Swan vs. Dolphin?

[Needzavacation]

From a Swan and Dolphin newbie: Is there any real difference between staying at the Swan or the Dolphin? I know that one is managed by Westin and one by Sheraton, but it seems that all the services are the same now. We're looking to stay on the club level at one or the other, but wonder if there's anything to know. Also, is one side of the hotel better than the other in terms of view? Thanks for your help!

 

[Connears]

I stayed last 12/26-1/02/04 at Swan and loved it! We were on CL and had great service and good offerings in the lounge. Thabo was wonderful and he made our day each morning! I enjoyed the intimacy of the Swan and really appreciated it when we stayed xmas night this year at the Dolphin. It is Huge! We walked about 10 minutes from the elevator to our room. WE used facilities in both resorts (loved Fresh, Dolphin Fountain, Game room at Dolphin for DS and Palio). I am SPG member and enjoy both Westin and Sheraton resort perks , but I think Westin is a bit better at service. We are returning to Swan for 2 free nights on points in July. Both resorts are convenient and beautiful. We are DVC members and usually just stay only a night or two at S&D, but we like Swan a bit better.
Connears

 

[glo]

I prefer the Swan too, because of it's size. I also like that it has kimonos right down stairs too. It really depends on your preferences though. Some people love the size of the Dolphin, and that it is always hoping and active...I like the calmness of the Swan

 

[swilphil]

You really can't go wrong with either one. They are both great. I do hear better reviews about the CL service at the Swan. The Dolphin has a more impressive lobby and technically is closer to the grotto pool. Plus it houses Tubbi's 24 hour food court. BUT I could swear it took us less time to get to Tubbi's and the pool from our room at the Swan than it did from our room on the East Wing of the Dolphin. The Dolphin is much bigger and more spread out.

 

[jenjersnap]

Isn't it true also that Swan has two queens in the room and Dolphin has 2 doubles? Thought that might be important to someone ...

 

[MarkLem]

We just got back from a stay at Swan. It has 2 queens, DOlphin only doubles. It was a short walk to get to the things at Dolphin, so good there. Plus being smaller it was less hustle & bustle.

 

[mrg013]

I prefer the Dolphin to the Swan, but there really isn't much of a difference. The lobby area in the Dolphin is far superior to the Swan, and I also like having the convenience of Tubbi's right downstairs rather than having to walk across to get to it. The resort is quite large.

The last time we went 12/25-12/31, we had a resort view room (8133). It was actually larger than a regular room with two windows. There was one section the size of a regular room, and then one section off to the side with the beds. Basically one part of our room was pretty much empty except for the armoire and armchair, creating a huge room! It was directly next to the elevators, so there was no long walk to the room, and as soon as you walked out of the elevators, you were right by the exit to the bus stop.

Both hotels are great, but if you go during a peak time of year the Swan might actually be a better choice since the buses stop at the Swan first, which creates many already full buses stopping at the Dolphin.

The Westin/Sheraton thing doesn't make much of a difference at all. They are all the same Starwood company, and the rooms are identical at both hotels.