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

[BlueFairy]

We loved Kimonos. Can anyone tell me what the hours are (especially how early do they open).
Do they offer sushi until closing, or at some point is it drinks only?
Can we do take out or room service from here?

 

[paras4ri]

Now that there have been such distinct changes in the level of service over at the DOLPHIN, I may revert back to my love of the SWAN. We have not been content with the level of service on our last 3 visits.

I can offer my recent experience at the Dolphin in December. We had a few concerns with housekeeping (different pillows and enough towels) It literally took several days to get what we asked for consistently. On past stays not only would we get prompt service, we'd also get a followup call to ensure the request was fulfilled.
Sheraton used to offer a Service Promise that promised to make everything right and if it wasn't they'd offer compensation such as spg points or candy. When asked about it on this trip I was told they no longer have that program, not just the Dolphin but all Sheraton hotels. IMHO, there's a difference in service since it was dropped.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Dolphin (and the Swan) and plan to celebrate our anniversary there in September. I just agree with Denise that service seems different in recent months than it had been in the past.

 

[AndyMcV]

I have put a hold on the swan @ 155/nite. Should I cahnge it to the dolphin? sound like the S in a dive compared to D.
Tell me more

lynz421

Wow what a great rate at the Swan. You're very wrong in thinking the Swan is a dive compared to the Dolphin. The Swan is an awesome resort too. We stayed there in 2003 and then the Dolphin in 2005. Both have some pluses and minuses over each other. The Swan is a bit smaller but doesn't feel like a big business hotel and is a bit quieter. The Dolphin has a more amenities which may be easier to get at if you have smaller kids. Both are so close together that it really doesn't matter which one you stay at. They are both really really nice.

Andy

 

[dreamflight99]

Elisabeth~You hit the proverbial NAIL on the head with your comment regarding the prospective change in CL at the Swan/Dolphin. There simply MUST be something "else" going on, as there is certainly plenty of generated interest in such a lounge (business guests as well as leisure too). There are also plenty of SPG members out there eager to upgrade to CL using points, etc. Therefore, "ockam's razor" (principle/theory) may be inserted here for the best explanation.

Madge~ Traveling around the world and visiting numerous resorts in the folio of Starwood, I can safely assure you this is NOT a Starwood "trend" of any type.[/b] I would suggest contacting the corporate office of Customer Service @ Starwood. The address should be available on the SPG website, or by calling CS.

Denise, Gail...and anyone else with reported problems during your DOLPHIN stay. PLEASE, contact CORPORATE ASAP, and alert them to the problem. In accordance with the following promise/philosophy, the corporate office takes any/all complaints seriously. I am not aware of ANY change to this program, and checked the website (where it is STILL listed as current/active).

Sheraton® Service Promise
If you're not satisfied, we're not satisfied. Sheraton's Service Promise ensures you'll have a great stay, or we'll make it up to you with an instant discount, points for our rewards program - or even money back. All you have to do is tell us.

Blue Fairy~Hello! I do not think you will have any problem receiving a crib, as the resorts "share" all their stock/inventory with regards to such items (hence the reason the Dolphin resort is the only Sheraton in the world with the Westin "heavenly" bed as opposed to the Sweet Sleeper).

As for the fridge, I'm referring to a RENTAL fridge. The fee will be waived upon request due to a medical necessity (meds must be kept at a constant cool temp). Since the temperature in the in-room "mini-fridge" is too volatile and can not be truly "set" using any dial (as it can in the rental), this can not be safely utilized to store your meds. The environment of the mini-fridge subjects the meds to fluctuating temps resulting in compromised integrity of the chemical composition. Please, give them a call and reserve this in advance.

With regards to the room request, I'd change the "standard view" to a "preferred view" (just my personal preference). This will improve your chances of receiving the corner turret as well.

*I omitted an important factor in the room # post. The corner rooms numbered 5015, 5017, and 5019 are all DOUBLE balcony rooms. In any of these specific rooms, you will have the turret balcony along with the standard balcony overlooking Epcot.

We have taken our sushi "to go" on many occasions, (and call from the suite to place the orders). You may call for more specifics @ 407-934-3000 regarding the hours of the kitchen. The restaurant is open from 5pm to 1am daily.

Andy~ I agree with you on your views of the two properties, as both are equally nice to visit. I certainly hope things have not changed this drastically since my departure in August (?). The news and reports from friends on this board and others has me more than concerned. I've always enjoyed the wonderful service we receive at the Dolphin, and expend a tremendous amount of revenue there each summer. I will be changing location asap if the accounts prove to reflect a sudden change in management and/or service & amenities.

Enjoy the week. ^_^

TTFN...DF99

 

[NancyIL]

Just called Starwood Customer Service, and was told you get GOLD SPG status only with OTHER platinum AMEX cards, and "Preferred Plus" status with the Starwood Preferred Guest Card. Oh well...it was worth a try.

 

[BlueFairy]

Dreamflight: "Hello! I do not think you will have any problem receiving a crib, as the resorts "share" all their stock/inventory with regards to such items (hence the reason the Dolphin resort is the only Sheraton in the world with the Westin "heavenly" bed as opposed to the Sweet Sleeper).

Great! We will leave the packnplay at home.

As for the fridge, I'm referring to a RENTAL fridge. The fee will be waived upon request due to a medical necessity (meds must be kept at a constant cool temp). Since the temperature in the in-room "mini-fridge" is too volatile and can not be truly "set" using any dial (as it can in the rental), this can not be safely utilized to store your meds. The environment of the mini-fridge subjects the meds to fluctuating temps resulting in compromised integrity of the chemical composition. Please, give them a call and reserve this in advance.

??? We won't have "meds" per-se. Formula and bottles, which could be ruined tecnically if they get too warm. Do you think they will waive it for that?

With regards to the room request, I'd change the "standard view" to a "preferred view" (just my personal preference). This will improve your chances of receiving the corner turret as well.

We paid for a "standard room" or a "club level room." Didn't have the option for preferred view, and DH's company won't buy club level. I will plan to call a little closer and speak to someone about our situation just to be safe.


I omitted an important factor in the room # post. The corner rooms numbered 5015, 5017, and 5019 are all DOUBLE balcony rooms. In any of these specific rooms, you will have the turret balcony along with the standard balcony overlooking Epcot

Are these rooms larger, too? Or just with more view?

We have taken our sushi "to go" on many occasions, (and call from the suite to place the orders). You may call for more specifics @ 407-934-3000 regarding the hours of the kitchen. The restaurant is open from 5pm to 1am daily.

Great!!! DH can bring sushi to the room or we can take the baby at her dinner time early.
Thank you thank you for your help!

 

[madge]

Madge~ Traveling around the world and visiting numerous resorts in the folio of Starwood, I can safely assure you this is NOT a Starwood "trend" of any type.[/b] I would suggest contacting the corporate office of Customer Service @ Starwood. The address should be available on the SPG website, or by calling CS.

Well, that's what I was thinking-- I haven't stayed at a Starwood property since November of last year, and was comped to that Club Floor (Nashville Sheraton, in case anyone needs at great Starwood property that treats members well ). I will definitely be contacting Customer Service about this change. I can't believe that they would close the lounge-- it is always busy and a nice perk for the business guests.

edited to add: i contacted Starwood's Customer Service Dept. and got this reply:
Due to a lack of information regarding your query, I have forwarded your inquiry to the hotels in question. They will respond to you directly within five days. For your records your file number is 601196925 and 601196926

will keep you posted.

 

[paras4ri]

Denise, Gail...and anyone else with reported problems during your DOLPHIN stay. PLEASE, contact CORPORATE ASAP, and alert them to the problem. In accordance with the following promise/philosophy, the corporate office takes any/all complaints seriously. I am not aware of ANY change to this program, and checked the website (where it is STILL listed as current/active).

Lisa - I did email Sheraton about it and their first response was:
Please be assured both Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Starwood Preferred Guest strive to maintain the highest quality of customer service. I apologize that your experience has not been an example of this and would like to assure you that it was the exception and not the rule.

I have gone to the sheraton.com website and was unable to locate where the Sheraton Service Promise was listed. Please respond with which website and which area of the website, this information is located to advise the programmers of this error.
So I did just that, I sent a link to the website page that spells out the Service Promise and I got a reply thanking me.

 

[cindyfan]

I know it is here somewhere...... ?
Where is the page that lists the updated dates that still have AAA, teacher and AP discounts available?
We are looking for Swan or Dolphin starting June 12th..
Thanks,

 

[Disbug]

I have put a hold on the swan @ 155/nite. Should I cahnge it to the dolphin? sound like the S in a dive compared to D.
Tell me more

lynz421! I think you misunderstood what we were saying... The SWAN is very nice, just a bit smaller resort. The problems we experienced were at the DOLPHIN. Our concerns involved diminished service from past visits; the SPG Service Promise not being honored; and impending rumors of intent to close the CLUB LEVEL LOUNGE. Both resorts are beautiful, inside and out. Rooms have been refurbished and the HEAVENLY beds are in both resorts. If you prefer a smaller, quieter atmosphere... I'd go with the SWAN. It is farther from the GROTTO pool, but closer to one of the quiet pools. For a kickier, larger, hotel with more of the main restaurants... I'd try the DOLPHIN!

BlueFairy! I have never NOT received a crib... and I've never reserved it in advance, either! So, I think you should be safe having it noted on your reservation! One thing I would say, since changes occur often... print out your reservation NOW and bring it with you. That way if anything should "POOF" when you arrive at the resort, you have PROOF of what was there originally! GOOD LUCK on getting the perfect ROOM!

Lisa! I emailed Randall who passed it on to someone else... I received one phone call from a woman who wanted to clarify a few things. Then I haven't heard a peep since. I am sincerely disturbed because you KNOW how much I LOVE THE DOLPHIN! I am a die-hard FAN! To criticize the very resort that is our SORORITY HOUSE is practically UNAMERICAN! Our issues were definitely service related. It is a list that separately isn't too bad, but when added up, made us feel ignored.

1) At least 4 trips downstairs to the Front Desk to get room keys made. Everytime they would remake them, everyone else's keys quit working. I had more than 20 keys at the end. No SPG desk, so I had to stand in line until the very last time when I was tired of that and asked Bell Services to help me!
2) Two days to get a robe and a key to the mini-bar. More than one request was made. On the 2nd day we got a phone call to see if the robe or key arrived, it hadn't. They finally delivered it at Midnight when we were sound asleep!
3) Two of our 3 rooms weren't ready until LATE! When housekeeping finally arrived to start the cleaning, it was already way after CHECK-IN time... they only sent one person and it was a "quickie". We missed our Grandview Tea reservation because my Dad couldn't unpack to get dressed.
4) Requested our crib, extra towels, and turn-down service, especially since the sofa bed would be needed for the kids. When we got back to our room later, the crib and towels were there... no turn down other than chocolates scattered across the comforters. It took multiple calls begging for sheets, blankets, and pillows to make the sofa bed... it was almost Midnight on our first night before we were able to get the kids to bed.
5) A week later my sister and BIL returned for 3 nights to celebrate their anniversary.... Their room was NOT ready again! They sat in the bar until after 6 PM, despite being told their room was 30 minutes away from being ready! (*Note: They were compensated for this several times since other things went wrong on their stay, as well.) So, this is why I say there seems to be a recurring pattern of sliding service. It is happening to us on back to back stays.

But let me also add the GOOD with the BAD! I had requested CLUB LEVEL for our group through an email to JAMES and we received that! Thank you! Thank you! So even though we had issues.... we had good things happen, too! Oh, and BTW.... BELL SERVICES, ROCKS! Those guys were on the spot getting our luggage to our rooms. Especially since we were bringing in up in waves! lol!

 

[Disbug]

Swan/Dolphin Discounts for 2006
Discounts
AAA - Must be a AAA Club Member
Those eligible would be clients that have a valid on date of arrival AAA membership card.
Please note that proof of eligibility at check-in is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in the hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
---------------------------------
AARP - Must be a AARP Member
Those eligible would be clients that have a valid on date of arrival AARP membership card.
Please note that proof of eligibility at check-in is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in the hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
-------------------------------------
Annual Pass holder - You must have an Annual Disney Pass.
Those eligible would be clients that have a valid on date of arrival Disney Annual or Premium Annual pass. You must present the pass at check-in to qualify for the discounted rate. Please note that proof of eligibility is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room. Using this discount will give you a free one grade upgrade up to the resort view with balcony type rooms. Also included is a late check-out of 2 PM on day of departure.
---------------------------------------
Entertainment Book
Those eligible would be clients that have a valid Entertainment book membership on date of arrival at the hotel. Any membership from any market area is eligible for the discount.
Please note that proof of membership at check-in is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof by showing Membership Card at check-in will result in hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
---------------------------------------------
Teacher and Education Support Staff Discount
All teachers and educational facility administrative personnel (includes colleges and universities) can take advantage of the TEACHER discounts. If you are a teacher with a certified teaching certificate, or you are employed in a school as an educational facility administrator you can take advantage of the TEACHER discounts .This would include teachers, teachers aides, substitute teachers, and administrative staff. These job types will require
a Work ID or letter from supervisor on company letterhead stating employment or a recent Pay Stub.
--------------------------------------------
Nurses and LPN Nurses Discount
All nurses and LPN Nurses can take advantage of the Nurses discounts. If you are a Nurse with a certified nursing certificate or you are an LPN Nurses with a LPN certificate you can take advantage of the Nurses discounts. Please note that proof of eligibility at check-in is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in the hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
---------------------------------------------
Government Employee Discounts
Those eligible would be clients that work for the government, whether it is National, State or Local government. This includes firemen, police, and any other branch of the government national, state or local. It also includes foreign governments as well. Clients must have a valid government id or a Letter on official stationary from the supervisor along with a recent pay stub. You must present the id at check-in to qualify for the discounted rate.
Please note that proof of eligibility is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
--------------------------------------------
Military Discounts
For the military you can be active, in the reserves, or retired to qualify for the military discount. It also includes foreign military as well. Clients must have a valid government id or you will require a Letter on official stationary from the supervisor along with a recent pay stub. You must present the id at check-in to qualify for the discounted rate. Please note that proof of eligibility is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
-----------------------------------------------

Next we look at Discount Seasons and 2006 pricing rates for each specific time frame Discounts.(Special note the dates below are not the actual available discount dates just the parameter for what the actual pricing during each time frame will be for the available dates that fall in the different season dates.) Example January 2 falls in the time frame of value season January 1- 10. The only date within that time frame that a discount for AAA, AARP, AP or Entertainment is January 2. No other dates are available.
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------

Value season dates

June 16 - September 4, 2006


AAA/Annual Pass holder/Entertainment Book Discount
Standard View - $174.50
Lake View - $209.50
Resort view - $219.50
Resort view W/ balcony - $229.50
Club Level - $249.50

Teacher/Government/Nurse/Military Discount
Standard View - $155.00
Lake View - $190.00
Resort view - $200.00
Resort view W/ balcony - $210.00
Club Level - $230.00
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Regular Season dates
April 30 - June 15, 2006


AAA/Annual Pass holder/Entertainment Book
Standard View - $184.50
Lake View - $219.50
Resort view - $229.50
Resort view W/ balcony - $239.50
Club Level - $259.50
-----------------------------------------
Teacher/Government/Nurse/Military Discount
Standard View - $165.00
Lake View - $200.00
Resort view - $210.00
Resort view W/ balcony - $220.00
Club Level - $240.00
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
Please note pricing in the past started at the rate of $149.00 for a standard view room using a Teacher/Government/Nurse/Military Discount during Value season. 2006 rates are starting this year at the rate of $155.00 during value season.

Another note for the 2006 pricing year, the hotels have eliminated the resort fee of $10.00 that use to be charged in the past. They have instituted a parking fee of $8.00 per night to park at the hotel if you drive a car.

-----------------------------------------
Discount available dates listed below
Swan AAA/AARP, Annual Pass Holder, Entertainment Book Discount dates:

June
1 - 6, 10 - 15, 16 - 19, 23, 28 - 30 (6/7 - 6/9, 6/25 - 6/27 no longer available)


---------------------------------------------------------------------
Swan Teacher, Nurse, Government, Military, Discount dates:


June
1 - 3, 8 - 9, 14, 18, 23, 28 - 30

================================================== =
================================================== =
Dolphin AAA/AARP, Annual Pass Holder, Entertainment Book Discount dates:


June
1 - 6, 10 - 15, 16 - 19, 23, 28 - 30 (6/7 - 6/9, 6/25 - 6/27 no longer available)

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dolphin Teacher, Nurse, Government, Military, Discount dates:


June
1 - 3, 8 - 9, 14, 18, 23, 28 - 30

This is an excerpt from the sticky at the beginning of the Resorts Board!

 

[cindyfan]

Disbug....
Thanks, I knew it was here somewhere......
Funny though...... For the Swan.....even though this does not list June 12 - 21 as all dates being available.... I was able to reserve all those dates under the teacher discount.
I first tried AAA (I have AAA). And all dates were available for Swan, but not Dolphin.
So I tried Teacher (DD is teacher and plans to come but may not be there the whole time.) and same thing..... Swan, not Dolphin.

And since the season changes on the 16th... it automatically reduced the rate beginning the 16th..... even spells it out on the reservation!

Also, wanted to add.....
I tried to get a quote from DreamsUnlimited....... their quote for the same dates was OVER $1000 MORE!!!!
Looking for 2 rooms standard....
Final quote going through Swan web site.... $2870 + tax
Final quote from DU....... $3900 + tax........YIKES!

I realize there are so many fans of DU on these boards, but the quote they gave me had a different rate for each night..... What's up with that! I've never seen that before. Sorry, but I have never had any luck with them getting a lower rate that what I can do myself.

Thanks for all the info on this thread!!!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Hi, hope someone can help. I am sure this has been answered before but I dont want to look through all the pages, where can you get southwest boarding passes printed out at the Swan and does anyone know the charge? TIA

 

[paras4ri]

Hi, hope someone can help. I am sure this has been answered before but I dont want to look through all the pages, where can you get southwest boarding passes printed out at the Swan and does anyone know the charge? TIA

Last month I asked at checkin and was told to go to the business center, where there is internet access. As it turned out, I was at the Poly for dinner when my 24-hour window started so I ended up going to their front desk and they printed it for me at no charge.

 

[madge]

Hi, hope someone can help. I am sure this has been answered before but I dont want to look through all the pages, where can you get southwest boarding passes printed out at the Swan and does anyone know the charge? TIA

we printed ours at the business center, and I'm thinking it was very cheap to do.

 

[dreamflight99]

Lisa - I did email Sheraton about it and their first response was:
Please be assured both Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Starwood Preferred Guest strive to maintain the highest quality of customer service. I apologize that your experience has not been an example of this and would like to assure you that it was the exception and not the rule.

I have gone to the sheraton.com website and was unable to locate where the Sheraton Service Promise was listed. Please respond with which website and which area of the website, this information is located to advise the programmers of this error.
So I did just that, I sent a link to the website page that spells out the Service Promise and I got a reply thanking me.

Gail~At this point, I would contact the resort manager, and no one else. If you require his name, address or phone--just ask. This type of response is unacceptable, and needs to be properly addressed.

Denise~I went through the KEY trouble too, but was compensated with a $50 credit for the inconvenience. YOU deserve compensation. Do you still have JAMES email? Please, send him the outline of your grievances, and ask him to forward it to the GM and head of housekeeping for you. Totally and completely unacceptable--at ANY property.

I agree /you about James and the Bell service. James is totally awesome, and has always made our visits super-special. Hope you mentioned ME to him...he's on my "ANGEL" list. ^_^
Please--keep me apprised of the happenings/updates. I do NOT want to see the resort back-sliding, and will call the manager myself if I read one more complaint!!! LOL...

Cindyfan~I've never used a travel agent for making any of my ressies. In fact, if anything...I should/could BECOME a travel agent myself (I'd be flooded with requests and work...kind of like I am now, Only I'd get PAID for my help!! LOL). For our last cruise, I called the Cruiseline directly (special suite), and before that--we used Costco. Of all 6 of our Disney Cruises, we've never used a TA or DU. I too..believe the BEST way to enjoy the journey--is to make the plans yourself (all the phone calls, research, etc). The more personal effort and work you put into the trip, the more you get out (IMHO).

The nice thing about DU and the associates, is that they have never been pushy, or forceful (as in openly soliciting guests and visitors of this forum for business). Nothing is more tacky, than a bunch of sales people hovering around a BB scouring for business. Yuk! If folks want serious professional help with their planning, they already know where to go. Therefore, there is no need for such sleezy tactics---right?!

Otherwise, they are free to ask the help of all of us OTHER so-deemed experts...at no additional charge!! LOL. That's what these boards are designed for...to share information which is beneficial to others, and help them with their RESORT choice/planning. After all, it's a resort board! ^_^

luvmarypoppins~If it's late in the evening, and the business center is closed, the front desk will more than likely print them for you at no charge. Otherwise, the business center is the place to go (and it will be a nominal charge of a few dollars). We've requested copies of items, etc. (and even had a fax/copier brought up to my cottage at Vero, my Suite at the CR and the Dolphin!) These are always standard in my other suites in Florida (Portofino bay hotel, Peabody, etc), and other so-called "executive" suites.

Enjoy the weekend!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I just received the nicest e-mail from the Dolphin. It has our reservation for next week and links to the hotel site. In it my name is listed like this ------2CL------ . The 2 I think is to indicate we have 2 rooms booked. Could the CL mean we have been upgraded to Club Level?

The last trip we were there we were upgraded but DH was a plat SPG member. He has not traveled as much this year and is only gold so I was not expecting to be upgraded. It really only matters in how much snacky stuff we pick up on the grocery stop! I will be so happy either way to back in my favorite place but suprise upgrades are always fun!

 

[ddawg]

You lucky girl. I am pretty sure the CL after your name means Club Level.

 

[madge]

I just received the nicest e-mail from the Dolphin. It has our reservation for next week and links to the hotel site. In it my name is listed like this ------2CL------ . The 2 I think is to indicate we have 2 rooms booked. Could the CL mean we have been upgraded to Club Level?

The last trip we were there we were upgraded but DH was a plat SPG member. He has not traveled as much this year and is only gold so I was not expecting to be upgraded. It really only matters in how much snacky stuff we pick up on the grocery stop! I will be so happy either way to back in my favorite place but suprise upgrades are always fun!

CL= Club Level.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Thank-you both for the good news!!! It will change our shopping list at our grocery stop. Still have to stop for some caffine free soda as I can't go a whole week wothout it, I'd never sleep! (maybe at Disney that would help)