Swan advice please

[dorisdvu]

I'm planning a first time trip to DW 3-21-04 - 3-26-04 3 adults 2 kids (7 & 4). With my AAA discount I am able to get a room at the Swan for $220 per night for a Traditional Room Water View or $232.50 for Deluxe Room Lake View. What's the difference? What's a Jr Suite? I also read that they guarantee the lowest room price. I emailed they and asked them about Hotwire.com. I told them while I did not complete the transaction (because it's non refundable) would they honor the quote for a 4 star hotel at $149 per night during this time period. I'm sure they won't but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask. I have also just signed up as a preferred guest.

Which view is best?
What are my chances of upgrading? If I book now, does this improve my chances?
Is there a certain floor/area that is better?
Will the hotel assist in arranging charactor meals, priorty seating etc?
Do they offer any discounts on UPH tickets?
I thought I read somewhere where kids (under 9) eat free with paying adult. Is this true?

Any other suggestions/comments?

I also emailed Swan with some of these questions. Do they respond?

 

[NancyIL]

I'm surprised that you were put in a room at the Swan with 5 in your family - especially with 3 adults. Did they charge you extra for the 3rd adult, and are you getting a rollaway?

It's highly unlikely that the Swan will match Hotwire or Priceline prices. As to the views...I usually don't pay extra for a view. The Jr. Suites at the Swan have an L shape that includes a dining room table and chairs. Junior Suites at the Dolphin are really 2 adjoining rooms. I can't help you with your other questions, but just about everything you'd ever want to know about the Swan and Dolphin can be found at Glo's FAQ: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=265057

 

[hookedup]

When I checked your dates on spg.com for a AAA rate I get a starting rate of 195.00 per night at the Swan - maybe adding the extra adults is adding to the price - did you get your quote online or through the hotel res office?

During my recent stay at the Swan I was very happy with the service and the accomodations. I don't know what you are thinking about in terms of an "upgrade" but I have found their standard rooms to be very nice so I would not be too worried about it.

The house concierge can help you with PS's while you're there - I don't know if they do it ahead of time but I found them to be GREAT with getting last minute stuff while we were there. Every bit as good as the "concierge level" help we had at the GF the following week.

The best thing about the Swan is it's location- if you can get a good rate there it is a no brainer as far as I am concerned!!!