The Swan or the Dolphin?

[Pipkin]

I guess this is a Sheraton vs. Westin question. The last time we stayed at the Dolphin, I thought it was in need of redecorating. The Swan is about $20 more expensive when we want to go. Is it nicer?

 

[CanadianGuy]

My last two stays were at the Dolphin and just last month the Swan.

I greatly preferred the Swan. And here's the thing, I can't exactly say why. The staff are friendly and helpful at both. Rooms felt current and tasteful. Decor is very similar.

It was a very intangible vibe for sure, but the Swan just suited us better.

Knox

 

[TaraPA]

You're going to get 6 of one answer, half a dozen of the other!!! I've stayed at both numerous times. If my preferred choice wasn't available, I'd definitely stay at the other.

Decor is the same at both resorts, so take that out of the equation. Refurb is complete on both.

Swan overall is smaller & more intimate, and has queen beds & an extra sink outside the bathroom. The Dolphin is larger, has more hustle & bustle going on (it seems) only has double beds,and only one bathroom sink inside the bathroom. (This being for standarm rooms, deluxe rooms & suites may be configured differently.)

We prefer the Dolphin when the kids are along because the only CS between both is at Dolphin (Picabu), the only laundry room is at Dolphin (none at Swan), the arcade (again none at Swan) and it's closer to The Grotto Pool.

So there you go, your 1st 2 replies were complete opposite opinions (which is why there is an open forum - so you can hear all sides!)

 

[cjsm&d]

You're going to get 6 of one answer, half a dozen of the other!!! I've stayed at both numerous times. If my preferred choice wasn't available, I'd definitely stay at the other.

Decor is the same at both resorts, so take that out of the equation. Refurb is complete on both.

Swan overall is smaller & more intimate, and has queen beds & an extra sink outside the bathroom. The Dolphin is larger, has more hustle & bustle going on (it seems) only has double beds,and only one bathroom sink inside the bathroom. (This being for standarm rooms, deluxe rooms & suites may be configured differently.)

We prefer the Dolphin when the kids are along because the only CS between both is at Dolphin (Picabu), the only laundry room is at Dolphin (none at Swan), the arcade (again none at Swan) and it's closer to The Grotto Pool.

So there you go, your 1st 2 replies were complete opposite opinions (which is why there is an open forum - so you can hear all sides!)

This is a very good point counterpoint post!

For the same reasons TaraPA likes Dolphine, we like Swan better Laundry and QS aren't biggies for us, and we like that Swan is smaller and feels more leisurely.

While the Grotto pool is closer to Dolphin, it's not by a whole lot (depending on where in the Dolphin your room is), and the basketball court is right next to the Swan a lounge, and the quiet pool, which is a grand slam for DS, DNeph, DW and I!

You're just gonna have to make up your own mind. (I guess that's a group hug, I was using it as a family huddling to decide something)

 

[Pipkin]

I had booked the Swan for the Food and Wine Festival. I really liked being close to the events there, but then I saw today that Shades of Green is offering $89 per night, regardless of rank. Factoring in tax, resort fees, parking at $14 per day, that is a big savings for us. I like Shades of Green so we can be mildly inconvenienced for such a huge savings; (over $800 for 4 nights)

 

[DisCopper]

I've stayed at both, and agree with others that they are very similar in many, many ways. I prefer the Swan, BUT that's only because it's somewhat smaller. The last time we were at the Dolphin, it was during a very slow period. There didn't seem to be any conferences going on, and the whole conference room area was deathly quiet. Walking through at night was like being in "The Shining..." big, empty hallways with empty rooms beyond.