worldtravel123

I stayed at the Dolphin as a SPG Platinum over Christmas - 25th for 3 nts.

Here is a run down of the benefits received -
- Upgrade from standard room to Jr. Suite. In the welcome emailed I received (asking for preferences - which I think is a great touch), they said they were busy and upgrades may not happen, so I was pleasantly surprised. Decor and light wise the room seemed unfinished/off compared to my Jr. Suite stay in July. Not a deal breaker by any means, just a note.
- The daily resort fee was waived automatically.
- Platinum gift choice of daily breakfast for 2, swan boat ride, or 500 points. I chose the breakfast. Only ate at Fresh this time.
- They do participate in the green choice program at 500 pts/nt. I found this to be inconsistent and they made up our room one day even when I didn't want it. I didn't say anything at check out - as I had to rectify the parking (see next comment) and opted to pick my battles. I have not been impressed with green choice my last couple stays (not just here but SPG in general) - vouchers seem to be given inconsistently. If you have the do not disturb sign on then they won't refill free water bottles but if you take the do not disturb off and leave green choice on they made the room up.
- I had a car this time. Parking is $17 and change is per night. you use your room key to get in/out. we had an issue as our room key was not 'activated' for parking, so we had to pay with a crc our 1st day (there was no one arnd to ask and we were in a time crunch) - I showed the front desk the receipt and they removed the park charge for that nt frm the bill at checkout.

Overall a lovely property and I'll be back.

Tip: you can watch Illuminations from the Boardwalk area - the fireworks reflect off of the water

SquarePeg

Currently I'm booked for 2 adults/2 kids at the Swan using the cash + points rate. My mom has decided that she wants to join us. I know we can't have 5 at the Swan so I tried to book us at the Dolphin. It comes up as available but when I try to select the points rate, it errors. If I select the standard rate, it goes through. If I change it back to 4 people, the points rate goes through. Are you not allowed to have 5 in one room on a points stay? If it's allowed, do I have to call to book it? If it's not allowed, can I book for 4 and then add the 5th when we check in? I'm aware of the rollaway charge...
TIA for your input.

Starwood Lurker

You can try calling in, but it sounds like the room that allows 5 people may not be on the standard award rate plan. Good luck!

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

SquarePeg

Thanks for responding. I did call and it was available to be booked for 5. I ended up upgrading slightly to a deluxe for a few points more but could have booked the standard room, apparently just not able to do it online.

rachel645

Wanted to add a datapoint about using Starpoints to book suites. We have an executive suite booked for $361/night and when I asked about using points I was told that they used to charge 20,000 points per night (charging for the living room as though it's a second guest room), but no longer offer that. The option now is cash and points with $200 for the living room and 10,000 points for the bedroom.

http://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/exec.html

Over three nights, when you include the resort fee, we saved $10 by booking a suite instead of two separate rooms so don't forget about that option!

miles_navigator

Mrs recently got the SPG AMEX Business card w/ the Sheraton Club lounge benefit.

What is the Sheraton club lounge like at the Dolphin? Since it is Disney will they let in my 2 kid along with the 2 adults or is it 2 adults only?

I generally prefer the Swan due to the 2 queen beds vs. 2 double beds at Dolphin. Can I stay at Swan and get the Club Lounge access at the Dolphin using the credit card benefit?

Woodsmit

No club. Removed 5 or 10 years ago

Ronlap

Hello,

I booked Points and $ for the Dolphin and this came up:

5,000 + $75/night PLUS:

Room rate excludes the following:
Local Resort Tx: USD $4.50 USD $9.00
State Sales Tax: USD $4.88 USD $9.75
Resort Fee $25/night USD $50
$13 Service Pkg: USD $13.00 USD $26.00
$19 Service Pkg: USD $19.00 USD $38.00
$23 Service Pkg: USD $23.00 USD $46.00
$25 Service Pkg: USD $25.00 USD $50.00

+ USD $18.75 in excluded taxes
+ USD $160.00 in excluded charges

Called SPG and they said that these were valid rates. After forcing the issue, they called the property and it turns out that a computer upgrade popped ALL of the service packages onto every reservation even though they are optional and a customer needs to request the ONE that they want. They are working to fix the system.

Thanks!

Flews

Good for you for grabbing C&P! Somewhat rare at these properties...

Cheers,

iheartpoints

(Deleted)

DivMiler

Is the resort fee waived for Golds?

LakeCentralFlyer

It was when I stayed there last in 2013, but I have seen some recent discussions saying it isn't anymore. I'm curious to know as well as I am planning a trip soon.

LakeCentralFlyer

When you book Cash + Points does the "5th night free" still apply somehow with the points, or if you are staying 5 nights are you better off just using all points since you will lose out on the 5th night free?

Sam P. Goodman

5th night free on award stays only (just points). Cash and points--you will pay for all 5.

jalves

It is not waived.