Swan vs Dolphin Rate Difference?

[Mickey_Man]

DW & I are travelling to the World in July, staying at the Villas at WL (timeshare exchange from Harborside) from the 3rd-10th. We decided to extend our stay a few more nights and we are 95% certain we are settling on the Swan. We have stayed at the Dolphin on many occasions and LOVE the location and amenities. I was shocked to find that the rates (teacher's rate discount) were slightly different based on which hotel we'd stay in. I was even further shocked to find that despite having more restaurants, lounges, etc. going on at the much larger Dolphin, it was the Swan that was more expensive!! Granted, we are talking about $20/night, but still - $67.00 is another meal/few drinks/souveniers/etc we could have.


My question is this: Does anyone know if it is normal for these to differ in their rates and why is the Swan more expensive?

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We have stayed at both and I think the main reasn for the price differece is that Swan has 2 queens instead of 2 doubles and they also have refridgerators in the rooms.

 

[Mickey_Man]

Oh - Fridge in the room is key I suppose. We'd be looking for 1 King which we have had in the Dolphin before - is that available in the Swan?

Seeing as you have stayed in both - which did you prefer? DW is concerned that we will be constantly going to the Dolphin if we stay at the Swan - for everything from a quick snack to refilling our mugs. Did you find that happening or did the Swan have everything you needed? I am not even sure what the Swan equivalent of Picabu would be for refilling mugs, quick snack, etc.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We liked the Swan a little better, but overall they are almost equal. The Swan does have king rooms as well. We never used Picabu either time and did not get the refillable mugs. We bring our own snacks and drinks, since you have a fridge it is way cheaper and easier. If you feel you will use Picabu a lot, then definitely go with the Dolphin.

 

[Mickey_Man]

Thanks for the feedback. Just got off the phone after booking the Swan - We are going to rent a car this trip (1st time) so we like the idea of running out to a grocery store and getting our own drinks and snacks. We are doing WL Villas the week prior so i am sure we will have some leftover snacks and stuff to fill that fridge anyway! I love the Swan/Dolphin location - cannot be beat, especially at these rates!

 

[Mickey_Man]

Any tips on room requests at the Swan in order to get best views/locations? We usually get the Gold Preferred Upgrades, so we could potentially be selective with that.

 

[patpaxton]

I'm Platinum with Starwood. Best advice is ask!! Send an email to the manger with your request. Be nice (obviously). Helps to have a special occasion. I did this and got upgraded from an average room to a 2 bedroom suite.
Btw...I expect the Swan to always be a little more expensive as the Swan is a Westin and the Dolphin is a Sheraton. Most Westins are slightly more expensive.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

I would ask if they had any balcony rooms facing Epcot. If not a balcony view facing the Dolphin is nice too.

 

[Mickey_Man]

I'm Platinum with Starwood. Best advice is ask!! Send an email to the manger with your request. Be nice (obviously). Helps to have a special occasion. I did this and got upgraded from an average room to a 2 bedroom suite.
Btw...I expect the Swan to always be a little more expensive as the Swan is a Westin and the Dolphin is a Sheraton. Most Westins are slightly more expensive.

Great idea! I have been to the Dolphin so many times but never thought to contact them ahead of time. We are going for our anniversary, so maybe they'll give us a special upgrade or some perk like that. Did you get the contact info off the website or call first? Just wondering how your experience went.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

There was no fridge at the Swan when we have stayed there. According to allearsnet there is a $12 a day charge to have them send one to your room.

 

[patpaxton]

Just respond to the confirmation email. Or, you can generally find contact info. for all Starwood hotels at spg.com. Your anniversary celebration should definitely help.
Can't share how my experience went yet as we're headed there in April. That said, I'm sure it will be terrific.

Good luck!!

 

[Mickey_Man]

There was no fridge at the Swan when we have stayed there. According to allearsnet there is a $12 a day charge to have them send one to your room.

Are you sure that was at the Swan? I know I had that experience at the Dolphin, but I was told while the Dolphin had mini-bars in every room, the Swan had a fridge available for use in every room. How recent was your stay there?