So glad to read your post on your Dolphin trip! I am VERY familiar with the location of your room (6029), as we've stayed in 5019 and 6021. These balcony rooms are GREAT! The view, unobstructed, is fabulous. So happy to read you were able to view the illuminations from your balcony/room on one occasion. It is truly something to SEE!
I too, enjoy all the perks of the resort fee, paper/coffee/phone/health club, etc. It's nice to read the paper and keep apprised of the "outside" world. I LOVE the Dolphin Elevators...as these are the FASTEST we have ever enjoyed. They are, as you wrote: "always RIGHT THERE and ever so quick." The "Matisse" paintings inside the elevator walls are very relaxing, and some of my favorite!
The ice machines are located EVERYWHERE on this property, and at every hall. Sure hope you are able to return soon.
TIPPING:
*As for the valet: Industry standard is anywhere from $2-3 (more..if you desire) for Valet p/u. Usually, you do not tip Valet when you Drop-off your vehicle, and it is not expected. This is where most persons seem confused.
*The bellman/Valet at the Swan/Dolphin are two separate departments, therefore...they are quite territorial. (LOL). This is true, as the valet brings the unloaded luggage to the bellman, and they transport it to your room. This is done at MANY fine resorts/properties. Again, you do NOT have to tip Valet while dropping off your vehicle, or merely unloading bags onto a trolly cart, then rolling it through the doors to the Bellman station. I usually give the valet something, (minimum bag handling & extra for vehicle check-in/out) as this procedure occurs when checking in/out. Yet, it is not near the amount the Bellman receives for bringing the bags to our room, unloading them "where" we desire, getting us ice, and answering any/all questions we may have--or packing them neatly onto the cart and escorting us to the vehicle during our exit. The industry standard for this is $1 per bag handled, more if you desire. You should have tipped the bellman approx. $5-6 (you actually could have given Valet $5 and Bellman $5, instead of $10 to the bellman alone) when you checked in. You tipped accordingly during your exit ($6-bellman, $6-Valet), as both handled bags and both assisted you in your departure.
Many persons are confused by the tipping of these service persons. Having had friends/family work in this industry, I'm well aware of what is "expected". Since we enjoy the services of these persons VERY much, I always earmark enough $$ prior to vacationing for such purpose. Sometimes, I exceed the average (if the person exceeds our expectations, etc.). Most of the time, I tip within the industry standard expected. I enjoy tipping for these services, and appreciate the lessons our DD learns from this process.
It is nice of you to ask, and be concerned. I have watched SO many persons just hop into their car, and take off w/o tipping. I'm also aware they use the bell services w/o tipping. I've stood behind them at the airport, and watched as they gave their bags to the baggage handlers...CURBSIDE...w/o tipping. Yet, I'm the kind of person whom tips at the carwash every week, after having my car "handwashed", using my already costly annual VIP card. I'm always amazed at the number of persons whom do NOT tip.
I know these services do not require a "mandatory" gratuity, so many persons do not feel obligated. Expecially, since the resort already charges a FEE for Valet, etc. Yet, if you are going to take advantage of these wonderful conveniences, I would urge each of you to bring along the extra $$, and tip accordingly. Otherwise, there are the other options available...like self-parking, and dragging your own bags to your room.
. Glad to hear I'm not the only one that does this.
