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

[Kenswing]

We will be staying at the Dolphin from 12/5 - 12/15. We have reserved a Resort view w/Balcony room. I have an SPG card. I understand that the Dolphin often upgrades people with an SPG card to a better room. This would mean a Concierge (Club Level) room.
As you can see, we will be there for 10 nights. We have no kids, so, I anticipate plenty of time relaxing at the resort. The reason that I reserved the resort view w/ balcony was because it would afford us the opportunity to sit out on the balcony and read/relax/people watch, and maybe see some evening fireworks. We plan to relax on this trip.
So, finally to my question. If offered, should I take the upgrade to Club Level? I understand that we would save money by eating in the lounge. But my main concern would be the view and the lack of balconies in the Club Level rooms.

Any thoughts?

 

[ozziewags]

That is a good question. I like both rooms, but last fall my dh and I stayed in a 9th floor corner King turret room. Great view and two balconies, windows out two sides. We loved it. You might even get club level privs AND a balcony room if you ask nicely!

 

[FLORIDAFUNFAMILY]

i just got back and did just that 9th floor balcony east wing with club level access, 1000 spg points per night. Awesome view, great stay, Have fun.

 

[dreamflight99]

Kenswing~As many people here have posted, you may access the CL lounge, from a balcony room. I too, prefer the views from the far wings (both east/west), over the CL rooms on the 12-14 floors.

ozziewags~The "Turret" room was the first room we ever stayed in at the Dolphin, (on the 9th floor) and our favorite! The "secret" balcony which permits you to relax under the covered roof and enjoy the fireworks or afternoon rain, is the best!

FLORIDAFUNFAMILY~My preferred view is from the top floor of the far east wing, as you recently enjoyed. CL for the 1000 SPG points is an incredible perk!! Are you planning a return?

 

[Kenswing]

Thanks for the replies everyone...

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning all from a two visit swan loving family. I do have 2 questions that maybe someone can help me with, its about starwood points. We currently have chosen the airline mile option that we get 500 per stay for. If I switch to the points instead will that take a long time to process? Can someone clue me in on if we stay 9 nights what points would we accrue? What is the redemption level etc? My other question is my dh is going to a convention at the swan in december. Part of the convention package is the room. The whole price is paid directly to a company sponsoring the event, so would my husband still get any points for that stay? Thanks so much!!

 

[NancyIL]

Good morning all from a two visit swan loving family. I do have 2 questions that maybe someone can help me with, its about starwood points. We currently have chosen the airline mile option that we get 500 per stay for. If I switch to the points instead will that take a long time to process? Can someone clue me in on if we stay 9 nights what points would we accrue? What is the redemption level etc? My other question is my dh is going to a convention at the swan in december. Part of the convention package is the room. The whole price is paid directly to a company sponsoring the event, so would my husband still get any points for that stay? Thanks so much!!

Entry level Starwood members earn 2 Starwood points per dollar spent, and those points can be exchanged on a 1:1 basis with most major airlines. For 9 nights, you're definitely better off with the points option. If you prefer free nights, those start at 2,000 points per night. You can check all the rewards here: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/starpoints/redeem_landing.html I doubt it would take long to process the change, and it may be possible to do that online by checking your profile at www.spg.com

As for earning Starwood points for convention rates, I don't know the answer.

 

[madge]

We will be staying at the Dolphin from 12/5 - 12/15. We have reserved a Resort view w/Balcony room. I have an SPG card. I understand that the Dolphin often upgrades people with an SPG card to a better room. This would mean a Concierge (Club Level) room.
As you can see, we will be there for 10 nights. We have no kids, so, I anticipate plenty of time relaxing at the resort. The reason that I reserved the resort view w/ balcony was because it would afford us the opportunity to sit out on the balcony and read/relax/people watch, and maybe see some evening fireworks. We plan to relax on this trip.
So, finally to my question. If offered, should I take the upgrade to Club Level? I understand that we would save money by eating in the lounge. But my main concern would be the view and the lack of balconies in the Club Level rooms.

Any thoughts?

I'd ask to keep my balcony and have access to the CL floor. That's what we have always done, with the exception of a trip last year to the Swan. We were actually on the Club Level floor then. My kids wanted a change of pace, LOL

 

[madge]

Scoob~There have been conflicting info on the # of points needed. Some people have been charged 1000 points per night and others 1500. The S/D seems to be a little schizophrenic when it comes to points!

I've always, always, always been charged 1000 points per night, isn't it odd how it's never the same rate twice? LOL....

 

[opal]

I'm trying to book a room on the SPG site for Jan '06. When I hit reserve this room for the room selection I want (non-smoking, 2 queen beds), the next screen, the one where you enter your credit card info, shows the room as "no preference for smoking and type of bed. Does anyone know if I enter my "preferences" in the request area, will I have a problem later on? It is a decent rate, lower than I paid this January, so I would hate to lose it.

 

[FLORIDAFUNFAMILY]

I've had good luck calling starwood or the swan or dolphin directly after booking online to confirm my requests. I think the difference in spg points for the upgrade may be what your upgrading from. I was charged 1000 going from resort view to club/balcony 1500 maybe from standard??? They only offer if they have it available . You can also take advantage of the best rate guarantee
if you can find a better rate anywhere else online. I found the dreams unlimited upgrade special qualified and got $143.10 for a special for the resort view. I also found a voucher online from someone who could no longer use it for $300.00 for a resort view for 3 days/2nights I booked late april during peak season so the discount if substantial. Hoping to get the upgrade offered then as well it's dd second birthday and we want it to be special as our last stay. I hope no one else is going to ask for the top floor east wing during that time from my reports here as I'm hoping to get it again myself. I would do an add-on to our dvc stay in 7/3 to 7/8 but they are booked solid the saturday before and after and I got a pin code for the contemporary for $144 that I've already booked . Hoping to get an upgrade there but they don't take spg points so I'll just have to hope

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Hi all, can someone please help me. I know maybe I am crazy, but I am trying to figure out what to do, dh called swan and they gave him 3 non consercutive govt. disct. days for our trip, dreams unlimited only showed 2 of those days and I think the website for westin offered a lower rate than what was quoted to my dh or on the du website. I dont know if that has to do with the resort fee or not, but has anyone split a reservation, for example called directly to get the govt. disc. and then made a web site reservation for the remaining/split days. Also does anyone know if you can get starwood points for the convention rate, when you are not paying for the room yourself and it is included in your convention package from an outside source. (the co. sponsoring the convention). Thanks so much.

 

[famcruisefun]

We have 6 nights booked at the Swan. We were very lucky when we called - had enough points for 4 nights - planned to pay for the other 2 - they were having a special in which you "bought" 4 nights with points and got 1 free. So we are staying 6 nights for the price of 1. In the past when we have stayed at SPG properties we are often upgraded because we are SPG members. We've had one or 2 places upgrade us even when we've used points to book the night (what a treat! ) Just wondering - for anyone else who has stayed at the Swan using points - what type of room were you in? I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth - I'll be happy with anything - just curious.
Is it possible to use points to upgrade if you've used points to "buy" your room? Probably won't do this as we're saving points for use for summer vacation in Alaska - but might think about it if it is possible and available.
Thank you for the help
Kelley

 

[madge]

Hi all, can someone please help me. I know maybe I am crazy, but I am trying to figure out what to do, dh called swan and they gave him 3 non consercutive govt. disct. days for our trip, dreams unlimited only showed 2 of those days and I think the website for westin offered a lower rate than what was quoted to my dh or on the du website. I dont know if that has to do with the resort fee or not, but has anyone split a reservation, for example called directly to get the govt. disc. and then made a web site reservation for the remaining/split days. Also does anyone know if you can get starwood points for the convention rate, when you are not paying for the room yourself and it is included in your convention package from an outside source. (the co. sponsoring the convention). Thanks so much.

I believe I understand what you're asking....and yes, I've split reservations before. I booked a free night on points stay through SPG.com and then I booked a govt. rate directly through the resort. When I checked in, I asked that we not have to change rooms, and it wasn't a problem. I did have to check out and check back in, though.

hope this helps!

 

[madge]

We have 6 nights booked at the Swan. We were very lucky when we called - had enough points for 4 nights - planned to pay for the other 2 - they were having a special in which you "bought" 4 nights with points and got 1 free. So we are staying 6 nights for the price of 1. In the past when we have stayed at SPG properties we are often upgraded because we are SPG members. We've had one or 2 places upgrade us even when we've used points to book the night (what a treat! ) Just wondering - for anyone else who has stayed at the Swan using points - what type of room were you in? I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth - I'll be happy with anything - just curious.
Is it possible to use points to upgrade if you've used points to "buy" your room? Probably won't do this as we're saving points for use for summer vacation in Alaska - but might think about it if it is possible and available.
Thank you for the help
Kelley

I've never had a bad room at the Swan When I used points last May, I had a lovely view of the Boardwalk Hotel, the walkway to MGM, and a little courtyard area at the resort. It is possible to use points for an upgrade on a points stay, as well. I think you have to call Starwood 3 days out for that...is that right, Lisa? I've successfully upgraded with points at the front desk, as well.

enjoy your stay!

 

[dreamflight99]

My other question is my dh is going to a convention at the swan in december. Part of the convention package is the room. The whole price is paid directly to a company sponsoring the event, so would my husband still get any points for that stay? Thanks so much!!

Sorry...no SPG points will be awarded for any portion of his stay, unless he pays/reserves the room directly.

Madge,Yes! "3-Days out" is the time to call for such requests.

luvmarypoppins~as I posted above, no points are awarded for any portion of a convention stay. Also, YES, you may definitely "split" a stay with regards to rates. Make separate reservations for all the days needed, and disclose this information to the front desk associate upon your arrival *(so they may connect your dates, etc).

 

[lovingthemouse]

Just want to bump our S/D posting to the first page.
Hope all of you have a great trip - looking forward to seeing the new changes in the Dolphin lobby! Caroline

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

We need help. In June 2003 we stayed at the Swan (at the time we were naive ) and stayed in what looked like a standard room with club level priviledges. After our first night we were upgraded for free to a Swan studio room (the corner king) on the Epcot side. It was an awsome room with a great view with club level priviledges

Anyway... this year we are trying the Dolphin for 11 nights and I'm about to book club level at a really good rate. So, here is my question. Is it better to book a room with a resort view (or with balcony and resort view) and have club level priviledges or to have a club level room on the 12/14th floor?

Please help!
Andy

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks Caroline, for the !

AndyMcV~Are you a current member of SPG? If so, which level of membership do you hold? Your SWAN upgrade is a perk usually associated with PLAT SPG membership.

As for the Dolphin, the CLUB LEVEL rooms are very nice. All are refurbished, and the ones with the "preferred" views *(which is what you will wish to specify in your request) overlook the Swan, Epcot/BW, and MGM. They are all acceptable, and close to the central area of the resort.

The resort views which overlook (unobstructed) Epcot, BW & BC/YC, are located on the FAR EAST WING. There are many with balconies, *(some with TWO), all are refurbished/renovated. You may have club level privs from these rooms upon special request.

It's mostly a matter of personal preference. If you prefer to be closer to the CL lounge, and the central areas of the resort, the CL rooms would better suit such needs. If you do not mind a walk to the elevator, and a more quiet, remote location, the EAST WING is fabulous.

Either way, I am pleased you enjoyed your time at the Swan enough to give the Dolphin a try on this visit. These resorts offer so many astounding amenities, and they continue to improve through constant change. Be sure to check-out the home page for these resorts, and send a special email (or fax) request for exactly what you would "prefer or desire" with regards to your view, etc. The staff works very hard to accommodate all requests, based upon availability and SPG status.

Enjoy!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[mar915]

Called again for our June reservation..still three of the nights at rack rate, others at ENT rate. So she said that they do have a big convention that week, but to keep calling in case it opens up. I am losing hope, anyone heards of the conv. rooms opening this late. Otherwise it looks like CBR will be my choice this year, it is hard to give up that walk/boat to the parks though.

Mary