On the phone with Swan now, no more club level privilege with non-club level rooms!!

[luckytso]

I was just told that they no longer allow people to stay in non-club level rooms to have club level privileges. They said that they have too many problems with this type of arrangement and now they did away with it. It will be an exception if they offer it to anyone. So that means I can no longer have a balcony room and CL privileges.

Any thoughts?

 

[Ashley's mom]

I assume since you're on this board that you know about registering as a Starwood guest and even if you aren't gold level "legitimately" you have signed up for that Starwood Am Express card which will upgrade your Starwood status. We did that and my status was upgraded to gold...although it did take a second call for someone to upgrade me to gold instead of that new status they made up - ANYWAY....Gold status entitles you to upgraded room..."upon availability"...well, on our trip I booked balcony and they wanted to "upgrade" me to club level - but I WANTED my balcony and they upgraded me to club level privs (this was at the Dolphin). So really I was considered club level - but technically didn't take my upgrade and instead took privs....which should not be a problem. I can see them keeping this hardline if you aren't Starwood, but since you'd be upgraded to club level - they still should let you have your club privs. Don't freak out. They want you to be happy and if you've done your legwork and are Gold or something like it - I think they can accomodate you in that small way to put out a tiny bit of food for you that they would have done if you'd taken the room "upgrade". Personally the room upgrade isn't an upgrade at all in my opinion......the food is great though. Don't stress. Keep your balcony. Make sure they don't upgrade you out of your balcony room. They tried to do that to me. Put a note on your reservation that you DON"T want upgraded out of your balcony. Hey, and beg for room 8029. Perfect Illuminations view and of the Epcot ball. Upon checkin maybe you'll see a little "cl" on your room key. Hey, 8029 is Dolphin. I was there in March 2003. Any questions, please feel free to pm me.

 

[disnurse]

thats too bad, the cm at the dolphin actually offer me that arrangement for a better view as none of the CL rooms left had a resort view. That doesn't seem fair for all those who want balcony rooms as this option isn't available at CL for either the swan or dolphin

 

[marymrg]

I booked a cash and points stay at the Swan and the ressie showed club level. When I checked the SPG site, it was changed to balcony room. I emailed the Swan to ask for club privileges. I guess I'll also have to make a call to figure out what to do. Luckily, I have my original print-out. The Club level is more important to me this trip. (only a one night stay)

What are you going to do? It's a tough choice to have to make!

Mary

 

[luckytso]

I booked with cash and point too and the reservation shows the club level room (gold member, amex card etc.). I was hoping that I can get a balcony room with CL privilege. But was told no. However, the person was really nice to secured me a room with king bed and a pull out sofa (my kids sleep with me and I would not want the baby to fall off the bed while the hubby sleeps on the floor )

 

[Kapp]

Two questions: First, what are the Club Level rooms like? I read where you can't get the CL benefits with a non-CL room now so I guess that means no balcon option? Would like to hear from some vets what the CL rooms look like and in comparison to the standard rooms.

Second, is the upgrade 1,000 a night? I have read everything from 750 to 1,000, to 1,250 to 1,500. I have enough for the 1,000 a night for in November. Tried to get the upgrade today using my points but they said I would need to wait until 5 days before my reservations started.

Anyone have any advice?

THANKS!

Kapp

 

[dreamflight99]

Plat. SPG is afforded the convenience and perk of CLUB LEVEL privs from ANY room in ANY resort (which offers the service). Thank GOODNESS for this level of service.

As for all others...They have been informing some guests of this policy for years now. Yet, (as Disnurse noted) if a guest truly insists upon a BALCONY room (when there are none on CL), and wants CL privs...the resort may/should oblige. They have always made such "exceptions" to the rule. So...luckytso, push to be the "exception" upon arrival/check-in.


Ashley's mom~Correct indeed! They will try to upgrade you "out" of the balcony room to CL. Insist upon a balcony room, and you CAN have the best of both worlds (W/CL Privs!). Good for you...you obviously did your homework.

I do not understand what kind of "Problems" they have incurred with this system, as the room card clearly denotes "CL" next to your name/date of departure. The Concierge should check every person entering the CL room, and have them sign the registry. CL is a wonderful Perk, and I thoroughly enjoy the Privs.

 

[luckytso]

DF99, thanks for the tips. I WISH I could have plat. level.

I will ask upon check-in but would be happy with whatever they give me, as long as I have a king bed with a pull out sofa.

 

[dahess]

We are paying for Club Level. I personally do not think it is fair to give someone CL without the person paying for it. I think they should have a set amount of rooms for CL & only let CL guests use CL privilages. I personally do not want to see 100 extra people in the breakfast area who are not paying for it. We are paying the extra money to have a little piece, or so I thought.

Just my 2 cents

 

[2002Disneybride]

with Dahess-- we are staying at club level and I agree with your post

 

[Plan Man]

OK I am new to the whole Dolphin Swan thing.

We just made a reservation for 12/27 to 1/4 under the teachers price of $129 plus plus.

What are all of my options if any and how should I go about getting them. We currently have an Amex card- just a regular one but we rarely use it. Is there some advantage to joing the "club" switching my card type and start using it??

 

[ozziewags]

I was on CL at Christmas time and saw people come in and sign in from other floors, but I have to think that there is a set number for CL. What do you think DF? There were never more people in the lounge than it could hold. It was pretty comfy and there were tables for all who needed them. A few took food back to their rooms. I would guess that they only upgrade if there is availability. What would they do if everyone wanted to pay for CL? Hmmmm.

 

[jgates]

Always peaceful and quiet there for us. Only one morning was a little noisier and it was still great - just such a contrast to the other days in comparison.

Never any problem with seating etc.

 

[madge]

we have been at the S/D before when there are large conventions going on....lots of people with access not on the CL floor. I think that is fairly common....the staff seemed quite capable of handling the extra people. I don't ever remember a time that either of the lounges has felt overcrowded, even when the resorts are booked. You still get the same love and care from Mama T either way

 

[The Pluto People]

I always wondered why the S/D did not set up their club level rooms/lounge on the east wing(balcony/EPCOT view rooms)?? Most people like a balcony and the added EPCOT view at club level would have allowed those rooms to be booked for big $$$...

 

[Gillian]

Originally posted by dahess
We are paying for Club Level. I personally do not think it is fair to give someone CL without the person paying for it. I think they should have a set amount of rooms for CL & only let CL guests use CL privilages. I personally do not want to see 100 extra people in the breakfast area who are not paying for it. We are paying the extra money to have a little piece, or so I thought.

Just my 2 cents

The people posting here are entitled to Club level, they just prefer the rooms on other floors. It is very common for hotel chains to give their frequent guests club access (without an additional fee), even if there is not actually space to move them to a club level room.

It's not like they are getting something for free. They have to spend a certain amount of money within the hotel chain to get these perks. Or they spent money, earned points, and are using them for club access.

Usually the club level rooms are more desireable than the rooms on other floors. This is apparently not the case at the S/D.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by ozziewags
I was on CL at Christmas time and saw people come in and sign in from other floors, but I have to think that there is a set number for CL. What do you think DF? There were never more people in the lounge than it could hold. It was pretty comfy and there were tables for all who needed them. A few took food back to their rooms. I would guess that they only upgrade if there is availability. What would they do if everyone wanted to pay for CL? Hmmmm.

There is definitely a SET number for the "capacity" of the CL lounge. They presume most will never occupy the lounge at the "same time" (hence, the time-frame for access), yet are required by the law in Florida to not exceed the capacity at any given time. Therefore, if someone is fortuitous enough to receive a complimentary upgrade to club level, it's because there is "availability" based upon this standard.

It's all a matter of "personal preference". Some folk like the gamble, and prefer to "ask" for a complimentary upgrade prior to paying. Others, prefer to acquire it in advance for peace of mind (a sure thing). Different strokes for different folks. Most all persons using CL have "Paid" for the priv., one way or another. Points are not "free", and neither is Platinum SPG status.

I have NEVER experienced any problem on CL at the Swan/Dolphin. The lounge is much more accomodating than most I visit, with wonderful seating arrangements, bathroom facility and entertainment. I have never even experienced a shortage of any of the food/beverage selections (as I have at other resorts). It is very well-managed and maintained.

The Pluto People...Oh, that would be VERY nice...indeed! (LOL). We can only wish...and until then, book rooms on the FAR EAST WING and obtain CL Privs!

Ozzie...Jgates...and Madge~ DITTO!

Gillian...eloquently stated.

So please, come on in!

Feel Free to sit wherever you desire...

Even on a comfortable SOFA, for optimal R & R!

The VIEWS are complimentary (& astoundingly beautiful)...

Beverage? Coffee...Tea...maybe Hot Chocolate?

Easy Access is the key to this setup!

Fresh fruit...four types of milk...yogurt...even Iced Tea!

Fresh~baked daily...just for you!

Fresh Fruit...breads...and a variety of Kellogg's cereal!

How may I assist you today? (Concierge Thabo!)

No WONDER we all LOVE the CLUB LEVEL!

 

[marymrg]

I'd gladly trade my balcony for CL privileges or club floor next week. I think I got upgraded off of the Club Level(which is what I booked to begin with and what I really wanted) .........Any takers?? LOL

If not, I will pay for the privilege with points or greenbacks - or should I say.........my Starwood AMEX. I am curious as to what they do with my reservation when I check in. I emailed the Swan and received a nice, polite reply back that they have noted it in my file. Even though it's my birthday, I wanted the surprise for Dh. I am so selfless

I will post back with my results....however it turns out. And no matter what..........I will be happy........

Now if they could guarantee me a pool chair................lol
I wonder how many points that would take??

Mary

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by dahess
We are paying for Club Level. I personally do not think it is fair to give someone CL without the person paying for it. I think they should have a set amount of rooms for CL & only let CL guests use CL privilages. I personally do not want to see 100 extra people in the breakfast area who are not paying for it. We are paying the extra money to have a little piece, or so I thought.

Just my 2 cents

Some of us are upgraded to Club Level rooms because we are PLAT with SPG. I stayed over 50 nights with SPG last year. Believe me I paid for it and deserve it after all the money me and my company threw at SPG last year.

 

[BuzzMe]

Is the resort fee waived for club level? I remember reading that somewhere, but just wanted to check. We'll be staying at the Swan for the first time and I'm thinking of upgrading to CL-Dreamflight99, your pictures have pushed me over the edge!