The Swan for $60 per night?

[vhoffman]

I read somewhere that someone got the Swan for $60 per night. This is a far cry from the rates I've seen. Rack rate is about $330 per night. There's a 50% discount with AAA but that would only bring it down to about $165 per night, and the AAA is hardly ever available. Is it possible to get the Swan for $60, or did I just dream it? I've tried searching this board and can't find the post about this price. Maybe I saw it on a different site. Anyways, if anyone knows how to get this price (or similar) for this hotel, please share with me the particulars!

Otherwise, I think I've found a good rate. Its for the Best Western DTD. Its for $89 per night and included full breakfast for four for every day. Does this sound like a good rate? I could have gotten the room without the breakfast for $79 per night, but where can you find breakfast for four for $10? So, does this sound like I'm getting a good deal?

 

[BedKnobbery2]

The rate you saw for the Swan was probably the Cash & Points rate for Starwood members--you have to redeem Starwood points and pay the $60/night.

REgarding the rate you posted; it depends upon the time of year. At certain times of the year, that rate seems rather high, but for others, it would be reasonable. I don't have knowledge of the breakfast for the particular hotel you mentioned, but be sure to read the fine print--most 'Hotel + Breakfast' deals apply to 2 people only, and you have to pay for the additional breakfasts.

You can also try www.hotelkingdom.com for very good rates.

Good luck!
BK

 

[DianeV]

I just got that same Best Western on Priceline for $35 a night. It came to $45 with taxes and fees total. Its not guaranteed to get that hotel but you can still get some nice hotels on there. I bid for a 3*

 

[vhoffman]

Are there any tricks you know for getting the Best Western on Priceline? The price we have of $89 per night does include full breakfast for four for every night of stay, but $35 sure seems better. I've never used Priceline before and am tempted by the low prices but hesitant that I'll wind up with a hotel not to my liking. I'm rather particular about my hotels. I insist on interior corridors and in-room safes. Also, we greatly prefer queen-size beds because we have to share the beds with our kids. Also I really want DTD, not offsite. Is there any way to insure that I get "all of the above" with Priceline? I'm budget-minded but don't really want to take a chance on getting a hotel that doesn't meet my criteria. If I've found a price I can live with it might be better than taking chances.

 

[Blondiex46]

can you get the swan or dolphin on Priceline?

 

[tinaluis]

The Swan and Dolphin do come up on Priceline from time to time but there's no way to ensure you'll get any particular hotel. If you have to have a certain hotel, than Priceline isn't for you. We have gotten some really great deals and sometimes have even gotten the hotel we were hoping for, but would have been happy with any of the hotels in the chosen category. You take a bit of a chance but can save a ton of $$$ if you're willing to be flexible.

 

[DianeV]

The 3* hotels that have been coming up lately in the WDW Vicinity are the Best Western DTD and the Doubletree Villas. Not exactly sure where the Doubletree is but I read it isnt too far. Of course that doesnt mean it would only be one of those if you bid! Sheraton Safari has come up recently too. I honestly think any of the 3* hotels coming up lately are fine and for the price? It looks like you need to start bidding at $35 to have a chance.

 

[jgates]

Last fall I believe Swan came up on ?hotwire or one of the boards. By selecting certain options you could basically insure you were getting this property - this was not on priceline though. However, they were only there temporarily and are not (I don't believe) at the present time.

Priceline? - problem could be that I believe the guarantee is only for 2 people per night. Most hotels will let you have 2 beds, but that is at their option - they are only promising one bed as far as I know. This is why I have never dared to do it on a family vacation.

This board can offer you advice on priceline bidding:
BiddingforTravel

Family? Do you by any chance have a relative or friend that works for starwood, sheraton or westin? Family rates can be one of your best bets at some hotel chains. That's stretching it because they are not as big as BW, Marriott, etc but check your family members. I tried to get my son to work at the Sheraton at college but he wouldn't.

Other Discounts? Teacher, Military, Government, Nursing - Swan & Dolphin offer discounts on all of these. These are not the $60 per night but can be as low as $135. (plus tax & resort fee). Entertainment Book - 50% off rack rate - call and ask - rack can vary by dates.

Possible Upgrades Starwood members seem to have a better chance at receiving free or discounted upgrades. It MIGHT allow you to receive Club level at a moderate or even no increase in price. That would provide a VERY NICE continental breakfast and cheese/fruit in the evening. No guarantees!

Now, these are all a far cry from the Best Western that you are talking about. We stayed at the Courtyard DTD once - it was fine. At that time bus service was not the greatest but I understand it has improved. (Note - the bus service for off-site hotels is quite a bit further walk once you leave the parks - they don't have the front row like the Disney buses do!) However, after having the convenience of strolling to the Boardwalk - walking to MGM & Epcot & mini-golf, etc. I don't know that I could go back to DTD area. If that is the only way I could go - that would be a different matter. But if it is just a matter of tightening the belt to get to S/D then so be it!!!

Another option to look at might be the Holiday Inn Family Suites. HIFamily Suites They include free hot breakfast and I know during the winter there has sometimes been a coupon for a B1G1 night free which they have honored in the past (you didn't list your stay dates) - I don't see it on the www.holiday-inn.com site this year but keep watching. They are very close off-site. I have seen several brochures for this place and it looks very nice - we drove past it several times when we went out shopping too - fairly close. Bus service should also be better for one hotel vs. one that is going to seven different hotels (DTD - it took an hour to get anywhere once you got on the bus).

In the site for HI they list free breakfast buffet, scheduled shuttle to 4 theme parks, free lunch & dinner for kids, mini-fridge, in-room safe and coffee packets.

If you can find a couple of possibilities that will let you book with no cancellation penalty - save them both and then wait for other options to come up. All in all, my first choice is the Swan and I would work on getting that one if you can.