swan $139 special gives late check-out only if available!

[i like stitch]

I just called swan to book the $139 summer special. Although I was given the complimentary upgrade, I was told the complimentary 4 pm check-out isn't automatic. She said the late check-in is given only if it's available!

Has anyone else been told differently?

 

[coach4448]

I'd be interested in hearing what others have heard as well.
I booked the Swan based on the late check out.
There was nothing mentioned that the late check out was based on availability.
The upgrade is nice, and the price is good, but it was the late check out that I based the booking on.
I think I will send Dreams Unlimited a email and see if they can clarify this.

 

[Lewisc]

There was no restriction listed in the offer. I booked BECAUSE of the late check out, if it's based on availability I may complain and/or cancel.

 

[coach4448]

I've sent Dreams Unlimited an email asking about this. As soon as I get a response I will post.
I too, may cancel if this is based on availability. I couldn't find any restrictions in the special for the late check out or the upgrade.

 

[swilphil]

I'm guessing people will be able to check out late in the vast majority of cases, especially if you have a standard room. The problem is if EVERYONE is checking out at 4 pm and the hotel is sold out, than there is no way people checking in will be able to get in their room at 3 pm, the guaranteed check in time.

Now, certainly not everyone in the Swan during the time period will be using the late check out special. Many people who are staying on the special will have flights leaving much earlier and you have to take worry about getting through rush hour traffic, through airport security, etc. I imagine there are some people who will check out earlier in the day and then head to the parks and return in the evening. Then there will be lots of people who will be checking in that won't get to the hotel until much later in the evening, or they will check in early in the morning, head to the parks before they get in their room, and return to the hotel after dinner or park closing.

If you have one of the suites on club level or some other room where that is somewhat rare, then there could be a problem. They usually do these specials during times when the hotel is pretty empty, so even that shouldn't be a problem in most cases.

We couldn't check out late last month because the hotel was sold out. We weren't promised late checkout and we didn't inquire until the last day. They did let us stay in our room until 1:45 pm at no charge. Usually the late checkout is a $30 fee when they aren't running a special.

I'm sure if you let them know at check in that the late check out is very important to you and you'll leave a day early if you can't have it, then they will accomodate you.

 

[simonmunro]

I think this is the case always, regardless of the rate you pay. I think if the hotel is booked solid the day you're checking out for a million dollar convention nobody is allowed to leave late. In other
words, it's not just us 139.00 people being targeted. It's a Starwood policy if I'm right. I may be wrong, but in all the years I've stayed in Sheraton/Westin properties it's upon availability. We can't expect them to turn away a full house booking at REAL rates so they can offer us specials. I'm not being ugly but they've been VERY good to us and I think the thread was getting kind rough considering.

 

[Poohlovr]

I hope everyone keeps in mind that. just like CRO, there may be people in reservations who are not well-versed with a certain offer. This statement may have been based on the ususal policy of granting late check-outs if room was available, rather than taking the time to understand this particular offer.

Hopefully, we wil hear something from management about what the real-deal is,

Hang in there.

 

[coach4448]

I agree we are getting a good rate. I always enjoy my stays at the Swan and or Dolphin. Normally I would book at the Govt rate, but this was a very good deal with the upgrade and 4PM checkout.
The point is there was no mention or any restrictions for the 4PM checkout:

Special Offer!
Dreams Unlimited Travel and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts have expanded discounts to help vacationers save money!!!
- $139 starting rate
- Complimentary Upgrade
- 4PM Late Check Out
- For travel 8/13/2004 - 9/20/2004

I didn't find any of the posts getting "rough"
Those of us who booked based on this are just looking for a clear answer. If it would have been spelled out in the special that the 4PM was based on availability I would have no issue and taken that in consideration when booking.

 

[Tigger Woods]

I noticed you called the Swan directly about the 'summer special'. I believe the deal advertised on these boards is supposed to be booked through Dreams Unlimited. I wonder if the Swan is offering a special, but the late check out perk is for DISers only? If late check out is part of the DIS promotion, the Swan will certainly honor it.

 

[tiff13]

The late checkout was the deciding factor in us rebooking with the Swan. If they're not going to guarantee it, then we may be off to a "real" Disney resort to take advantage of the other perks {like charging to the room} or maybe even booking a moderate for an extra night to keep the room for the day. We have a 7pm flight and would love to have the room for the extra 4 ot 5 hours.

 

[i like stitch]

AllEarsNet is offering the same thing that Dreams Unlimited is offering:

"The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort are offering AllEarsNet readers a VERY special promotion! Book a room for a stay between August 13 and September 20 starting at the low price of $139 per night and receive a COMPLIMENTARY one-category upgrade, PLUS enjoy complimentary LATE checkout until 4 p.m. on the day of departure! The WDW Swan and Dolphin are located within walking distance of both Epcot and the Disney-MGM Studios, making their location as attractive as their rates. Discounted $190 off the rack rate, these rooms will go fast, so book now. Call (800) 227-1500 or (800) 248-7926. and ask for rate code EARS139."

This is the offer that I booked under. My reservation states that I have a late check-out, but they were very clear with me on the phone that this is only given if it's available that day. She said to request the late check out again when I check in (but there are no guarantees that I will receive it).

 

[Poohlovr]

I received a reply from the Director of Reservations and Revenue at the S/D.

I told him your exact concerns.
Here is his reply...

"Nothing that I saw in writing said "based on it being available".... should be just like the AP discount, which has the late check out... really don't think any issue as we have these fairly often...


And.... in reality... I built it as we are so slow during that stretch... so no sell outs, etc... which would make it more tricky..."


So, basically he is saying that the late check-out wil be OK. There are no sold out days that would even cause them to think about changing your late check out.

 

[i like stitch]

"I received a reply from the Director of Reservations and Revenue at the S/D.

I told him your exact concerns.
Here is his reply..."

Thanks for the info, Poohlovr!

 

[coach4448]

Thanks Poohlovr for the info.
I also received a response from DU and was assured that the 4PM check out was "built in with the rate" and upgrade.