Etiquette for asking for an upgrade?

[msmileyface]

Hi everyone

I'll be arriving at the Swan in less than a week

I was hoping to ask if they have any upgrades available (maybe a nice view?), but I am very timid and I also don't like to be pushy. Is there a certain way to do this? I've heard it's perfectly acceptable, but I've never done this. I don't feel entitled to freebies but I'd certainly like to ask if they have one available!

 

[MommyGina]

I asked only once when we stayed at the Grand Floridian. When we checked in, I asked the CM at the front desk if any upgrades were available. She was nice enough to check. Unfortunately, the GF was sold out and we did not receive an upgrade.

It doesn't hurt to ask. Someone once told me "nothing ventured, nothing gained." Go for it! You may get a great surprise!

 

[Missytara]

You can politely ask if there is an upgrade available.

The person at the front desk will most likely quote you the price of the upgrade and then you can decide if it is worth it to you or not. I would never expect a free upgrade, but it is done from time to time, but mostly for the convenience of the resort.

With Swan and Dolphin being "business-person" type resorts, they are most likely busy a lot of times when conventions or events are there and they may not truly have availability when you go.

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

I politely asked at check in at ASMu on a prior trip if we could be placed near another family we were meeting there and yes, we were upgraded. One family was upgraded to a family suite and we were upgraded to a preferred room nearby. But, it was during a slow period at the resort!

 

[rwdavis2]

We got one without asking. Wilderness Lodge standard view to pool view.

 

[bek]

When you say "upgrade" at the Swan, I'm not sure what you want. Are you wanting a suite rather than a standard room? Or do you just want a particular view?

If you just want a particular view, I'd very politely ask for that view. If you want a different class of room, you can ask if they're available and see what it would cost.

At the Dolphin last October, I didn't want to look out on the rooftops. So I just said nicely, "Does the room have a nice view?" I was happy with a room looking out to the Swan and down on the boat dock.

 

[rcraw45425]

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/index.html

sign up for free, it helps with view upgrades and things like late checkout if available.

 

[LexiC123]

Actually, the odds of receiving an upgraded room are far better at the Swan and Dolphin than they are at a Disney-owned resort.

As a previous poster mentioned, joining the Starwood Preferred Guest program is the first step. If you're a AAA member, even better, because you can link your AAA membership with your SPG membership. Linking the two memberships elevates your SPG membership to "Preferred Guest Plus" status, which entitles you to certain amenities that are not available to the entry level "Preferred Guest", such as upgrades to enhanced rooms at check-in (upon availability) and 4 p.m. late checkout, also upon availability.

Also, as others have mentioned, it never hurts to ask at check-in if there is a room available with a nice view or near to a certain location.

And last, but not least, if you're celebrating something special on your trip - a birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc. - be sure to email the resort at info@swandolpin.com to let them know. They've been wonderfully accommodating to us over the years, and definitely know how to make a stay special.

You're going to love the Swan. Have a great trip!

 

[msmileyface]

When you say "upgrade" at the Swan, I'm not sure what you want. Are you wanting a suite rather than a standard room? Or do you just want a particular view?

If you just want a particular view, I'd very politely ask for that view. If you want a different class of room, you can ask if they're available and see what it would cost.

At the Dolphin last October, I didn't want to look out on the rooftops. So I just said nicely, "Does the room have a nice view?" I was happy with a room looking out to the Swan and down on the boat dock.

Good question- yes, I was just going to ask if they had a nice view. I think they might charge more for those- not sure. Definitely not looking to upgrade to a whole different type of room.

 

[msmileyface]

Actually, the odds of receiving an upgraded room are far better at the Swan and Dolphin than they are at a Disney-owned resort.

As a previous poster mentioned, joining the Starwood Preferred Guest program is the first step. If you're a AAA member, even better, because you can link your AAA membership with your SPG membership. Linking the two memberships elevates your SPG membership to "Preferred Guest Plus" status, which entitles you to certain amenities that are not available to the entry level "Preferred Guest", such as upgrades to enhanced rooms at check-in (upon availability) and 4 p.m. late checkout, also upon availability.

Also, as others have mentioned, it never hurts to ask at check-in if there is a room available with a nice view or near to a certain location.

And last, but not least, if you're celebrating something special on your trip - a birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc. - be sure to email the resort at info@swandolpin.com to let them know. They've been wonderfully accommodating to us over the years, and definitely know how to make a stay special.

You're going to love the Swan. Have a great trip!

Thanks so much for your help. Do you happen to know how to link you AAA to the Starwood #? I couldn't figure this out online.

Thanks!

 

[LexiC123]

Thanks so much for your help. Do you happen to know how to link you AAA to the Starwood #? I couldn't figure this out online.

Thanks!

Just call Starwood at 888-625-4988 and give them your AAA number. It only took them a few minutes to link my accounts.

 

[msmileyface]

Thanks everyone, I successfully linked the accounts- would NEVER have known to do that if it weren't for you guys

 

[Sue M]

Just call Starwood at 888-625-4988 and give them your AAA number. It only took them a few minutes to link my accounts.

Thanks! I never knew that!! Been a Starwood member for years!

 

[chasgoose]

If people have an Amex Platinum, they can link their accounts and get SPG Gold. Also access to the executive emerald aisle @ National (link national and Amex) and at Lowes Portofino Bay (the enemy, i know, but this perk applies to a lot of other resorts) you get free upgrades, $100 dining credit, free breakfast every morning for each adult (in a restaurant or room service), and a guaranteed 11 AM checkin and 4 PM checkout. Not to mention access to DL and AA airport lounges when flying either airline and US lounges no matter what airline you are flying. You also get a $200 (maybe $100) credit to put towards any major airline (I don't think low-fare carriers are included) for any non-airfare costs (think baggage fees or in-flight food/drinks). And every dollar you spend gets you 1 point you can use towards most major airlines, including JetBlue (some you have to go through alliance partners, like using British Airways for American Airlines or Singapore Airlines for US Airways/United, but that's not terribly difficult).

The card does have a somewhat high annual fee (I think like $300) but as you can see, if you travel once or twice a year it's potentially worth it.

 

[Dannek]

AMEX Platinum card currently carries a $450. annual fee.
It might be worth it if you travel by air quite a bit, but if not there are other better values out there. They have been cutting back on membership rewards over the past few years, and only adding a few new ones that don't nearly make up for the ones they cut...