I was friendly and excited and asked about resort views. I was told that they were more expensive and she would check to see if any were available at govt rate. She said that during my dates the govt rate was available only for the first night at $129 for a standard room, otherwise rest of time is would be $325 for a standard. She said that this was a peak time for them.

After checking out the spg.com info and seeing a different story, I called the spg800# (800-325-3535) and spoke with Fiona (a lovely girl!). She quoted me a rate of $174 for each nite for a double ns with resort view with balcony, and she enrolled me in spg. And I asked if there was anyway she could request a room with an Epcot view and she put that in my ressie!!! (like I said a lovely girl!)

I've read through many threads about the Dolphin/Swan renovations. We're not going until Feb, so maybe we'll luck out and our rooms will be renovated by then. This is not a major requirement for me, though. I really wanted a room with a view of Epcot and a balcony, so hopefully this will work for me. Are there Dolphin rooms with "resort view" that don't overlook Epcot??

Anyway, I just wanted to share with any other gov't employees out there that there's more than one way to get your great rate!

 

[chipscinderelly]

They are a travel agency that is highly recommended here on the DIS and they often have excellent rates at Swan/Dolphin that often are not available via the reservations lines.

Just a suggestion. You can find them at www.dreamsunlimited.com

 

[diskids2]

I'm glad that your story has a happy ending! I got the govt rate too and was quoted $174 for the balcony and a requested resort view. I was able to secure that through the Dolphin directly though. Good to hear that the Starwood number was accomodating.

 

[kda]

Resort view would not necessarily be a view of Epcot. The Swan and Dolphin face each other, so you might be looking at the Swan. There are multiple wings that protrude from the main building, so there's a variety of views.

 

[DVC California]

Hi allicat1214 -

If you can gamble on the "resort view" and would like to save some money, you can book directly at www.starwood.com and reserve a government rate as low as $129.00 per night. With your new starwood prefered number, and writing your request for a resort view upgrade in the comment box, there's a good possibility that may get an upgrade for free.

I plugged in your dates and received the following:

Check-in 03:00 PM Feb 22, 2004
Check-out 11:00 AM Feb 27, 2004

1 Room, 2 Adults Per Room
Non-smoking, No Bed Preference , Government Employee

2 Double Beds Traditional Non-Smoking, Limited View, Free Highspeed Internet Access, Armoire/Tv/Stocked Minibar, Movies/Games/Video Check Out Government Rate-Id Required USD 129.00 Rate details USD 645.00

1 King Traditional Non-Smoking, Safety Bars In Bath, Lowered Door Viewer, Wheelchair Access Bathrm, Raised Toilet W/Grab Bars Government Rate-Id Required
USD 129.00 Rate details USD 645.00

1 King Traditional Non-Smoking, Limited View, Free Highspeed Internet Access, Armoire/Tv/Stocked Minibar, Movies/Games/Video Check Out Government Rate-Id Required
USD 129.00 Rate details USD 645.00

1 King Club Floor Non-Smoking, Continental Brkfst, Free Highspeed Internet Access, Evening Hors D'Oeuvres, Turndown Service Government Rate-Id Required
USD 199.00 Rate details USD 995.00

2 Double Beds Club Floor Non-Smoking, Continental Brkfst, Free Highspeed Internet Access, Evening Hors D'Oeuvres, Turndown Service Government Rate-Id Required
USD 199.00 Rate details USD 995.00

HTH, Steve

 

[Mickey527]

Always call the resort directly and ask about any specials they might be having.
I took an unexpected trip for the 4th of July. I decided on the 1st to go down to FL and called for the nurse rate of $129 per night. I was told that all the nurse rates were gone for that time so I asked if there were any other specials.
I was told that for the 4th they were having a buy 3 nights get one free sale. I told her that their regular rates were out of my range and she said the special was $129 per night. It was just over $100 a night for 4 nights. I booked right away.
I am a Starwood member so I figured I would get upgraded to a nice view, but when I checked in they had upgraded me to CONSIERGE!
We had a blast, never had to buy bfst, or dinner. The hordourves are not enough to make a full meal but we did a big lunch and they were just enough. And those free sodas and water really came in handy.
So now when I call I always will ask what specials they are running because they sometimes are even better than the well known specials. Peggie

 

[allicat1214]

Thanks everyone for your tips!

I still have a while before our trip, but I do plan on contacting Dolphin a week or two before arrival and just remind them of my requests.

I would love to be upgraded to concierge or club level. That would be awesome!

I've read somewhere else on these boards, though, that club level rooms do not have a balcony. So I would hope that I could still get a room with a balcony and view, and the club level privileges. That would be a great surprise!

I didn't want to take the lower rate room and take a chance on not getting an upgrade to a balcony because we'll be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary there (!!!)....but we're taking the kids. So we'll spend some couple time on the balcony at night watching the view!

Thanks again to everyone!

 

[Geoff_M]

Are there Dolphin rooms with "resort view" that don't overlook Epcot??

Yes... the "resort view" rooms that face MGM. We had an MGM "resort view" room in 2002.