The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ April 2012 ~ Please read post #1

[Alabama Minnie]

kandb: Are you happy with everything at the Dolphin besides the pool situation? I remember it is your first visit. We arrive Monday.

 

[kandb]

The resort is beautiful, the lobby and restaurants are very nice. The rooms are a nice size and nice but do need an update. Everyone that works here is very nice and location is great as well. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't feel "disney". I saw other people say that but now totally know what they mean. My husband likes not being in a disney hotel, he likes "getting away from it" but I like being immersed. It's probably cost 1/2 the price of the boardwalk so it's OK. The pool area and hotel itself does not seem crowded at all, grounds are beautiful. Any questions, please ask.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

We have stayed at the Dolphin before and at BWI but the price difference was just to great this time for us. My DH doesn't have to have a constant Disney experience either but I only get that feeling more from the values.
Were you lucky enough to get any kind of upgrade? Last time we got a small one to resort-view.
We aren't pool people so that really want bother us. We love the boat though.

 

[kandb]

We have 2 rooms, so when we checked in, I asked her how is our view and she said "you really don't have one" and said if you want a resort view it would be $10 extra/night and balcony $50/night extra. I told her, I thought when you joined starwood, you would get a upgrade if available for free? Then she said, OK I will give you an upgrade, both rooms are in the west wing, next to each other and have a view of the quiet lap pool/bar area. Nice view. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[LexiC123]

We have 2 rooms, so when we checked in, I asked her how is our view and she said "you really don't have one" and said if you want a resort view it would be $10 extra/night and balcony $50/night extra. I told her, I thought when you joined starwood, you would get a upgrade if available for free? Then she said, OK I will give you an upgrade, both rooms are in the west wing, next to each other and have a view of the quiet lap pool/bar area. Nice view. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Actually, not all levels of the Starwood Preferred Guest Program are eligible for the upgrades...only the Preferred Plus, Gold and Platinum levels.

But you're right, it never hurts to ask. I'm glad it worked out for you. That's another one of the perks of the lower-occupancy September season: less filled rooms means that there is more availability for upgrades such as yours.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

[Mouseteacher]

My DBro and his family are at the Dolphin. They arrived yesterday. He was at the Grotto pool today and texted that it was in excellent condition. His only disappointment was his room at the Dolphin. He said it really needed updating. It was quite worn in his opinion.

They tried to reserve the Swan back in the spring when booking their dates but it was filled so they went to the Dolphin.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

Arriving Monday for OUR Bday!
Hate to hear this about the "worn" rooms. I thought they had done a refurb not long ago. Do they now have "flat-screen" tvs? Also, what brand of coffee machine do they have in the rooms now. Thanks!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Arriving Monday for OUR Bday!
Hate to hear this about the "worn" rooms. I thought they had done a refurb not long ago. Do they now have "flat-screen" tvs? Also, what brand of coffee machine do they have in the rooms now. Thanks!

I have stayed at the Swan on our last several stays. I have never had a worn room. We had flat screen TV. We don't use the coffee pot so I haven't paid attention to it. I like going to the Lobby Bar in the morning for our coffee.

Don't hesitate asking for a room change if you are not happy with it. I have always found the CMs willing to accomodate if they can.

 

[kandb]

I checked out the pool today, it was early this morning and the water was very clear and the pool "looked" fine. Regarding the rooms, it's really the bathroom that is dated, the tile is the old fashioned white and it's blackened in some areas where there is grout. We also had to call the front desk because our sink wouldn't go down and when you take a shower the water stays in the bathtub. The other thing I noticed is that the hallway carpeting doesn't seem to get vacuumned. It's a darker blue and there is always pieces of white paper and other items on it. I really don't think they have vacumned it since we are here. The health clubs in the hotel is very nice and the workers are very nice. Not crazy about Picabu since they automatically add 18% service charge to whatever you buy. The other day I got a container of fruit and a beverage (just grab and go) and they still charge you 18% service charge. It's kind of expensive. Try bringing drinks and snacks because the prices are outrageous. The coffee in the room is starbucks and it is a large pod that fills one cup. The coffee is VERY strong. It seems like the pods are really big for one cup. It really is a nice resort, it is growing on me, the friendship boat is great and location can't be beat.

 

[cgattis]

Hey, AlabamaMinnie, we're headed down next Friday for MY birthday (late)--it's the 25th. Hope you have a great one, and if you see me hanging out around the Dolphin Saturday in my Bama Mickey shirt, say hi!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

......Not crazy about Picabu since they automatically add 18% service charge to whatever you buy. The other day I got a container of fruit and a beverage (just grab and go) and they still charge you 18% service charge. It's kind of expensive. Try bringing drinks and snacks because the prices are outrageous....

18% or 13%? It had been 13%. Has it been increased to 18%?

 

[Alabama Minnie]

kandb: Thanks for the coffee info. I had some Emerils leftover from RPH but I think it is for a Krueig. I might look for some extra milder "pods" to take.

cgattis: DH and My Bday is the 24th. We are only staying 3 nights so we will probably be gone before you arrive though. I just bought the DGS, due in Dec., a couple to Alabama Mickey onesies today. ROLL TIDE!!

Maybe we will get "lucky" again this visit with the room. We did in 2009. It was also the year that you got in "free" on your birthday (x2).

 

[peaches00]

I checked out the pool today, it was early this morning and the water was very clear and the pool "looked" fine. Regarding the rooms, it's really the bathroom that is dated, the tile is the old fashioned white and it's blackened in some areas where there is grout. We also had to call the front desk because our sink wouldn't go down and when you take a shower the water stays in the bathtub. The other thing I noticed is that the hallway carpeting doesn't seem to get vacuumned. It's a darker blue and there is always pieces of white paper and other items on it. I really don't think they have vacumned it since we are here. The health clubs in the hotel is very nice and the workers are very nice. Not crazy about Picabu since they automatically add 18% service charge to whatever you buy. The other day I got a container of fruit and a beverage (just grab and go) and they still charge you 18% service charge. It's kind of expensive. Try bringing drinks and snacks because the prices are outrageous. The coffee in the room is starbucks and it is a large pod that fills one cup. The coffee is VERY strong. It seems like the pods are really big for one cup. It really is a nice resort, it is growing on me, the friendship boat is great and location can't be beat.

Wait...they charge a service charge for stuff you just take out of a case. What? How does that make any sense? What if you refuse? I am an excellent tipper, always go over 20% but this doesn't make sense.

 

[peaches00]

I checked out the pool today, it was early this morning and the water was very clear and the pool "looked" fine. Regarding the rooms, it's really the bathroom that is dated, the tile is the old fashioned white and it's blackened in some areas where there is grout. We also had to call the front desk because our sink wouldn't go down and when you take a shower the water stays in the bathtub. The other thing I noticed is that the hallway carpeting doesn't seem to get vacuumned. It's a darker blue and there is always pieces of white paper and other items on it. I really don't think they have vacumned it since we are here. The health clubs in the hotel is very nice and the workers are very nice. Not crazy about Picabu since they automatically add 18% service charge to whatever you buy. The other day I got a container of fruit and a beverage (just grab and go) and they still charge you 18% service charge. It's kind of expensive. Try bringing drinks and snacks because the prices are outrageous. The coffee in the room is starbucks and it is a large pod that fills one cup. The coffee is VERY strong. It seems like the pods are really big for one cup. It really is a nice resort, it is growing on me, the friendship boat is great and location can't be beat.

Wait...they charge a service charge for stuff you just take out of a case. What? How does that make any sense? What if you refuse? I am an excellent tipper, always go over 20% but this doesn't make sense.

 

[my2ms0205]

Do you have to be a guest of the Swan or Dolphin to rent the swan boats? We are eating at Kimono's and I'd love to take my dd on the boats beforehand.
thanks!

 

[kandb]

I got a large container of fruit and a drink. When I paid at the register, they added on a service charge. I told the cashier, I was just taking the items "to go" and not even sitting down and she said everything has a service charge. I thought it was 18% but maybe I was mistaken as to the percentage. Make sure if you have a AAA card to bring it because at least they give 20 percent off.

 

[My3Princez]

Wait...they charge a service charge for stuff you just take out of a case. What? How does that make any sense? What if you refuse? I am an excellent tipper, always go over 20% but this doesn't make sense.

Yes. The charge is added automatically. It is a separate charge from any tip you choose to leave - different line on the the receipt for a tip. Similar arrangement as at Pepper Market at Coronado Springs. Can't refuse to pay it. Just have to eat somewhere else if you don't want to pay the service charge.

 

[My3Princez]

Just returned from our first stay at the Dolphin. Had a nice visit. Only issue we had was that we requested a late check-out and were told 12:30 would be fine. When my husband went back to the room after finishing his work at the conference he was attending to change into park clothes, the room had been cleared out and his stuff was in lost and found. Apparently housekeeping had not been informed that we had a late checkout. Lost about 1/2 an hour trying to track the stuff down. Other than that, we really enjoyed our stay.

 

[NancyIL]

I'll be at the Swan in 2 days! I love the resort, but have never been fond of Picabu - even before they added the service charge. I just avoid it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I do like Picabu, and do not mind the 13% addon, if eating there. I just adjust my tip accordingly. But, I do object to adding the service charge on if just picking something for takeout. That is like getting charged a service charge at a 7-11.