Dolphin Hotel; Is it any good?

[vod2117]

Hey everyone. So, as you know prices at Disney are astronomically high between Christmas and New Years. We decided to book Dolphin on Starwood Preferred Guest points. Is the Dolphin any good by comparison to a Disney hotel? Did you find that the service was attentive and served you as well as Disney? Also, if you were a Starwood Preferred Guest Gold or Platinum Member, what benefits did you receive for being on that tiered level?

Thanks in Advance.

 

[Belle83]

I just stayed there and loved it. My one hesitation before staying was that it wasn't run by Disney. I still consider it a Disney hotel, because Disney designed and built it...and you get nearly all of the benefits of staying at Disney-run hotels.

The service was nice. I ran into a staff member in the elevator and she was super friendly, wanting to know how our stay was going. People at front desk were nice, too.

I just joined the SPG but I'm not at a high level or anything. We were upgraded a few times (but it had nothing to do with SPG). When we checked in we were given a resort view for free (it had a view of Hollywood Studios and Tower of Terror). When we asked to be moved to a room with a king bed on our second day, they moved us/upgraded us free of charge.

The dining options are awesome, and you are right in the heart of the Boardwalk area which sure makes you feel like you are staying on Disney property.

What I liked about the Dolphin:

- Much more comfortable beds! Heavenly beds are awesome.
- Starbucks coffee in your room (very appreciated).
- Tropical resort atmosphere.
- More adult-oriented.
- Tons of great dining options.
- Gorgeous pool.
- Location.
- Great views.

What I didn't like:

- Picabu (the quick-service/cafeteria).
- The bathroom area in our first room (standard double beds) was tiny.

I would stay there again, for sure (though I might try the Swan first to try something new).

 

[kdnurse]

We just recently returned from our stay at the Dolphin. We have stayed at the swan before during the New Years holiday. We are SPG platinum members and found the hotel to be very nice. We have been upgraded to suites a couple of times with our stay. They do not provide Club level for platinum members; however the resort fee is waived. Our stay recently was on the 7th floor that was recently renovated it was very nice and large. I would ask for a renovated floor when you book.

 

[pixarmom]

Hello!

Not sure about the Starwood Preferred benefits, because we have not reached the gold or platinum level yet. But we've stayed in several Disney hotels and just spent one night at the Dolphin over Memorial Day weekend before our transfer to AKL.

I thought the Dolphin was an amazing value for the location. I just couldn't believe the $151 rate (through ABA) for Memorial Day weekend. Wow. The rooms were very nice and exceeded my expectations. Upon arrival, we received a complimentary upgrade from standard to resort view. Even though we didn't have a balcony (and we usually always book a room with a balcony) the view of the Friendship boats and the water was really beautiful. The grounds were as well maintained as the Disney resorts. Picabu is one of our favorite resort quick service restaurants and Bluezoo is definitely on our list of favorite signature restaurants.

On the other hand, I could tell the difference between Dolphin and a Disney resort. The staff at the front desk were fine, but it was a different level of enthusiasm than at most Disney resorts. It definitely had a convention feel - from the other guests to the long hallways (we guessed some are necessary for the convention space.) Our pre-schooler loved the playground and the pool was very nice (and huge!) But it was also more packed than I've ever seen stormalong bay in the middle of a summer afternoon, and it had more of a party atmosphere. While there were plenty of kids and families, the guy selling the $5 cocktails from a backpack with a spout was something we don't normally see at Disney resorts!

We're a family of five (our boys are ages pre-school to pre-teen) and we really love the whole Disney atmosphere, so we probably won't stay at the Dolphin again. Things like Magical Express, hidden Mickeys, the Disney theming, Disney refill mugs, etc. are part of the experience for us. But that's not the case for everyone. So I would absolutely recommend the Dolphin to anyone looking for a deluxe resort in a great location at a low price!

 

[disneychic]

The Swan & Dolphin are both really nice! We are DVC members but if we do last minute reservations and there isn't availability we always stay at the Swan or Dolphin. Excellent location, rooms are nice - the pools are great and there are lots of dining choices because you also have the boardwalk restaurants to choose from.