Not sure if this S/D refurb item has been posted here or not. If so...

[Dan Murphy]

here it is again, LOL. I rarely stop by this board, but know this item would be of interest, if not already posted. So, here, if not posted already.......

Graves Digs Disney Hotels

(Orlando Business Journal) -- A big chunk of the $75 million upgrade at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan hotels is being spent where guests will appreciate it most: the hotel's 2,267 rooms. Architect Michael Graves has been commissioned by the hotel's owners to redo the room designs with more of an emphasis on comfort and functionality than the original decor, which the designers called whimsical — but many guests simply labeled ugly. The two hotels always have been Disney's red-headed stepchildren. Located in the middle of the Epcot Resort area, the pair of properties appear to be part of the Disney family to the casual eye. Their colorful designs include giant namesake cartoon-like figures atop the buildings. But these are not Disney hotels. They are operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. under the Sheraton (Dolphin) and Westin (Swan) brands. They are not owned by Disney, either. The owners include a partnership between MetLife Inc. and the Tishman Hotel & Realty Corp., a subsidiary of Tishman Realty & Construction Inc., the business that managed the original Epcot construction project. The three-month-long, sequential renovation of 758 rooms at the Swan will be completed in early 2003 and both hotels by the end of 2003. This time around, whimsy is taking a back seat to comfort. Graves calls it "an intriguing transformation from whimsical to modern luxury ... accented by a contemporary approach." Or as we might put it: Say so-long to monkey chandeliers, pineapple lamps and sandy beach carpet. They are being replaced by sleek maple bureaus, frosted-glass accents and a slate foyer. Look for the hotels to adopt one of Westin's success stories: the "heavenly bed," a trademark ultra-comfy fixture with high thread-count cotton sheets, down comforters and duvet. The bed, to be installed in both hotels, is actually the focus of the room redesign, which uses softer tones of blue and beige than the original peach and teal combination. Also being added are high-speed Internet connections and a larger, 27-inch TV.

If everyone knows about it.....then just a

Dan

 

[Blondie]

Yep, I posted it a few mins. ago, with a link to your thread here!

 

[LvsTnk]

Very interesting thanks

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by Blondie
Yep, I posted it a few mins. ago, with a link to your thread here!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Woohoo, thanks, Dan. Now I'll have to try the Swan and Dolphin!

 

[*Flower*]

Thanks Dan-

I've been hoping for the "Heavenly" beds to come, as I've never tried them.
Hopefully they'll put them in ALL of the rooms.

I'm in the process of planning a trip for my brother and his family for December of next year.. their first trip to FL. I'm trying to plan the BEST trip for them...(don't we all) and am planning on the Swan/Dolphin facilities to be the base of operations.

I'll be eagerly watching the progress!!

 

[DisneyVa.]

We are arriving at the Swan on Dec. 30th. Does anyone know if any floors there have already been refurbished so we could request one?

 

[paduncan]

I thought I remember a thread from a few weeks back that said the Swan already had the trademark "heavenly beds" in all their rooms. Anyone able to confirm? or anyone know if renovation process has begun at the Swan?

 

[Disney-Kim]

I wonder if all the refurb will mean an increase in rates? mahogany and frosted glass aren't cheap??? and most Westins are really expensive. Sheraton does have more affordable properties.

 

[Muffy]

I would like to know if the Swan already has heavenly beds too! I thought they did but now i am beginning to wonder! Sounds like they don't but will in 2003.

 

[Tinkbell]

I liked the pineapple lamps. I am considering staying there within the next year or two. I sure hope they keep the teacher rates.

 

[Blondie]

Anyone know what they'll do with all the old furniture?

I'd love to have one of those lamps!

 

[lorileer]

Can anyone confirm about the Heavenly beds? We stay there this weekend. My description said down comforters, so maybe ..... Hope so. Stayed at the Westin in Hilton Head last month, and I'm sold on the heavenly bed. Will look for Westin anywhere I go!! Want the heavenly bed AT HOME!!

 

[Blondie]

Those Heavenly beds must be absolutely heavenly!

Maybe we'll get a Heavenly bed for our stay in late January, if not, there's always next time!