Swan / Dolphin on Hotwire

[sarha]

I checked Hotwire for my dates and came up with a 4* in LBV for $114.
The amenities listed were Restaurant,pool, buissness center, golf course nearby, tennis nearby, spa services and also a laundry. Do you think this could be the Dolphin?

 

[jtopicz1]

sarha,

The Dolphin is the only hotel on the list that I am not 100% sure of the ammenities. I basically just copied the Swans list.

I really hate to speculate on whether it would be the dolphin. I believe the Marriott and Wyndham could both fit that description as well. I'll see if I can find anything out in the next few days.

dimimi,

Try checking your check-in nite, and then the rest of your stay seperate. If the hotel that matches the Swan comes up both times, I would bid for your first night. If it checks out (which it will), then you can add the rest of your nights with little/nothing to lose. Like I said, the ammenities I have listed for the Swan are definatly correct (I have won it last month), so there should be no reason you would not get it (unless there is a hotel in that zone with the EXACT same *level and ammenities, which there should not be).

Like CarolA said, both Priceline and Hotwire are a risk, but using the info should almost eliminate it.

Jim

 

[jtopicz1]

There is a location that comes up for $114 on various dates with all the features of Swan plus Laundry Facilities (but no Spa). I believe this is the Dolphin, as it comes up in the same price range as Swan, and the Dolphin does have laundry facilities.

Jim

 

[dimimi]

THANKS for your help! Using hotwire will certianly make travel more affordable! All of you have been VERY helpful with your information and quick replies! Diane

 

[montessori]

Jim,
Thank you for being so helpful to all of us "newbies"!
I am trying for the Swan or Dolphin for May 30th through June 1st.
The only 4 star hotel coming up is near Downtown Disney so it must be the Wyndham.
Should I wait a while and keep trying?
I wouldn't mind the Wyndham for $69 per night but I much prefer the Epcot Resort location.
Thanks again!

 

[Debbie7452]

If you decide to go for the Wyndam Palace, be sure it says "Spa", Otherwise you will most likely get the Hilton (also near DD).

 

[montessori]

Originally posted by Debbie7452
If you decide to go for the Wyndam Palace, be sure it says "Spa", Otherwise you will most likely get the Hilton (also near DD).

Thanks Debbie
I don't think I want the Hilton. The Hilton and the Wyndham are both 4 star resorts?
Is there a list of all the resorts and how many stars they have on Hotwire?
Thanks again!

 

[Mom2aPrincess]

You might find it helpful to search Hotwire for a Vacation Package for your dates. They show available hotels but don't reveal airfare details until after you pay. I just found this out. I got the Dolphin on Hotwire last month for $84 and it did show an icon for laundry. Good Luck!

 

[Debbie7452]

Mom2,

Yes, I was excited when I heard about this new feature. Unfortunately, the S/D are shown there with the amenities list "missing"!

But you have solved the mystery for us finally about the laundry icon. Now, those bidding will know between which hotel (Swan or Dolphin) they are getting. That's great!

Montessori,

Yes the Hilton and Wyndam are both four stars. Right now Hilton has been coming up for $69 and Wyndam for $72. I couldn't find a list except for Jim's new one. It will be very helpful when he has enough info to finish it out. Good Luck but be careful about the prices. They change frequently! The ones I gave are just today's prices.

 

[jtopicz1]

I've received a bunch of emails with Hotels that have been won by readers! Thanks guys/girls! I'm trying to verify all of them for accuracy and update the list. I'm confident I'll be able to add a handful more this week! I've decided not to add hotels to the list until I have one it personally or had emails/posts from 2 different people who have won the Hotel. This is simply to reduce error/disappointment.

Jim

 

[jtopicz1]

Mom2aPrincess,

I'm sure a lot of DISers will be thrilled by your info! Thanks to the laundry tip, we can now confirm the ammenities for both Swan and Dolphin. I've updated the list to reflect this

Jim

 

[DeeCeeSW]

I plugged in my May dates on Hotwire today and what *appears to be* the Dolphin is going for $81 per night! I'm using hotel points for this trip, so I'll stick to my plan, but maybe I'll look into this again in a few months for my September trip!

 

[jtopicz1]

The Dolphin does seem to be going for about $81 on selected dates throughout the summer! By comparison, the Swan comes up occassionaly between $110-$120. I'm guessing the Dolphin may be accepting lower bids due to the renovation?? Either way, not a bad deal at either property.

Jim

 

[bigsis1970]

Wow that is Lucky its not showing at all for my June dates.. Michelle

 

[jtopicz1]

bigsis1970,

Just out of curiosity, what are your dates?? You may want to keep checking back; Hotwire seems to change there inventory everyday when it comes to the Swan/Dolphin.

Jim

 

[luvindisneyworld]

So,is that the Dolphin that is coming up 81.00 a night?

 

[jtopicz1]

As long as it matches the ammenities listed on my site, it is the Dolphin. I have had two emails today from people who received it and confirmed the ammenities that I have listed. If you prefer you can purchase the first night of your stay and then the additional nights, to confirm for yourself that it is the Dolphin before purchasing the entire stay.

Jim

 

[luvindisneyworld]

couple more questions,is there a chance the price will drop anymore?is the resort fee added in on that or do we pay for that at check-in?what is the resort fee?hate to sound stupid.LOL

 

[jtopicz1]

The resort fee is paid to the hotel at Check-Out along with any other fee's you may have incurred over your stay (room service, mini-bar, etc.). The fee (I'm not sure how much they charge now) is a nightly fee which covers resort services. Such services include use of the tennis courts, pool, etc. Many hotels in the Orlando area add these fees. Why they don't just include it in the room price is beyond me The resort fee will be charged no matter how you book your room.

As for the price, It may go down, but there is a greater chance it would go up. Right after 9/11 people were getting Swan/Dolphin for $70 on Priceline, but that doesn't occur much anymore. By comparison, Swan has been coming up on Hotwire for $114. The $81 rate is definatly a hot one.

One final reminder: When you bid with Hotwire (or Priceline), you are NEVER gauranteed a specific hotel. THe list I compiled is designed to increase your odds to as near 100% as possible. If you follow all the directions you should do well. All the information I provide is based on past bids and is verified to be accurate.
I always recommend getting your first night of Hotwire to confirm it is indeed the correct hotel, then get right back on and purchase the rest. This virtually eliminates the small risk that is left

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask

Jim

 

[luvindisneyworld]

so even if we dont use the pools or tennis courts and things we still have to pay the resort fee?so you have had Emails saying that the 81.00 is for the Dolphin?sorry for so many Questions but this would be my first time using hotwire or Priceline,still a little worried.
you have been great and very patient,THANk YOU.