Would you prefer a standard view or lake @ the Dolphin?

[Lorix2]

This should be a no brainer, but I booked the AAA rate standard view for $189.50 and now I see Allearsnet.com has a lake view for $189.50.

Would you still see the lake from a standard view? Or is standard view considered run of the house, whatever is available type of view?

I'm thinking I should switch my code rates...

For those who have stayed here, can you guide me?

Thanks alot

 

[ncbyrne]

DH and I stayed there last year. DH insisted on having a balcony, but never again! The only thing I'd inquire about if we book here again is WHERE the room is located within the resort. We had a LOOOONG walk to our room. I don't look out the window often enough to care what's out there...but after a long day in the parks and then that long trek just to the lobby of the hotel, the last thing I want is another hike just to get to bed!

 

[FINFAN]

I would go with the lake view for the same $$$, become a SPG member .(Starwood Preffered Guest) If there is a complimentary upgrade available at check in, you will receive it as a SPG member. We have had a standard view before at the Dolphin....it was of the service area/roof tops...while we did not look out the window much, we do still remember it bothering us on vacation. This last trip (Christmas) we were upgraded BIG TIME from a lake view to a balconey room w/resort view of MGM and the pool/beach. It was really nice. I guess since they are the same price, why not have a lake view?

Pam

 

[ms.ojo]

You should be able to see Illuminations from your room. When you check in, you can ask if there are any rooms available w/ nice views of Epcot's Illuminations (or other nice views) and usually they'll upgrade you w/ no extra $$ if it's available. We did this twice at the Dolphin! It was wonderful!

 

[jultomzach]

I would go for the lake view but not all lake views have a balcony or face Epcot to see Illuminations. Some face MGM or lagoon pool/beach area.

 

[Lorix2]

Hmm...I just got off the phone with reservations for the Dolphin and the reservationist told me he sees the ALLEARNET code in the system, but only for a standard view like I have with AAA. He's showing a LAKE view for $224.50 and Allearsnet states this rate on their website as RESORT view for $224.50.

My dates are April 20-23, 2005. Very conflicting.

 

[dreamflight99]

LAKE VIEW over the standard view, undoubtedly. As FINFAN posted, the standard includes the rooftop, parking area, etc. The LAKE view, includes most "preferred" view rooms. These are usually at a PREMIUM over the standard view rooms. So, take the LAKE VIEW!!! (IMHO).

 

[Lorix2]

Thanks again for the replies to go for the lake view, but for not for $224.50 a night!

I just used the 'contact us" form on Deb Will's site to report the conflict, hope they can correct the error, where ever it may lie.

Now I'm bummed...had my hopes up for a lake view, but I am an SPG member, so maybe an upgrade might be possible.

 

[NMAmy]

Lorix2--go to www.spg.com and sign up to become a Starwood Preferred Guest. I had paid for a standard view on my trip a year ago March and got upgraded to a balcony, Illuminations view. At Christmas, I paid for a balcony/lake view and got an even better view as a Gold member. Yes, it was a long walk to the lobby but well worth the extra steps for me since we could watch Illuminations from our beds every night.

I hope you love the Dolphin as much as we did. It's a fabulous hotel.

 

[Lorix2]

thanks NMAmy - I am a SPG member and keeping my fingers crossed

 

[TammyC]

Thanks again for the replies to go for the lake view, but for not for $224.50 a night!

I just used the 'contact us" form on Deb Will's site to report the conflict, hope they can correct the error, where ever it may lie.

Now I'm bummed...had my hopes up for a lake view, but I am an SPG member, so maybe an upgrade might be possible.

Do you get the mousesavers Ears the Deal newsletter? It seems like I saw something there about the one category upgrade.

 

[kilee]

DH and I had a balcony on our last trip. He still talks about it. We both loved waking up and going onto the balcony and watching the people and boats. There was also nothing like sitting out there at the end of a long day and seeing the Epcot ball w/ the sparkling lights. We could see Illuminations and the fireworks at PI every night. It was truly magical. It was our first stay onsite and was more than I could of hoped for!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

Do you get the mousesavers Ears the Deal newsletter? It seems like I saw something there about the one category upgrade.

I received this from Mary...it's a good one! Did the OP hear about this as well?

 

[Lorix2]

TammyC - I think I do get that monthly...but don't remember reading about this. I'll have to look into my deleted files...thanks.

Kilee - so happy to hear you such a wonderful time!

Dreamflight - I'm going to search my email for this news..

 

[Lorix2]

All I could find was my Mousesavers Newsletter for December.

Is Mousesavers Ears the Deal newsletter a different publication?

 

[floridagirrl2]

Both times we stayed at the Dolphin, we paid for a standard view via Travelocity (very inexpensive) and received a lake view (once of the swan boats area, once of the front of the Dolphin--right over the fountain, very pretty!). I wonder if this was because I'm a Starwood Preferred Guest, or if it was just coincidental?? You can't get Starwood points or receive SPG priveleges when you pay via Travelocity, so perhaps we were upgraded because there were plenty of open rooms and we were so pleasant when we checked in.

 

[dreamflight99]

so perhaps we were upgraded because there were plenty of open rooms and we were so pleasant when we checked in.

Magic happens every day in WDW (Dolphin too!).

 

[TammyC]

All I could find was my Mousesavers Newsletter for December.

Is Mousesavers Ears the Deal newsletter a different publication?

Oops.. Maybe Ears the Deal letter comes from the All Ears website. They send a weekly newsletter and an occasional Ears the Deal one also. Sorry for any confusion. I seem to be on a lot of lists!