swan/dolphin reservations

[poonchkie]

I am a gov't worker and I have just signed up and received my spg amex card. We want to reserve 2 rooms for next Nov, and wanted to know the best way to do it. Do you call directly, call Disney, or Starwood? When do you tell them you are SPG, and when do you request an upgrade? We want 2 connecting balcony rooms, view of the fireworks, close to grotto pool, and upgrade to club level. How much of that can we get and what is the best way to try?

 

[katrina1122]

I called the dolphin directly and booked our room, didn't call disney or starwood. I didn't ask about a request, it was very late when I called and just plain forgot, but their website has a request email so I sent that in. I don't have a starwood card, but plan on getting that (not the amex, just the card), once I have the number, i'll call the dolphin back again to confirm my request for an upgrade is on file, though I seriously doubt they will confirm anything. No hotel I'ver ever stayed at will confirm an upgrade, even if its' double beds to a king, let alone the specific request you are asking, because they want to leave options for higher paying customers. Regardless, I'd call the s/d directly...do a google search their website pops and phone numbers are on their website.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Love your name! Is it for paczki? The swan dolphin website is www.swandolphin.com You can easily book through starwood, through the Swan/Dolphin, or through Dreams Unlimited.

I would reserve whatever it is you can't live without. It sounds like you definately want the two connecting balcony rooms so I would make sure you book balcony so you have that in order. There are so many views(many overlapping) at both resorts that I would then ask for a high up, close to the grotto pool location, if that is your next most valued choice. Having a balcony will limit how high up you can be. Epcot fireworks (illuminations) are on the opposite side of the grotto pool view. You might want to rank your preferences for views. I have heard many people here say that even their standard view room had glorious views. I have only seen one bad review for a "view" on this entire site, and they immediately had it changed.

You are going to love the Dolphin! We loved the Swan during our late June trip!

Debbie

 

[poonchkie]

Thanks for the help. I really don't need a view of the pool, I want view of fireworks and maybe a room that is not 2 miles away from the grotto pool, if possible. Also, assuming all renovations done by Nov 04, any difference between Swan and Dolphin?

p.s.
Hockeymom- Poonchkie is variation of Paczki, and it is nickname for our daughter.

 

[swilphil]

If you call the Dolphin direct, you will need to call Starwood and have your starwood number added to your reservation. This is what we did.

I'm not sure how many connecting rooms they have with balconies. We stayed on the East wing with a resort view (not a view of fireworks), and only every other room had a balcony. There are wonderful rooms on the ends of the wings called King something rooms that have double balconies. The West Wing is closer to the pool.

The Dolphin is great. Enjoy!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

I believe that the Dolphin has only every other room with balconies. Thus, connecting rooms with both having a balcony might not be.

We stayed in the central part (used the central elevators) on the 12th floor CL and did not find the walk to the pool to be too long.

The Dolphin is larger and it houses Tubbi's, the laundry and the health club. The Swan is smaller seems more sedate. Once the Dolphin is renovated, it will be a matter of preference.

I would book my reservation directly through the Dolphin and give them your spg # plus let them know you have a Amex cc. Then call spg and let them know your confirmation # from the Dolphin - they will give you a confirmation #, too. Then, e mail through the swandolphin website (under reservations - special requests) your request for a comp upgrade.

Good Luck - you will enjoy the resort - we did! So much so, that we are returning to the Swan in 5 days.

 

[airhead]

..when I made them,i didn't have any special requests except that it had to be non-smoking(because of asthma). My reservations are for next July,when should I make special requests like floor and views? I am a Starwood member and I know it has some weight,do i wait until I get there??

thanks,
CJ

 

[diskids2]

I can confirm that we could not have two connecting rooms each with a balcony. We wanted two balconies so there is a room in between.

 

[poonchkie]

Last question- would we be able to get one balcony room connected to one standard room, and if I get upgraded to club level is that for your whole party or would both rooms have to be upgraded?

 

[kda]

Just wanted to be sure you're aware that club level rooms are higher up and don't have balconies. Some people choose to stay in a balcony room, but request club level privileges.

 

[diskids2]

I was given the option of connecting rooms but one could not have the balcony (balcony and standard rates). Both parties wanted the balcony so away went the connecting rooms (I dont' think my parents were thrilled with the idea of the kids running through their rooms anyway ).

 

[swilphil]

You can e-mail your request through the swandolphin.com website. There is a place under reservations to make requests. I then sent a "gentle reminder" 5 days before we left. You can check your reservation at spg.com to see if you have been upgraded. I was upgraded the Friday before we left.

 

[luvdisney14]

We are staying at the swan. Should I call and put in my requests or go on spg.com site. Also, how would I know if I got upgraded.
We have 2 standard rooms booked, We are starwood preferred members, but I don't know what type of upgrade to ask for. Of course I would like club level, but I don't know if that is possible. Give me suggestions on what to do?

 

[Mustangdi]

I have been a SPG for 3 years and didn't call SPG
to add res. for our rooms last Sept. Since I didn't call I lost the points that I had and none
were added for that trip. I have never requested
an upgrade, didn't know if I could get one. I will
send an e-mail and see what happens before this
next trip. Thanks for the info.