Recent Swan or Dolphin stays?

[mjh8955]

Have been reading not-so-great reviews on tripadvisor for Swan and Dolphin. Has anyone been there recently? Love the location and can get an education rate of $149 this summer but hesitant due to the reviews describing mold etc. in the rooms.

 

[JunieJay]

I've stayed at the Swan and Dolphin hotels on 10 different ocassions, the last time was in August of 2005. Unless they have fallen apart since then (which I highly doubt) you should have no worries. They are lovely hotels in a prime location. Take tripadvisor reviews with a grain of salt.

 

[PrincessDadx2]

Had a great stay at the Dolphin over last Christmas week. Great hotel. No conventions that week so it was wonderful. It can get a little rowdy at the bar if there is a big convention. If that is a concern then I would take the Swan. Location is prime and the beds are heavenly.

 

[Ub_Iwerks]

I've stayed at both Swan and Dolphin and would stay again in a heartbeat for $149. The S/D staff is extremely accomodating, much better than the WDW resort CMs IMO (enough acronyms for ya?). If you get a room that is not to your liking, let them know and they will move you to another room.

 

[Mainebound]

Have been reading not-so-great reviews on tripadvisor for Swan and Dolphin. Has anyone been there recently? Love the location and can get an education rate of $149 this summer but hesitant due to the reviews describing mold etc. in the rooms.

Not recent, but we stayed at the Swan in 2004, and really liked it. Cannot beat the location -- walk to Boardwalk and Epcot and the Studios. Both S/D were renovated in the last few years, so I can't imagine what people are complaining about.

Very different atmo than other resorts on property -- lots of conventioneers, out by the pool in suits in the evenings, etc.

You should ask this question on the Resorts board, where many S/D lovers hang out. They will be able to give you very specific advice as to room requests (you ca see Illuminations from some rooms), etc. Also, how to use any Starwood points you may have for room upgrades etc.

We also really liked the restaurants, including Fresh, Blue Zoo, and Shulas (the latter two being extremely expensive).

 

[PrincessKitty1]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Dolphin (see my sig) but the last time we stayed there was Christmas 2005. We have stayed there aabout 4-5 times and it has always been perfect . No mold, no bugs. A very fun, festive atmosphere with an unbeatable location if you love Epcot or MGM.

The sunset over the water will take your breath away, and you can take the boat to Epcot and MGM and enjoy the Boardwalk ambience. Don't forget to grab a slice of pizza and a glass of beer waterfront on the Boardwalk, then check out all the menus as you stroll waterfront.

 

[Magic2000]

We just stayed at the Swan in Dec, 2006 and it was WONDERFUL!!!! No complaints from us!!! The hotel was great and our room was so nice - those beds really are heavenly!!! You can't beat the location either! We walked over to the Dolphin and it looks just as nice!

Enjoy your stay! If I could get that rate this summer (July), we'd definitely be staying there!!!

 

[ncbyrne]

Have been reading not-so-great reviews on tripadvisor for Swan and Dolphin. Has anyone been there recently? Love the location and can get an education rate of $149 this summer but hesitant due to the reviews describing mold etc. in the rooms.

If you have a car, parking is $9 per day for self parking and $17 per day for valet. And of course, the 12.5% tax. The bottom line with tax is $174.33 per night and if you have a car it's $183.33.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

If you have a car, parking is $9 per day for self parking and $17 per day for valet. And of course, the 12.5% tax. The bottom line with tax is $174.33 per night and if you have a car it's $183.33.

The extra costs add up, but the bottom line is that it's the least expensvie deluxe hotel on Disney property. Worth every penny if you can afford it. We don't stay there every trip, but we're thrilled to pieces when we do!

 

[ms_mckenna]

We went in November and there were 45 families plus probably 50 more staff members in our party. In our whole group I did not hear a single bad review of the Dolphin. We had no problems with mold or bugs. We did have a really bad view of an ac unit lol but it was the only avaible accesible room when we went. The beds more than made up for the view. The location cannot be beat as well for that price. We get the educational discount as well and would not hesitate to stay there again.

 

[kilee]

We too are big fans of the Swan and Dolphin. I'd never hesitate to stay there.

 

[RC Fan]

I stayed there last May. The pools and location are great. Our room could have been cleaner. There was a large sticky spot in the entryway and the bathtub drained extremely slowly. These are pretty minor complaints. I would stay there again, especially for $149/night.