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

[melsmom303]

i have a question do you pay your balance at checkin or checkout i heard chrckout but every other hotel ive stayed at it was checkin? and if so do they put a hold on your card for your balance anyway or just a certain amount im a little confused.

 

[Docsknotinn]

Every hotel might be different but most of the Starwood hotels run an authorization for a set amount over your room rate to cover room service etc. They typically do not bill your credit card untill you check out. If you are running a high balance or have a lower credit limit this can effect how much credit you have available since many banks use the authorization against your available credit. If I remember right (LOL) I Think Disney charges the full room balance at check in. Hope this helps !

 

[emmabelle]

Does anyone know how many washers and dryers the laundry room at the Dolphin has. I'll be arriving there for a weekend after a cruise and will need to wash a few things. Hopefully there is more than two each since they share the laundry room with the Swan.

 

[paras4ri]

Does anyone know how many washers and dryers the laundry room at the Dolphin has. I'll be arriving there for a weekend after a cruise and will need to wash a few things. Hopefully there is more than two each since they share the laundry room with the Swan.

There are more washers and dryers than I've seen in some laundromats!!!
Seriously, the laundry room is huge, you'll have no trouble at all.

I did learn a tip from someone I met there last summer. If the token machine in the laundry room is empty or jammed - as it was that day - the tokens you can get in the arcade next door work in the washers and dryers. We tried it and they did!!!

 

[emmabelle]

Thanks Para4ri,

I was hoping that there would be plenty to use.

 

[Kaycee]

Could anyone tell me how well the S/D hair dryers work? Specifically, do they blow out fairly hot air, and is the air flow pretty strong? I usually bring my own, but I'm trying to save some room in the luggage, so if the one in the room is pretty good I'll just use it.

 

[dreamflight99]

Could anyone tell me how well the S/D hair dryers work? Specifically, do they blow out fairly hot air, and is the air flow pretty strong? I usually bring my own, but I'm trying to save some room in the luggage, so if the one in the room is pretty good I'll just use it.

The hairdryers are EXCELLENT!! The answer to both of your questions is YES!! Save the room, you'll be very pleased with this amenity.

 

[dreamflight99]

Wow, Dream, you know everything that there is to know about the Swan and Dolphin. Thank goodness you are on these boards!!!

Thank you so very much for your kind comment...it's nice to feel helpful!

Docsknotinn~You are indeed correct! The Starwood resorts run a "pre-authorization" through your CC company, for the "projected" balance. This includes your room rate, and depending on the length of your stay, an additional amount for incidentals. This also gives the CC company a notice of your current status, thus "saving" the projected amount for the hotel/resort payment. This insures the funds are payable to the resort upon your departure.

melsmom303~Paying at Check-out is just one more great feature of these two properties. Also, the availability of your folio via the television is a tremendous asset. Feel free to check it daily, for any discrepancies. Notify the desk promptly, to insure these are removed from your bill. I personally prefer the method used by the SWAN and DOLPHIN over the WDW resorts!

Gagebre~Depending upon the ages of your children, I would think you would be fine in the Swan/Dolphin with a Daybed in the room. During the day, simply use the side handles (after using the belt to strap-down the bedding) and lift the daybed upright. Place it against a wall (there are wheels on the ends for rolling) so it's out of the way. As with any guest, you can always ASK for a complimentary upgrade to a "Jr.Suite", or perhaps even a "two-and a half Bay" room. The staff are very familiar with these terms and requests. If available, they may just SURPRISE you and place you in one of these accommodations. It happens...and is DEFINITELY worth the ASKING!

emmabelle~Here's another little-known tip about the Laundry facilities. They are open and accessible 24/7! Therefore, if you wait until late in the eve, after they have locked the doors for the night...simply contact the front desk for assistance. They will radio maintenance to escort you to the Laundry and UNLOCK the doors...just for YOU!! We do this ALL THE TIME, as we prefer doing laundry LATE in the eve (after 11:00--sometimes later) after returning from the parks.

DH usually takes this shift...and sits watching TV or playing GBA! JUST ONE MORE REASON to LOVE these RESORTS!

GAIL..."DOING LAUNDRY!" ONE OF YOUR *SECRET* LOVES!!! LOL!!!

TGIF...TTFN...DF99

 

[Kaycee]

The hairdryers are EXCELLENT!! The answer to both of your questions is YES!! Save the room, you'll be very pleased with this amenity.

Thank you, Dreamflight, you truly are wonderful. Not only do you have all the S/D answers, you are always so gracious in your responses.

I'm so excited about getting back to the Swan. I was there in December, and while I do love the Dolphin too, the Swan has won my heart - at least for solo trips!

 

[paras4ri]

I appreciate the tip on the hairdryers too. I've always brought my own for the same reason but now I'll leave it at home and use the one at the Swan.

Here's a question from me. Because the Swan has the dual sinks, both inside and outside the bathroom, where will the hairdryer be located?

 

[MSC]

Dreamflight99 -- What exactly is a Jr. Suite and/or a "two and a half Bay" room? We are already booked for Club level at the Dolphin (4 of us) -- can you upgrade to those room types in Club? Would my Starwood Gold level help acheive the upgrade, and can I use points to obtain those upgrades? If so, how many?

That's a lot of questions!!! But you seem to have all the answers! Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Kaycee]

Here's a question from me. Because the Swan has the dual sinks, both inside and outside the bathroom, where will the hairdryer be located?

I know this one - woo hoo! Even though I didn't use it (for the reasons mentioned above) I remember that the hairdryer in our room at the Swan was by the outside bathroom sink.

 

[dreamflight99]

Thank you, Dreamflight, you truly are wonderful. Not only do you have all the S/D answers, you are always so gracious in your responses.

Thanks Kaycee!

MSC~ YES, you may upgrade to a Jr. Suite on CL (points for such an upgrade begin at 10,000 per eve for this property). Of course, since you are reserved on CL...it would not hurt to ASK for a "complimentary" upgrade to a JR. suite upon arrival/check-in.

A "two and a half Bay" is a suite, configured a bit differently from the norm. It's very unique, and there are only a few on the property. During one of our visits, our neigbors (also Dolphin fans!) received a comp upgrade to one...and LOVED it! It was very large, with a table/chairs, wet bar, living room, and walk-in closet! Attached was a nice "double" room. This "bay" suite faced the Swan.

Your SPG GOLD status certainly can't HURT your requests! Definitely...bring the card with you, and present it with your CC and ID verification at the desk. Since "CL" is the upgrade most frequently requested, but rarely "comped" -- you are already WAY ahead of the game. Good Luck!! Enjoy your planning.

*Hairdryer location~KAYCEE is indeed correct!!
But...here's another bit of info/trivia which most guests may not know. If you would like, you may call the desk and request a "vanity" bench (if absent) for the second sink area in the swan (or the counter area outside the bathroom of the dolphin rooms)! This makes it VERY NICE and COMFY for sitting and applying make-up, or drying and styling hair! The one they brought last visit was very nice, with detailed iron legs and a beautifully cushioned seat.

JUST ONE MORE little thing to LOVE about these resorts~!!

TTFN... DF99

 

[Kaycee]

But...here's another bit of info/trivia which most guests may not know. If you would like, you may call the desk and request a "vanity" bench (if absent) for the second sink area in the swan (or the counter area outside the bathroom of the dolphin rooms)! This makes it VERY NICE and COMFY for sitting and applying make-up, or drying and styling hair! The one they brought last visit was very nice, with detailed iron legs and a beautifully cushioned seat.

JUST ONE MORE little thing to LOVE about these resorts~!!

Now, how cool is that?! I had no idea you could ask for a vanity bench, but I will definitely ask for one next month. Talk about feeling pampered - I just love the S/D for so many reasons. Now I have another one to add to the list!

 

[MSC]

Thanks DF99!! You're the best!

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

Just wondering is there any difference in the room size between the 2 resorts?

Thanks
Andy

 

[paras4ri]

Hi Gang

Just wondering is there any difference in the room size between the 2 resorts?

Thanks
Andy

Based on 2 confirmations I have a deluxe balcony room in the Swan is 340 sq. feet and a deluxe balcony room at the Dolphin is 360 sq. feet. That may explain why the Dolphin will allow up to 5 in a room and the Swan only 4.

 

[dreamflight99]

Also...please remember these additional amenities often "overlooked" by concierge guests. Upon entering your CL room, and settling in...please, check your closet. If you do not have a sufficient number of monogrammed plush terry/piqué spa robes in your closet for all the guests in your room, please call and request them. Fresh robes will be promptly delivered to your room. This includes "slippers" as well, which may be requested. The Sheraton also has a special "Forget something?" amenity program, with everything from razors, shaving cream and toothbrush to baby items included. Merely call housekeeping for a assistance.

*This resort also has the BEST customer service policy in the industry. Please, take note:

Hotel Goofs and Gaffes - Sheraton Hotels and Resorts Launches First Ever Written Service Guarantee Alleviating Top Ten List of Travel Woes


WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Is your hotel mattress lumpier than your wife's mashed potatoes? Did your room service dinner arrive just in time--for breakfast? And did you sprout a few new gray hairs waiting on line for check-in? Bad beds, slow room service and interminably long check-in lines are just three pet peeves plaguing the hotel industry according to Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.


"Hotels constantly monitor 'service failures' which is simply a fancy way of saying service goofs," said Robert Cotter, Chief Operating Officer of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc [NYSE: HOT] , Sheraton's parent. "Industrywide, there are what I like to call the Big 10 - ten gaffes that really drive hotel guests nuts, and which they encounter far more than they should."

BIG 10" Hotel Complaints


1.Wrong Room (wrong size bed, wrong view, smoking/non smoking room)
2.Room Not Clean
3.Bad Bed (hard mattress, poor quality, not enough pillows, etc)
4.Missing Wake-up Call
5.Missing Bathroom Amenities
6.Slow Room Service/Restaurant/Bar Service
7.Uncontrollable Noise (train running, garbage truck)
8.Billing Errors (incorrect posting of charges to bill)
9.Slow Check-In
10.Room not Ready

Enter The Sheraton Service Promise, which pledges to provide guests a great, problem-free stay or else the hotel will make it up by fixing any defect on the spot when possible, but also compensate guests for any problem they encounter. Guests can choose from a range of compensation from frequent guest points, credits, amenities, gift certificates or even cash back. Here's how the Sheraton Promise works:

If a guest experiences a minor inconvenience such as missing bath amenities, slow check in, or billing problems he or she will receive an apology plus a $15 value or 500 Starwood Preferred Guest points.

A large problem that the hotel can fix like a room that isn't clean, problems with the heating or controllable noise will result in an apology plus a $25-$75 value (based on the hotel's average daily rate). Guest's are offered several options for compensation including a credit toward the stay, a gift certificate for a future Sheraton stay, amenities such as spa services or Starwood Preferred Guest points.

Slow room service, no wake up call, uncontrollable noise, poor food quality, a bad bed or other large problems that cannot be fixed will result in an apology plus credit for a free room night or meal; or a gift certificate good for one night at another Sheraton; or Starwood Preferred Guest points.

"While our goal with The Sheraton Service Promise is to eliminate poor service all together, if a guest does have a problem, any problem, we promise to fix it when possible, and make the situation right by compensating guests for a less than great stay," said Cotter.

The Sheraton Service Promise is the latest initiative designed to upgrade the brand and let travelers know that things are different at Sheraton today. During the last several years, more than $1 billion has been invested in the Sheraton brand, primarily in renovations; brand standards have been added and enforced; and hotels that failed to meet service criteria have been disenfranchised. Guest satisfaction scores at Sheraton hotels have steadily increased over the last two years, and the company expects the rise to continue with programs like the Sheraton Service Promise, plus new beds and room design set to debut during the next six months.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 740 properties in more than 80 countries and 110,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwood.com.

ORGANIZATION
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
http://www.starwood.com
1111 Westchester Ave.
USA - White Plains, NY 10604
Phone: 914-640-8100
Fax: 914-696-1138


Just another reason...these resorts are my ABSOLUTE favorite on WDW Property!

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

This is a long shot but does anyone know what the name of the night time manager would have been at the Swan in June (June 7th specifically).

Thanks
Andy

 

[mikki]

using the amenities at the Dolphin when staying at the Swan? I have read numerous posts recently listing the positives and negatives of the two resorts. Most list the laundry or restaurants as a factor in their decision. Since my plans include using the laundry facilities, fitness center, pools, and restaurants at the Dolphin during our trip will I be committing a faux pas? I thought that the amenities were for both resorts. Am I mistaken? There is so much wonderful advice and experience on this board, I'm sure someone can set me straight.
Thanks