Rescent stay at the Dolphin July 4 - 6

kjustice

Loving the world through my kids eyes!
Joined
May 3, 2003
Messages
180
I read so much about positive comments on these boards that I thought I would share my experience. I get LOTS of great information and really enjoy reading all of the helpful hints.

I did the Starwood membership and transferred LOTS of AmEx membership points over to upgrade to club level. I called 5 different times to both the Dolphin and Starwood and was told it would have to be done at check-in. Of course no rooms were available at check-in, but was offered $40 in resort cash if I wanted to use my 4000 points.

When I checked in July 4, after waiting in a very long line, I was told our rooms were not ready (it was 3pm check in time). We were given a phone number to call. We went to a restaurant and ordered food. I used the house phone to call and was told my room was ready. We left our food (we had three small fussy children) and when we got to the desk we were told our room still wasn't ready. We waited again. Finally I asked to speak to the manager and was told 10 minutes. After 15 minutes, I went back to the desk and was told it would be ready. After getting the keys to my suite, no keys to our room were offered. They were unaware of that room (despite checking in 1.5 hours previously) and given those keys. We were given a credit for our time and for that we are thankful. The crib I requested at the time of reservation wasn't in our room until I had called again (despite mentioning it at check in and again 2 hours later when we got the keys). We were never offered the "free ice cream cones" for our children. During our stay the power went out in the suite (we left after giving up that it would come back on) and the phones were out (the front desk wasn't sure why).

I understand the hotel is undergoing a much needed renovation. The carpet on 6 East was somewhat bunched and the beds in our room 6-021 were awful. If you got too close to the edge of the bed you would roll onto the floor.

I've stayed at many of the on-site resorts and with the exception of CSR, I've never been unsatisfied. I'd like to try the Swan which has been renovated and maybe not on such a peak weekend.
 
Yikes! Did you notice any renovations yourself going on when you were there?

Sorry you had such a bad experience. Kind of makes me worried about my upcoming trip!
 
Not really. There were a few spots blocked off but nothing major. I think they have finished the Swan and are working their way up the Dolphin. I heard them talking at the front desk about the newly renovated rooms and the Heavenly beds.

To me, the lobby looks dated. Lots of lattice work and fabric. It's a nice effect, but still looks a bit old. The lighting is kind of weird too. Kind of dark.

But like I said - I'm going to try it again. We had good experiences with the food and the pool which is very nice, but it's a hike from the East wing where we were.

Our room's balcony was great though. It was on the farthest wing closest to Epcot and the Boardwalk. Room 6-021. If you could get on one of the renovated floors but in the same location that would be your best bet.
 
Fortunately, our visit in March 2003 was the polar opposite. WE had a GREAT room (balcony room 8029) with an Epcot ball view/Illuminations view - checked in and were IN our room within 5 minutes - got club level privileges for our FREE UPGRADE and they took the resort fees off our bill without a struggle. We loved the Grotto pool - loved Dolphin transportation - can't speak for the food there except in the club lounge though - but we just had a wonderful trip. I think getting a good room makes all the difference.....well, any room would have been better than all that waiting with 3 little screamers...yikes. That had to suck after getting off the plane...so sorry about that....I'd write a letter to the Dolphin and see what they do - Dolphin AND STARWOOD. Are you a Starwood member?
 

What are good rooms at Dolphin? What rooms are not so good? Can you be that specific in your requests? Requests can be added to the reservation, yes?

We have a teacher's discount and a starwood membership (new) and are going April 24 for seven nights and six days. I wonder if between the type of reservation and the period of time, we will be stuck in your room of horror with the same sort of bad experience.

KIS
 
Yes, I am a Starwood Member. I sent emails to both the Dolphin and Starwood but I haven't heard anything yet.

I am encouraged that others have had good experiences, and it seems those that have stayed at the Swan think it has been great.

I'm grateful these discussion boards exist - it's a great way to share information and learn all the tricks!
 














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