S/D 2005 discounts--where's the $149/night?

[swilphil]

The good news--S/D is finally out with 2005 discounts.

The bad news--The only time I could find the $149/night was from Sept. 1-3rd, and that's as far ahead as they would book. I checked dates at both hotels for each month between Jan. and Sept., but the cheapest I could find was $169/night other than the Sept. dates, which is the peak of hurricane season. Most of the time the discount was showing up as $199. Summer 2003 we paid $129 at the Dolphin and that went up to $149 in summer 2004, but I figured it was because the renovations were done. I hope I don't have to give up my beloved Swan/Dolphin, but if it's $169/night plus the $10 resort fee I might as well just stay at a Disney Deluxe.

 

[zagafi]

There's nothing for my dates, but we'd already decided to get two rooms at Pop, anyway. It's a bit disappointing, but I think we'll be happy with 2 bathrooms since we have 3 little boys.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Me too. I just checked for June 3 - 12 and the best I got was $305 for the Swan. I was hopeful for better!

 

[Kallison]

We are going Jan. 21-26 -- they said I could get teacher's discount for first two nights only - $169 and other nights were $279!!! Sorry but those rooms aren't that special. Where did you check for discounts? Online. They said resort was 90% booked so that is why couldn't get discount for other nights. I booked it but will probably switch if I can get Deluxe AP rates at other resorts.

 

[STEPHILL]

I just checked my dates for Feb 5-12, 2005. I could only get $305 per night. I like the S/D, but not that much. If I am going to spend that much, I'm going to be in concierge at a Disney Deluxe, not a standard room. The rooms are nice, but not that nice. I guess I'll have to break my DH's heart because he really does like the S/D. Also, anyone else annoyed with the $10 resort fee? It's supposed to be for the newspaper and fitness club. Who really has time to read the newspaper in Disney? The last thing on my mind is the fitness club. Walking around the parks is plenty enough exercise.

 

[gm]

As much as I love Swan and Dolphin, if I am going to pay the same price as a Disney Deluxe, I will take a Disney deluxe over it. So far the Swan and Dolphin had a great appeal for being in the center of it all and offering competitive prices but if they are the same prices or more than the Disney Deluxe than I will choose Disney over Starwood.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Please lower your prices SwanDolphin

 

[232271]

we also called for our march dates, and 3 nights are at $289
and 3 nights with an AAA/AP rate were $189. I too was
wondering why so much more this year than last.

oh, and why not everynight? it was only wednesday night thru monday night for a discount other nights no discounts available??
I find this very confusing?

 

[musicdude]

I think that something is wrong with the discounts because it was actually cheaper if I put in no discount than putting in the teachers discount. Looking for Jan. 4-7 but will not be staying for $305 a night.

 

[NancyIL]

Hotel occupancy is up, so the Swan/Dolphin charges accordingly.

 

[Connears]

I got Dolphin for $139 (Swan was $159) on spg.com as an internet special for 12/25/04(before we check into BCV on 12/26-12/31/04). You do have to pay fully on-line and it is non-refundable. I got teacher's rate of $149 at Swan last 12/27-1/02/04, so I thought this was a good rate for christmas night!

Connears

 

[232271]

connears,

that is great! I checked on the website and could only get $241 for my March dates with the fully prepaid rate. You got an
awesome deal.

 

[swilphil]

I've always been a little hesitant to do non-refundable. Is it like the airlines where you can have credit for a future trip or like Hotwire where you totally lose it? With 2 small kids and unpredictable weather, I'm a little hesitant to do non-refundable. One of the reasons we have stayed Swan/Dolphin in the past is because of the great 1 week cancellation policy. I'd probably rent DVC points or try for an S/D room on hotwire if I wanted to go the non-refundable route.

 

[CarolA]

On hotels you generally lose your advance payment. Sometimes they will work with you, but it is a case by case basis.

 

[sherry8253]

Most nights when we are going (01/06 to 01/16) are $305 a night. I love the Swan and Dolphin but heck AP rate at the Yacht & Beach club is usally about $100 a night less than that. So even though I would prefer the Swan & Dolphin over even the Yacht & Beach Club, I won't be staying there for $305 a night.

 

[CarolA]

I like the Swan/Dolphin, but for that kind of money I will stay at the Ritz and commute!

 

[swilphil]

Do any of the S/D experts know if this is common when they first release the discounts? Will more nights have lower discounts in the future?