The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ September 2010 ~ Please read post #1

[macbitt]

There ya go, then!

Indeed. Thanks.

 

[TaraPA]

Wow! Thank you both for the information. I didn't imagine that they wouldn't honor the reservation room type! I hope I get the King bed that is on the reservation. For what it is worth, I am SPG Gold, so maybe that would help.????

We've been Gold for years & when making a points reservation I've always been told (or read) we can request anything, but nothing is guaranteed. So we go expecting nothing.

Unfortunately in the last few years they've reduced the number of perks for Preferred & Gold levels. It's still a great program, but you almost have to be Platinum now to get perks.

That being said, the service at S/D is exceptional, and they will do everything they can to get you what you want!

 

[Mouseteacher]

My 2 cents on spg points:

I am spg preferred because I have the spg AMEX card. I used my points in 2009 for 2 free nights - Swan deluxe alcove suite King bed and this year, too. We are headed to the Swan next week. I had enough points for 4 nights alcove suite and I got the 5th night free. Our room is a King bed with balcony.

I accumulated a good amount of points in the last 3 years due to the AMEX card and we were in California last summer and stayed at 3 different Sheratons while there for 2 weeks. Also, the S/D awarded me 10,000 points during our Swan stay in 2008 because of an unacceptable delay in getting into our room. This wasn't the fault of the resort. The guests who were in the room assigned to us did not check out on time. The resort kept trying to get them to leave. Their luggage was in the room but they weren't - they were even charged for an additional day. The CM said the resort could not touch or move luggage without the knowledge of the owners. Thus, they considered the room still occupied. It was frustrating and we kept checking with the front desk on the status. I have never experienced this in all my travels.

They finally left at 4:30pm (they were not granted a late check-out). The CM told us if we were willing to wait the room was a terrific room with a resort view and offered the 10,000 points. We waited!

 

[N_Phoenix]

My 2 cents on spg points:

They finally left at 4:30pm (they were not granted a late check-out). The CM told us if we were willing to wait the room was a terrific room with a resort view and offered the 10,000 points. We waited!

Wow, that is a great reimbursement.

 

[gumbo1009]

Question about pricing...

I am considering a stay at the Dolphin in August 2012 (the location is great and the pool sounds perfect for a summer stay).

I joined the Starwood program, but just as a "regular" member, and I am also a AAA member. Beyond that, I've got bubkus.

My question is, how many months in advance should I be looking for deals? Should I reserve a room as soon as possible? Can I then "apply" better discounts to the existing reservation (as it works with the Disney resorts)?

Just trying to figure out timing of when I should be doing what.

Thanks!

 

[RachelTori]

Question about pricing...

I am considering a stay at the Dolphin in August 2012 (the location is great and the pool sounds perfect for a summer stay).

I joined the Starwood program, but just as a "regular" member, and I am also a AAA member. Beyond that, I've got bubkus.

My question is, how many months in advance should I be looking for deals? Should I reserve a room as soon as possible? Can I then "apply" better discounts to the existing reservation (as it works with the Disney resorts)?

Just trying to figure out timing of when I should be doing what.

Thanks!

If AAA rates are available for August 2012, I'd book now. (I don't think any other promotions would be out for summer 2012 yet.)

You can "upgrade" your Starwood membership through AAA to become "preferred" - however, that won't guarantee any upgrades from Swan/Dolphin. Still, free to upgrade so why not do it! Here's the info from the AAA website:

Starwood Preferred Guest®
Join Starwood Preferred Guest® today, to enjoy AAA/CAA Preferred Plus® advantages:

* Instant upgrade to a Preferred room at check-in, and 4 pm late check-out. (Subject to availability.)
* 2 Starpoints for every $ USD spent.
* Instant Awards offering spontaneous indulgences, such as breakfast in bed, massage, and more.
* Advance notice of hotel offers and more.
* No Blackout Dates on free night awards.

Call 1-866-782-7737 to join Starwood Preferred Guest® or to upgrade your account today - simply mention enrollment code "AAA/CAA" to start enjoying the benefits now.


Swan/Dolphin have always been great about applying a discounted rate to an existing reservation. When I find a better deal, I call their 800# (888-828-8850) and get the lower rate applied.

 

[SingingMom]

If AAA rates are available for August 2012, I'd book now. (I don't think any other promotions would be out for summer 2012 yet.)

You can "upgrade" your Starwood membership through AAA to become "preferred" - however, that won't guarantee any upgrades from Swan/Dolphin. Still, free to upgrade so why not do it! Here's the info from the AAA website:

Starwood Preferred Guest®
Join Starwood Preferred Guest® today, to enjoy AAA/CAA Preferred Plus® advantages:

* Instant upgrade to a Preferred room at check-in, and 4 pm late check-out. (Subject to availability.)
* 2 Starpoints for every $ USD spent.
* Instant Awards offering spontaneous indulgences, such as breakfast in bed, massage, and more.
* Advance notice of hotel offers and more.
* No Blackout Dates on free night awards.

Call 1-866-782-7737 to join Starwood Preferred Guest® or to upgrade your account today - simply mention enrollment code "AAA/CAA" to start enjoying the benefits now.


Swan/Dolphin have always been great about applying a discounted rate to an existing reservation. When I find a better deal, I call their 800# (888-828-8850) and get the lower rate applied.

Do you know if this is in conjunction with the credit card, or just with the "Starwood Guest" card? I don't have an American Express Starwood as I use my Marriott Visa for all purchases. Don't really want another credit card, so I wondered if you can get this preferred status by just holding the guest card and being a AAA member (of which I am a Plus member). thanks!

 

[LexiC123]

Do you know if this is in conjunction with the credit card, or just with the "Starwood Guest" card? I don't have an American Express Starwood as I use my Marriott Visa for all purchases. Don't really want another credit card, so I wondered if you can get this preferred status by just holding the guest card and being a AAA member (of which I am a Plus member). thanks!

Thought I'd jump in here to answer this...

You don't need the credit card for the Preferred Plus status. I had joined SPG and AAA separately, but all I had to do was call SPG with my AAA info and now the two accounts are linked and my status is Preferred Plus.

 

[RachelTori]

Do you know if this is in conjunction with the credit card, or just with the "Starwood Guest" card? I don't have an American Express Starwood as I use my Marriott Visa for all purchases. Don't really want another credit card, so I wondered if you can get this preferred status by just holding the guest card and being a AAA member (of which I am a Plus member). thanks!

This has nothing to do with the Amex card -- it's for any AAA/CAA member so give them a call!

 

[AKbabe]

Just returned yesterday. I would speculate you can bring noodles, because they rent floaters there, and I saw folks with their own tubes.

Great! Thank you so much for letting me know this info!!

 

[P13]

Someone told me on here earlier that the front desk will do our online ck the day before for Southwest...here is a new question, do we have to wait to ask them at extact 24hour point or can we just tell them when we need it done? Our 24hour make would be 9:40 on Tuesday & I would hate to have to stick around the hotel until then on our last day for the parks. I am considering paying for the early bird ck in. Anyone have any suggestions on this?? TIA

 

[SingingMom]

Thought I'd jump in here to answer this...

You don't need the credit card for the Preferred Plus status. I had joined SPG and AAA separately, but all I had to do was call SPG with my AAA info and now the two accounts are linked and my status is Preferred Plus.

This has nothing to do with the Amex card -- it's for any AAA/CAA member so give them a call!

Thanks for the info!!! I will call them right now!

 

[son3disfan]

Wow, what great info! Thank you for sharing....

I just called. I was already listed as a "preferred guest". I signed up online a few weeks ago.
I just called and told them I would like to add my CAA card to become
Preferred plus...

He said he added the AAA notation...... But he didn't take my actual number???

He said that I would just show my card at check in to receive any added upgrades / points. And when making new reservations, the AAA discount will automatically show up, if available.

I am hoping he is correct.........and I am signed up properly.

 

[LexiC123]

Someone told me on here earlier that the front desk will do our online ck the day before for Southwest...here is a new question, do we have to wait to ask them at extact 24hour point or can we just tell them when we need it done? Our 24hour make would be 9:40 on Tuesday & I would hate to have to stick around the hotel until then on our last day for the parks. I am considering paying for the early bird ck in. Anyone have any suggestions on this?? TIA

We always do the early bird check in on the return. I think it's worth the $10 pp not to have to worry about it...especially since I tend to get more than a little forgetful when my brain is in vacation mode!

Then, on the day of our departure, we just use the lobby computer to print out our boarding passes and we're on our way.

 

[P13]

We always do the early bird check in on the return. I think it's worth the $10 pp not to have to worry about it...especially since I tend to get more than a little forgetful when my brain is in vacation mode!

Then, on the day of our departure, we just use the lobby computer to print out our boarding passes and we're on our way.

Sorry, but one more question...the guy I spoke with at soutwest told me the $10pp was for round trip..is this not the case?? TIA...I'm freakin' out a bit at the moment!!!

 

[LexiC123]

Sorry, but one more question...the guy I spoke with at soutwest told me the $10pp was for round trip..is this not the case?? TIA...I'm freakin' out a bit at the moment!!!

No, unfortunately...it's $10 pp, per segment. Since it's just DH and I, it's only an extra $20, which isn't too bad.

 

[TaraPA]

Someone told me on here earlier that the front desk will do our online ck the day before for Southwest...here is a new question, do we have to wait to ask them at extact 24hour point or can we just tell them when we need it done? Our 24hour make would be 9:40 on Tuesday & I would hate to have to stick around the hotel until then on our last day for the parks. I am considering paying for the early bird ck in. Anyone have any suggestions on this?? TIA

Just FYI for those that may not know - they do have 2 computer kiosks specifically for airline check-in, in the lobby (at The Swan it's just around the corner from the lobby). I've never asked the front desk staff do it for me, so I don't know if they routinely do this or not.

 

[jmkst58]

Oh!! I hope we get the same luck...it will be our 19th,too. I emailed them, so I'm crossing my fingers for some magic!!

can I ask who you emailed (?the address?)? Any response would be appreciated! thanks!

 

[LexiC123]

Here's another good deal for S/D fans...

Today's Groupon is for 50% off at the Garden Grove Restaurant.

One adult dinner buffet normally costs $29.99 + tax/tip (any night but Friday) or $35.99 + tax/tip (Friday night seafood buffet).

Details:

$18 for $36 worth of food at the all-you-can-eat buffet
Expires Nov 20, 2011
Limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts.
Limit 1 per table.
Limit 1 per visit.
Dine-in only.
Valid for dinner only.
See the rules that apply to all deals.​

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

I thought I read a post on this thread about a bonus deal for signing up for the SPG Amex card with a referral. I can't find the post now though! Does anyone know about this? I would like to sign up for the card.