NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!

[Muffy]

Ozziewags,
Have a great trip and thanks again for the tip on getting a jr. suite! I will be thinking about you at the Hrd Rock Hotel! I know your children will love it!

I just got a call from SPG in Orlando asking me if DH and I would like to take a 90 min timeshare tour during our visit. They will give us 10,000 spg points and 50% off a 5 night stay at any starwood resort. I am tempted and wonder if anyone is familar with this offer?

Hope everyone is ready for Christmas! We are very excited here at our house! Can't wait!

Muffy

 

[msim]

I currently have the Swan club level reserved as I heard it had better food offerings than the Dolphin. However, I will also have a pre-teen in tow. Any recommendations as to which one I should go with? Thanks!

 

[tjmw2727]

I much prefer the Dolphin club over the Swan and in either case - other than breakfast the offerings are meager, just a snack and a place to realax other than the room for a while. In fact our last stay at the Swan (5/02) if you arrived even 1/2 hour after the evening opening they had a nice tray with just some crackers left - no cheese or meat and they often did not have a hot offering. We found that the Dolphin's breakfast had much more selection and although they didn't offer the afternoon snacks the evening was nicer - just cold munchies but plenty and great staff JMHO. The only thing we liked about the Swan club was Mama T in the AM - my girls couldn't wait to see her.
TJ

 

[lovingthemouse]

Even with all our holiday happenings, just couldn't let our posts go back beyond the first page. To all of you at the Swan/Dolphin for the holidays, please enjoy a magical stay. And to all our other posters, please enjoy the peace and happiness that the season may bring. Caroline

 

[Muffy]

Thanks Caroline! Just wonderinf if anyone else has been offered 10,000 points for sheraton timeshare presentation in Orlando (90 min). Got the phone call and I'm wondering if this is on the up and up? The man said he was from Starwood?

Muffy

 

[dreamflight99]

Just a quick post to check-in, and say HELLO! I'm sitting near the window of my 11th floor parkview suite at the 98 YO Westin St. Francisin San Francisco. They have completed the more than Year-long renovation of UNION SQUARE, it looks wonderful. We arrived here last Thursday afternoon...and it "flurried" light snow that eve (MAGICAL). We leave Tuesday. It is absolutely beautiful here, and feels like home (we've been sojourning annually here for the past 15 years...in the same suite). It's like Manhatten of the West, especially the skyline.

We went to the pier (39), enjoyed the sights and sounds...gazed at the California Sea Lions all over the docks, ate the chowder in the boudin sourdough bread bowl, and shopped the stores. We have shopped all over U. Square too (Disney Store, Saks, Needless Markups, Macy's, Fao's, Levi's, Nike town, Tiffany's, etc.).

We also traveled to Stanford to peruse the campus w/DD. She is very interested in this school as one of her choices for college. She (likewise...us) was quite impressed with the campus, professors and students and academic offerings. She even bought a teddy w/Stanford tee, banner and key chain! It was a memorable afternoon. We are also going to cruise Berkeley...but she refers to this school as "bezerkley"! Guess she picked this up from friends.

We are having a great time...and LOVE the Heavenly beds. They brought up some more pillows, all feather. Also, the waffle weave robes are very cozy. We received some chocolates and fresh fruit upon arrival, along with a bonus of 500 pts. I can use this, as the parking fee here ($39 per eve) will cost me a fortune alone! LOL!
Tonight, we are dining atop Macy's on the balcony overlooking the square. It's truly magical in the twilight. We are heading out to Ghirardelli square to waft the chocolate-infused breeze, and tour the factory. Then, more SHOPPING! TTFN...Happy Holidays to ALL!

 

[NancyIL]

I've REALLY been out of the loop for some time! Lisa - I'm glad you are having a wonderful time in SF with your family. The St. Francis sounds heavenly indeed!

I thoroughly enjoyed my 7-night stay at the Swan during DIS-CON. The heavenly beds in the newly renovated rooms were FANTASTIC! They reminded me very much of the beds at the W Hotel in Chicago - as someone mentioned on another thread.

I have NO clue when I'll return to WDW again...but I bought an annual pass that started Dec. 1st! I hope to be able to visit WDW next year at the same time...the week after Thanksgiving. Most likely, I'll return to the Swan/Dolphin.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Muffy- now that Sheraton owns the Vistana, it is a real possibility. The Starwood ofice is right on the grounds of the Vistana resort too. Wow, if that is the case, do let us know.
DF - it sounds heavenly there!!!
Caroline

 

[adisneyfan2]

I too got a call trying to set up a 90-minute appt to "check out" the new Vistana facilities. I was told we would be picked up by town car for a 15-minute drive to Vistana, get an hour-long tour (while the kids are entertained by child-care professionals) then returned by town car to our hotel. For doing this, we would get 10,000 bonus points plus a 50% off 5-nights coupon good for the next year at any Starwood hotel in the world. It is by appt only, and they only offer four set morning tours from 7:20am (?) to 12:30 pm. I tried to wangle an afternoon time (when little ones would be napping anyway) but no luck. Also, BOTH DH & I have to go. (Hence the child care -- no excuses!)

Also, the guy who called me ("Bob") said he checked into moving us to a 2 BR/2 Ba 1500sq ft apartment for $139/night but they were booked. (I don't think I would consider it for $39/night, but that's me -- I like being right on property.)

Anyway, that's the scoop. I didn't want to try to set up anything firm right then, bc I didn't have my PSs handy, etc. He gave me a number & extension to call back to schedule, but I'm not sure if I'll go. I hate to give up prime kid-time, even for 10,000 points!

Hope this helps!

PS. DF99 - SF is one of our FAV places (next to WDW of course!) We hope to go again next summer. I love to eat carry-out on the steps behind the shops on Pier 39 across from the sea lions....(sigh)

 

[pbhunt]

SF is indeed magical this time of year, although I don't think they got much in the way of snow. We did get a dusting Thursday night here in the East Bay Hills. the Westin St. Francis is lovely and Union Square has been transformed. We are admiring our WDW ornaments on the tree and planning our next trip. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

 

[Muffy]

Thanks a disneyfan2, for your info on the Vistana 90 min tour. I think DH and I will do the 7:20 tour. After all, who can turn down 10,000 starpoints! Have fun planning your trip!

 

[Meeko1]

Happy Holidays Everyone! We will be arriving at the Swan on Xmas Day and I have a couple of questions. We are SPG and would like an upgrade if possible. What is the best way to go about doing this and what would be the best room with a view. Last time we had the view with the launch going over to MGM and EPCOT. We loved it! Is there anything better? Next question. Since it is Xmas, I would like to order wine or champagne for me and hubby after the kids go to sleep, can I order this from room service and is there anywhere on this website to look at a room service menu? Thanks for all your help!

 

[Muffy]

Meeko1,
Call the Swan with your request before you leave for best result. Ask for a renovated room as the heavenly beds sound amazing! Also ask for a view. 1 407 934 4000

Muffy

 

[Mouseteacher]

I have been away from my usual haunt here at the Swan/Dolphin thread due to a lot of holiday entertaining with more to come.

DF99 ~ your SF stay sounds heavenly and what a holiday treat. Our oldest is a sophmore in college and it wasn't easy two years ago with the thoughts of him going away - and our youngest will be on the same road next year.

Muffy ~ we got the same call in August before our trip. I chose not to do it because I didn't want to give up precious Disney time since we were there for only 6 days. 10,000 points is hard to turn down!

I wish all of you peace in this holiday season and good health and prosperity in the new year. I really enjoy all of you on this S/D thread - my discovery of this Board last July and all the help you gave in planning our Dolphin stay is a gift indeed. Thank You!

Now, I must begin preparing for our Christmas Eve dinner with in-laws and then my family on Christmas day. We've called our house "party central"!

Oh... the Boston suburbs are bracing for a snow storm (6+ inches)! Just to make our spirits bright!!

 

[RAV]

From our house to yours... Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!

 

[Muffy]

Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[dreamflight99]

"HAPPY, HAPPY HOLIDAYS~MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS...to ALL" and a cup of GOOD CHEER!

We have enjoyed a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON...beginning with the trip to MGM Grand, the LAKE ARROWHEAD RESORT...topping it all off with the St. Francis Westin Parkview Suite on the 11th floor overlooking the festively decorated Union Square!

YES...SF did enjoy a light DUSTING of SNOW on the 19th (eve), and remained cool & rainy for the rest of the weekend. Very WINTER-ISH for us on the WC.

The St. Francis is absolutely one of my FAVS of all the SW properties. We shopped, and shopped, and shopped some more. The associates (men) in SAKS were SSSsssssssoooooo Snooty, We were laughing with TEARS in our EYES. I asked about some of the Estee Lauder Compacts with the powders and parfums in them. When he handed me one, I opened it and touched the parfum (no paper over it, and a couple of deep fingernail impressions already in it) to sample it upon a pulse point. He "gasped" loudly and stated..."you're not TRYING it...are YOU? Oh no...my LORD! It's $150.00 for that!" After privately laughing amongst the trio of us (DD & DH) I summoned a manager. He curtly reprimanded the associate for his ill behavior, and carefully wrapped a NEW compact for my purchase! It was certainly funny...so pretentious, and PHONY. LOL! Part of the FLAVOR of the CITY!

adisneyfan2...(PS. DF99 - SF is one of our FAV places (next to WDW of course!) We hope to go again next summer. I love to eat carry-out on the steps behind the shops on Pier 39 across from the sea lions....(sigh)~YES...we too enjoy this! We had some bowls of chowder in the boudin bread, and also some Dungeness crab...fresh-steamed. We also brought some back (HOT) to the suite with fresh melted butter...and enjoyed it while watching Survivor! So much fun together!

We love the newly renovated Union Square, the benches all have metal armrests separating the seats, to prevent the homeless from lounging and sleeping. There is security present in the late eves, to also discourage the homeless, street cons and thieves from pestering the visitors. They still seem pretty aggressive with the "street sheet" campaign (sales), and also indemnified about their needs for your $$$! I just walk past...and say NO. I do give $$ to the bell-ringers (red bucket brigade!), and the street performers (silver & gold man, soldiers, bagpipe player...sax, etc.). They are not panhandling...they are actually "working" to provide some enjoyment. We always enjoy sitting atop Macy's on the patio of the Cheesecake factory and dining in the eve. We sit together and take-in the skyline, the square and the St. Francis from the 8th floor open piatza. We enjoyed every moment, and look forward to returning next December.

I wish ALL of you a MERRY CHRISTMAS, and a memorable time with all your loved ones. Enjoy this blessed day, find delight in the smallest of pleasures. You are each "special" to me, and I am thankful to be connected to you though the magic of this medium we all share. TTFN.....DF99

 

[jgates]

$150?????? ACK!!!!!!!! Oh, well........ I wouldn't even dare walk into the store!

Maybe tomorrow after I win $280 million in the Powerball jackpot tonite!!! That's my goal for this evening.

Watched the Christmas Parade this morning on ABC (over half of it anyway.....) and my heart just ached. I wanted so badly to be there too. We had a nice Christmas here though. My ds is home from Mad-town till mid-January. He and his sister are already fighting off and on of course.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by jgates
$150?????? ACK!!!!!!!! Oh, well........ I wouldn't even dare walk into the store!

It's a "special" little Christmas gift to moi-self! It was in a beautifully sculpted figure, created by an artist for Estee. I have a few of these collectible compacts. This one has a solid parfum cream "beautiful" inside. It is so lovely, and one I'll cherish along with the humorous memories of the sales associate! We also perused Tiffany's (they were overly gracious and accomodating), and Needless Markups too (Neiman Marcus), where we bought a few items also. Only SAKS had the obnoxious clerks. It's kind of a hit/miss thing with them. The NY stores are my fav....the West Coast, I can take/leave!

BTW...I'm winning the POWER BALL Lotto!

 

[dreamflight99]

...but I'm still having a wonderful Christmas! I hope all of you are doing the same. How long are you going to leave your Tree & decorations up in your homes/yards? Some of you are leaving for the Swan/Dolphin/WDW and must be going crazy putting everything away asap! I'm leaving mine up for an EXTRA week after new years day, to make up for the shorter Holiday Season this year (6-days less than last year, between T-giving & Christmas!).

P.S.~Please tell me more about the Vistana Time share. I would LOVE to take the tour for the 10,000 pts! That's a lot of pts. for a quick hop & skip in the town car. I've heard it's pretty low-pressure, and a beautiful place too. Please, give me a phone # to call, if possible. Thanks.