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

[Beader7]

Hello:
We are leaving in 12 days for the SWAN. In January, we booked our roon, govt rate. Great deal! We got a SPG card and then got a AMEX Starwood. We got it with the promo of 5,000 free points on first purchase ( anything) and 2,000 first nite, etc. We made our first purchase, and I kept watch on my "points" page looking for the 5,000 points to "magically" appear. We with about 3-4 weeks to go, I emailed Starwood many times, asking out the points. It just seemed like I can getting "canned" answers. Finally, after 5 emails, I was told that those points must come from AMEX. 1-1/2 weeks ago, my husband called AMEX and they told him they were sent to STARWOOD and would show up within the week. So, Saturday, which was 8 days later, we finally call AMEX and my husband was on the phone at LEAST 2 hours with at LEAST 4 different persons. First, they said they NEVER heard of the promo (I did copy it into WORD) so they told me to fax it. I did remember that the Link was on the boards, so I readd it to the lady, who also went to the site, and reluctantly agreed it was ligitimate. (AMEX kept saying it was after a STAY not a PURCHASE. So, she agreed we were entitled to the points, but insisted that it would take 6-8 weeks to post and there is NO WAY they would be posted before our vacation. My husband asked if they was ANY way we could rush this process, since we made the purchase a while back, and they said they could not get it done before we left for our trip. But, they did suggest we PURCHASE something that cost $2,500 because those points would be added immediately!! MY husband went round and round with them to NMO AVAIL!! Yesterday, he called STARWOOD and they said there was nothing they could do. All we are asking for is CL Privilges. The person he spoke with at Starwood was unhelpful and even rude. No help at all whatsoever! So, my husband called SWAN today to just talk to them. Of course, they were nice but they said there was nothing they could do to help us.

I am so disapointed in Starwood. My husband is furious with AMEX and will be ripping the card up after our return. Is this typical? I just can't believe we have run into so many brick walls.

Sandy

 

[ozziewags]

Last spring/summer, several of us ran into the same problem. At the time it was for 4000 points. It took several calls, emails, etc., but finally they posted it. I think there was more than one person calling and driving them crazy, so they gave in. I am not sure why this happens, but it helps to save the email and the promo. We were told the same things.....first it was AMEX, then it was Starwood, passing the buck. It is very frustrating. Have you checked the Starwood thread? I think this was brought up in that thread too and you could 'team up' with some others who are having the same problem.

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by Beader7
Hello:
We are leaving in 12 days for the SWAN. In January, we booked our roon, govt rate. Great deal! We got a SPG card and then got a AMEX Starwood. We got it with the promo of 5,000 free points on first purchase ( anything) and 2,000 first nite, etc. We made our first purchase, and I kept watch on my "points" page looking for the 5,000 points to "magically" appear. We with about 3-4 weeks to go, I emailed Starwood many times, asking out the points...

I feel your pain. I too am fighting this battle. It's sad to have to devote so much time and energy to get something that we were promised. I'm with a fellow poster on these boards...I feel like cancelling the card! Step back from the ledge and DO NOT buy anything that costs $2500 (what an ABSURD suggestion!). They don't deserve your business!

 

[jgates]

My sympathies - hopefully you will get it straightened out. Reminds me of the pain I went thru with AT&T to get my 5000 Marriott points! No one knew what was going on.

Thank you Heather for the beautiful photos (and the rest of you!) My countdown clock is not quite moving fast enough..........

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Beader7

But, they did suggest we PURCHASE something that cost $2,500 because those points would be added immediately!! .

Okay, Sandy. go to COSTCO (or someplace similar). Buy something for $2500.00 or more. Do not open it. Go on your trip...use the points and have a LOVELY time. When you return home, return the unopened unused item to the store. This MAY teach them a lesson. ESPECIALLY, since a REP. suggested this to you! LOL. There would be nothing they could do then...the points would already be USED!! Not a bad idea..... , considering the mess & stress they are putting you through. Good Luck.

 

[olena]

I have more pictures. They're just not Swan/Dolphin related. I've certainly enjoyed the other pics, too. I just love photographing things....especially Disney and my flowers...

 

[Mouseteacher]

One more clarification on pictures. My brother gave me the CD Rom with the pictures from our trip. The pictures are HUGE! Should I put them in My Pictures and try to figure out how to reduce the size or can that be done on imagestation? Thanks.

 

[ozziewags]

Mouseteacher........no problem. When you get them in My Pictures, double click on the picture. It will come up in microsoft photo editor. You can then either go to Edit and select all and you will get a running line around the picture.......place your cursor in the corner and then you can drag it inwards to make your picture smaller OR you can go to the drop down box that has the size of the pic in it (100%) and then just select the size (maybe 50%) that you want. Be sure to save it or it won't come up that size!
If you don't have microsoft photo editor, you will probably have something similar. Needless to say, I spend way too much time playing on the puter!

 

[ozziewags]

Mouseteacher........no problem. When you get them in My Pictures, double click on the picture. It will come up in microsoft photo editor. You can then either go to Edit and select all and you will get a running line around the picture.......place your cursor in the corner and then you can drag it inwards to make your picture smaller OR you can go to the drop down box that has the size of the pic in it (100%) and then just select the size (maybe 50%) that you want. Be sure to save it or it won't come up that size!
If you don't have microsoft photo editor, you will probably have something similar. Needless to say, I spend way too much time playing on the puter!

Dreamflight.....I love your suggestion! Go for it you guys!

 

[mom23guys2]

We're staying at the Dolphin in 20 days. Last year when we were at the Swan we purchased the refillable mugs. Are they still the same as last year? The ones I have are more like a tall insulated glass shape(no handle)There are pictures of the Swan and Dolphin on the outside. Thanks in advance.

 

[Beader7]

Thanks for the encouragement eveyone! Yesterday afternoon, my husband called STARWOOD again. He spoke with someone that was helpful.(she also has a heavy accent) He asked her name so he could call her back later, and she said she was getting ready to go home because it was very late. He asked her where she was? And she told him IRELAND!!! She said when you call off-hours you get transfered to other places in the WORLD that were open. Interesting, huh? Anyway, she suggested my husband call and PLEAD with AMEX to get the points transfered as soon as possible.(like within the week) Maybe it will work. I KNOW he is getting really frustrated. I would love to do the COSTCO idea, but DH would never go for that. So we will see what today brings. Thanks everyone.

Sandy

 

[jaygatz]

Beader7,

could you refresh me on what points you are trying to have applied? If it is the bonus points, I received mine (at least part of them) this a.m. and my first use of the card was approx. 5 weeks ago. I tell you this to offer it as ammo in destroying AMEX's assertion that it takes 6-8 weeks to apply the bonus points. Also, the offer stated that if you applied for the card between 1/31/03 and 2/28/03, you would earn 5000 pts. for your first use, and an additional 2000 pts. on your first qualifying stay at a participating Starwood property...Bonuses may credit up to six weeks after qualifying purchase. Thus, per Amex's offer, the points should be credited within six weeks of your initial purchase. I hope this helps



Now, an upgrade question

Though I have asked before, I am quite obtuse and haven't quite understood the answer to this question Does anyone know what the 1500 point/night upgrade will net? Does it depend on the original room booked? Does it guarantee club? If anyone could give an example of a past upgrade, I would be much obliged

Thanks

 

[Beader7]

Yes! That is exactly the promotion we used! We are waiting for the 5,000 bonus points after 1st purchase. The purchase was made over 5 weeks ago, and the bill has come in, and gotten paid already. Did you have to call frequently, or do you remember the person you talked to at AMEX?? Did you have a hard time getting the points Those people at AMEX dont even seem to KNOW about this promotion. As you can see, our timer is dwindling down rapidly!!! Thanks for the help!

Sandy

 

[jaygatz]

Sandy,

When initially dealing with a possible problem such as the application of these points, I always begin with an email or two as that provides a paper trail that can be used to verify the response of the party to whom I am speaking. Anyway, I would suggest you contact the customer service at AMEX via the AMEX website. Inform them of your problem, state the terms of the offer under which you received your card, and ask for a guarantee that they intend on applying the points prior to the expiration of the six week window for the points' application. They will respond today, if you get the message out this morning. I think this will take care of your problem. If it doesn't, then were I you, I would call the SPG gold number and attempt to have them help you. I hope this works for you! PS--have you checked to see if the points were applied this morning?

 

[RobMax]

I saw all the low counters and just had to post to see mine again!!!! S & D here I come!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by mom23guys2
We're staying at the Dolphin in 20 days. Last year when we were at the Swan we purchased the refillable mugs. Are they still the same as last year? The ones I have are more like a tall insulated glass shape(no handle)There are pictures of the Swan and Dolphin on the outside. Thanks in advance.

YES.. they are the SAME mugs!

Beader7...Sorry DH won't go for the Costco Idea. Since they are taking up so much of your time and energy...I would demand some EXTRA POINTS be added to my account for all the trouble you have incurred! Jay is indeed correct about AMEX C.S. PLEASE, email them asap. They will get this done for you as soon as possible. I too, prefer the email method. Good Luck!

 

[jillz]

Hi
You guys are so generous and unselfish with your info, i have really enjoyed reading all about the s/d on these boards..dreamflight, i am sorry, however for your very shaky experience and lack of magic...lol...
Anyway, my trip is planned for the 20-28 of April with dd 13....so far i have only been able to secure the first six nites at the dolphin, they keep telling me 26th and 27th are sold out...in your experience ..do you think i should wait until i get there and hope that something opens up..if not i could probably get something at one of the disney resorts....or...do you thnk i should book something else before i leave home...
also we have a water view room...any chance of getting a balcony. I have also read differing opinions about the resort fee being waived...what are your opinions??
My daughter and i cant wait
thanks so much for your advice!

 

[Emme]

Beader7 (Sandy) I hope everything works out to your advantage!!
We will be at the Swan the exact same time as you! Maybe we will see you there, wear your lime green ribbon and wave to the lady with the long curly hair, the brown haired man with the mustache and the 14 year old blond haired surfer looking guy!

Blessings,
Emmy

 

[BettyCv]

JillZ,

When I went to the Dreams Unlimited site and entered the evenings of the 26th and 27th, it came up as available for $204/night (standard view).

BettyC

 

[Beader7]

Emmy- thanks for your kind thoughts. I sent a PLEADing note to AMEX last nite, so we will see what they say!!! I will look for you!! I have dark hair and my husband brown hair. We are taking our 14 and 16 year old daughters. Tall blond and short brunette, both long hair. I am so looking forward to this trip!!!! Are you on the CL??? We are really, really trying!!!

Sandy