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

[pewing]

Help...I think I lost my King Corner Room

I had:
Beds: 1 King
Room Features: Deluxe Non-Smoking Rm, Step Out Balcony, Resort View With Balcony, Armoire/Tv/Stocked Minibar, , Whimsical Themed Room With Private Balcony Offering A View Of Resort Area And Crescent Lake.

Now it reads:
Beds: 2 Double Beds
Room Features: Traditional Non-Smoking, Resort View, Armoire/Tv/Stocked Minibar, Down/Feather Pillows, Movies/Games/Video Check Out, Whimsical Themed Room Offering View Of Resort Area And Crescent Lake.


I printed the previous ressie. Advice? Tears are brimming....

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by pewing
Help...I think I lost my King Corner Room

I had:
Beds: 1 King
Room Features: Deluxe Non-Smoking Rm, Step Out Balcony, Resort View With Balcony, Armoire/Tv/Stocked Minibar, , Whimsical Themed Room With Private Balcony Offering A View Of Resort Area And Crescent Lake.

Now it reads:
Beds: 2 Double Beds
Room Features: Traditional Non-Smoking, Resort View, Armoire/Tv/Stocked Minibar, Down/Feather Pillows, Movies/Games/Video Check Out, Whimsical Themed Room Offering View Of Resort Area And Crescent Lake.


I printed the previous ressie. Advice? Tears are brimming....

FIRST RULE of THUMB..."no panicking permitted"! You may either:

A. Call the resort directly and explain the "mix-up" and change to your ressies (which you had your HEART & SOUL set upon). Please, let them know you are aware of the TYPE of original room reservation: CORNER KING WITH TURRET. Insist (nicely) they change the room BACK to the original accomodation.

OR:

B. BRING the COPY of the original with you upon check-in. Hand it to the Front Desk associate, (keeping ANOTHER Copy in your purse...just in case this one MYSTERIOUSLY disappears too), and say: "I'm all ready to check into our CORNER KING ROOM with the ROMANTIC & PRIVATE TURRET BALCONY! I'm SURE this will be VERY HARD to DENY~!!

You were VERY SMART to Print the original ressie. Do not worry, I'm sure they will HONOR the original reservation! This happens, as someone goes into your ressie...moves you, to accomodate another person, thinking you either won't notice OR care. WELL...YOU DO!! So, let them know. I would let them know AS SOON as POSSIBLE. Please, let me know what happens, and if you need ANY further assistance with this matter.

 

[happytrails2u]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
FIRST RULE of THUMB..."no panicking permitted"! You may either:
Call the resort directly and explain the "mix-up" and change to your ressies (which you had your HEART & SOUL set upon). Please, let them know you are aware of the TYPE of original room reservation: CORNER KING WITH TURRET. Insist (nicely) they change the room BACK to the original accomodation.

Yes, Pewing, take a deep breath, no panicking and hopefully there's a quick fix right around the corner. Sound advice DF. Please call the Dolphin right away. If this is the room-type you reserved, this is the room type you WILL get. Persistance is a factor here, as often, the reservation associates and/or managers will move reservations/bookings around in order to accomodate other guests - VIPs, repeat customers, et al. They will place blocks, sometimes numerous blocks on rooms with explicit instructions NOT to move this guest from THIS room, at the risk of life and limb. As a result of this process, your room "may" have been reassigned. You won't know until you call. Of course, they might not explain to you why this happened.

Your position, of course, is that you are just as important a guest with long-term, repeat business potential and you expect that this "slip" will be rectified today. Also, if you are a Gold or Platinum preferred customer, make them aware of this. You could easily take your business elsewhere, but much prefer the Dolphin and have saved for and anticipated this vacation all year! Rest assured that the Dolphin/Starwood does not want their prospective customers on the brink of tears. You might consider speaking directly with the manager about this to ensure the type and location of the room you reserved (AND ORIGINALLY CONFIRMED) will be held for you and your party.

Best of luck and please let us know how you fare.

The Angels of justice are with you!!!

 

[jaw62901]

I have never stayed at Swan, but after reading the post about the room change I am a little nervous. Is this something that typically happens. Since I made the reservation over the phone for My dec 26 to Jan 3, all I have, is the confirmation letter that the lady faxed me showing the dates, accommodation and daily room rate.

Are you telling me that it might be possible that when I check in that I wont get the Club level King room that I reserved. This is the reason that I made the reservation here in the first place, to have this type of room.

Please let me know if I really have something to worry about, or is it just my nerves getting the best of me.

Thanks

Jason

 

[RAV]

I too believe that you should not panic about the change on your reservation. You have received sound advise regarding the handling of this situation. As for anyone else wondering if they have made a mistake choosing the Swan or Dolphin, it is important to remember that problems may arise at any hotel, but it is the manner in which they are corrected that makes all the difference.

Just prior to our last stay at the Swan (17 days) I became troubled by a few posts regarding housekeeping. I worried about something we never encountered. We had a lovely room with a great view on the club level. Never once did we have an issue with housekeeping.

My advice is to relax and enjoy the planning and anticipation leading to your trip.

 

[jaygatz]

Are you telling me that it might be possible that when I check in that I wont get the Club level King room that I reserved. This is the reason that I made the reservation here in the first place, to have this type of room

Jason, don't worry. If you pay for a certain level of accomodation, and have it confirmed, you're fine. Pewing received an upgrade to her room a few days back, that is, I think that I remember her posting that she saw on the SPG site that her reservation changed from one type to the corner king, and now it seems that it has changed back.


Pewing,
I believe that you have a very good argument for getting your room changed back to what was shown online, if you have it in writing. If the staff attempts to say that the report online is not binding, perhaps one could remind them that by placing it online in a forum where you would reasonably be expected to see it, they induced you to rely on their information to your detriment...perhaps they'll know something of estoppel, though I doubt it
good luck.

Also, to any that need a copy of the Starwood points offer, I received a hardcopy from AMEX yesterday and would be happy to share.

Cheers

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by jaw62901
I have never stayed at Swan, but after reading the post about the room change I am a little nervous. Is this something that typically happens. Since I made the reservation over the phone for My dec 26 to Jan 3, all I have, is the confirmation letter that the lady faxed me showing the dates, accommodation and daily room rate.

Are you telling me that it might be possible that when I check in that I wont get the Club level King room that I reserved. This is the reason that I made the reservation here in the first place, to have this type of room.

Please let me know if I really have something to worry about, or is it just my nerves getting the best of me.

Thanks

Jason

NOT A CHANCE, JASON! Just as Jaygatz wrote: When you "specifically" RESERVE a certain type of accomodation~it's guaranteed. In the case of "Pewing", this was a Complimentary upgrade request. In this Instance, the original RESERVATION was undoubtedly reviewed, and then "modified" by whomever was searching for a CORNER KING/TURRET for the dates needed (Which happen to cross-0ver/coincide w/Pewings). The most important factor here is:
PEWING IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS! Most persons NEVER check the profile of their room reservation, or even care. SO...Pewing has the UPPER HAND in this case. And, as HappyTrails posted...can DEFINITELY have this reservation RESTORED to the original specifications. Pewing ALSO has "PROOF" (copy), which is the BEST thing you can ever obtain in these cases.

I would also STRONGLY suggest Pewing STRESS the "ROOM BLOCK" scenario described by HappyTrails. We always insist upon this method...even at the Portofino, Peabody, Vero Beach, etc. We have them BLOCK our desired room, and paste NOTES (in the computer system) all over the reservation, ie: "DO NOT MOVE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE!", Etc. Remember..."To thine own self be true." You Fully DESERVE the CORNER KING w/TURRET...and by Golly, YOU BETTER receive this for the duration of your stay! Keep in touch.

HappyTrails...sent you someone needing info on the A. Westin (did they PM you?). Also, had to LOL about the Turret Balcony bit on the "shocking" post now defunct/closed. Truly conjures up some images...and gives new meaning to the words: "PRIVATE BALCONY" ROTFL! Definitely....NEVER IN KANSAS!

JAY...SI, OUI....YES! I would like a copy of the Starwood points offer. Thanks for the generous offer to "share". This thread certainly has some wonderful folks!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Ahh, back from my girls overnight trip to W. Hyannisport! Good times, good friends and good meals! The weather was cold and rainy but we had fun any way!

pewing ~ I agree with all that you should have no problem with your ressie since you printed out the King Room ressie. I did the same thing when I saw my comp upgrade to Club Level on the spg site. I quickly printed the page and clutched it tightly as we checked in - my insurance policy so to speak! We had no problem at check in. I do agree that you should call directly and explain so that on the spg site the ressie description will revert back to what you have.

I found the Dolphin staff very accomodating and I'm sure all will be fine for you, too.

DF ~ oops, sorry didn't see your parents but Happy Birthday to your mom. We weren't too far from the compound staying at a friend's home near Craigville Beach. The beach was gray and dreary due to the rainy weather - certainly nothing like the sunny beach area at the S/D.

 

[jaygatz]

ok, i can't figure out how to post the scan of the letter, so if you want a copy, send me your email in a pm

 

[happytrails2u]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
HappyTrails...sent you someone needing info on the A. Westin (did they PM you?). Also, had to LOL about the Turret Balcony bit on the "shocking" post now defunct/closed. Truly conjures up some images...and gives new meaning to the words: "PRIVATE BALCONY" ROTFL! Definitely....NEVER IN KANSAS!

Hiya Dreamflight, I did receive the pm and was happy to assist a fellow SPG sojourner!

We were in S. A. last June and stayed at the Westin Riverwalk, though I did drive up to La Cantera on a scouting mission for Jen who was also planning a trip there. (Jen, Jen, where for art thou JEN)? We haven't talked about TASTYKAKES in quite some time

Haha, the "Schocking" thread indeed...sounds like we'll all have to be extra cautious on the turret this year - as big brother (and sister) may be watching!

 

[BCVNovember]

Can anyone tell me if the "Entertainment Club" listed on the dropdown for discounts on the DreamsRES reservation form on the the DreamsUnlimited website is the same thing as the "Entertainment Book" with the discount coupons?

Thanks!!

 

[Trekker]

3

 

[dreamflight99]

Howdy, Happytrails! Thanks for the assistance with a fellow DISer. I fondly recall the GORGEOUS photos of the Westin Riverwalk in S. A., and the great times you experienced there.

Haven't heard from JEN & the felines in ages. Have you had any luck with her email? I'll try again later. Did you mention, TASTYKAKES?!?

Just remember the WDW mantra....WWMD? (WHAT WOULD MICKEY DO?)

Jay...sent you a PM w/my email.

BCVNovember...I'm not so sure about the ENT.CLUB vs. ENT. BOOK. Anyone else know anything about this?

TREKKER!!! T-MINUS "3" and COUNTING!!

 

[pewing]

Keep your fingers crossed for me! By the time I got home tonight...reservations were closed. I am going to call in the morning. I do have my copy of the reservation. I printed it b/c of more great advice from these boards! That may save me

To clarify...this was, as stated, a complimentary upgrade. I'm sure if I had actually booked this room...it would still be mine. Part of my feels selfish pouting and fighting for it, but after I saw it under my ressies...my heart has been set and I have been sooooo excited. I do hope I will be able to resolve it tomorrow.

I know I will have a wonderful time...whatever room I am in Thanks as always for all the priceless advice...and encouragement.

Look at my counter!!!!

 

[ozziewags]

pewing........here's some pixie dust coming your way....but I bet if you follow all this advice, you won't need it. You will be in the magic and will handle it tactfully and assertively! Good luck and let us know what happens!

**********************************************************************************************

 

[pewing]

Thanks for the pixie dust ozziewags

 

[gm]

hi all!!

I just got back from the Westin Riverwalk on an Award Stay. WOW!! is what I can say. I was upgraded to riverwalk view by asking and I could see the parade in the river from my balcony.(it is Fiesta time in SA, lots of parades and fun going on there).

The beds are heavenly and oh my!!the bathrooms are heavenly with those double showers and those soaps(okay now I am wishing I was there).

Everybody was so friendly so no wonder they were on the conde nast list for 2002. They do give you great Texas Hospitality.

June -- Dolphin here I come!!!


You all are the greatest bunch!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

pewing ~ let us know before you leave today how you made out. However, that's a great attitude regarding no matter what you will have a wonderful time! Of course, you will be in WDW!!! We felt the same way - if we got a comp upgrade - magical / if we didn't - still magical because we were going to DISNEY WORLD!

gm ~ thanks for compliment - I agree this is a great place to be! The SA Westin sounds heavenly.

 

[ozziewags]

If anyone is heading to Kansas City, we stayed at the Westin for a wedding in January and it was super. We were upgraded to a suite and here is our view(it was Jan. 4) so lots of lights still up.
That is a skating rink under the odd shaped roof.

 

[Mouseteacher]

super pix, ozzie!