Jan 25, 2015, 4:10 am
Last edit by: Woodsmit
Late Checkout Policy
Late Checkouts are subject to availability. Please note the following fees:
Between 11am and 12pm: Complimentary
Between 12pm and 2pm: 40 USD + tax
Between 2pm and 4pm: 99 USD + tax
After 4pm: One night room rate, tax and Resort Fee
Resort Fee
The resort has a mandatory 25 USD per day Resort Fee plus taxes. The Resort Fee covers in-room High Speed Internet Access, 2 bottles of water daily, unlimited access to full-service health club, unlimited domestic long distance (US mainland) and local calls, tennis equipment and access to the lighted courts, seasonal pool access and recreational activities. The Resort Fee was waived for SPG Platinums for reservations made prior to December 6th 2016, but the Resort Fee will be applied to subsequent SPG Platinum guest reservations at a slightly reduced rate of $20 per day.
Late Checkouts are subject to availability. Please note the following fees:
Between 11am and 12pm: Complimentary
Between 12pm and 2pm: 40 USD + tax
Between 2pm and 4pm: 99 USD + tax
After 4pm: One night room rate, tax and Resort Fee
Resort Fee
The resort has a mandatory 25 USD per day Resort Fee plus taxes. The Resort Fee covers in-room High Speed Internet Access, 2 bottles of water daily, unlimited access to full-service health club, unlimited domestic long distance (US mainland) and local calls, tennis equipment and access to the lighted courts, seasonal pool access and recreational activities. The Resort Fee was waived for SPG Platinums for reservations made prior to December 6th 2016, but the Resort Fee will be applied to subsequent SPG Platinum guest reservations at a slightly reduced rate of $20 per day.
Walt Disney World Swan - Orlando [Master Thread]
Jun 10, 2011, 7:55 am
#226
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,990
The issues were a) serious service/housekeeping issues (as in they rarely showed up, and only did after I repeatedly badgered management) ,b) horrible transportation (as in standing room only for children and pregnant women for up to ONE HOUR to get to MK, and c) numerous billing mistakes (as in I had to phone repeatedly to even get a copy of my bill, and then back in line at front desk to correct erroneous charges.)
My attempt to discuss these issues with management at the end of our ($4000+) stay was met with a blank stare, and a promise to "follow-up". Of course I never heard from again, except for a regular stream of spam emails trying to convince me to return to Disney.
Our Swan stay five months later as perfect by comparison, and there is no way we will chance another DW-owned property for our next visit in the fall (we go twice a year).
Cheers,
Jun 13, 2011, 3:17 am
#227
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Programs: HH Diam, IHG Pl, Sirius G,Bonvoy LTG,Melia Pl,Shangri-La Diam,UA*G,Emirates G,Virgin Atl. G,Hertz PC
Posts: 167
Don't forget that the Dolphin is a Sheraton, the Swan is a Westin, the rates are about the same but I prefer the Swan rooms...
Jun 13, 2011, 3:20 am
#228
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Programs: HH Diam, IHG Pl, Sirius G,Bonvoy LTG,Melia Pl,Shangri-La Diam,UA*G,Emirates G,Virgin Atl. G,Hertz PC
Posts: 167
Jun 13, 2011, 4:59 am
#229
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,946
If the Swan/Dolphin are pricing out at a comparable level to the Disney moderates, I'd definitely go with the Swan/Dolphin over the moderates. The moderates are OK, but not in the league of the Swan/Dolphin.
In terms of the AKL, we've had both savannah and non-savannah view rooms, and there is no doubt the savannah view's are the winning ticket. However, I just love that resort, alebit not in the best location, as you pointed out.
The Hilton and other Disney Village hotels are OK for the price. I too have stayed at most of them, and used to think they were the best deal going. However, their transportation has gotten worse over the years, and I have too little patience to wait for shuttle busses all day. In terms of the Hilton and Swan/Dolphin prices being comparable, I never understood that. The Hilton is nice, but it's no Swan. Also, proximity of the Swan to the parks is a plus. Granted, the Hilton is across the street from Downtown Disney, but so what.
In terms of the AKL, we've had both savannah and non-savannah view rooms, and there is no doubt the savannah view's are the winning ticket. However, I just love that resort, alebit not in the best location, as you pointed out.
The Hilton and other Disney Village hotels are OK for the price. I too have stayed at most of them, and used to think they were the best deal going. However, their transportation has gotten worse over the years, and I have too little patience to wait for shuttle busses all day. In terms of the Hilton and Swan/Dolphin prices being comparable, I never understood that. The Hilton is nice, but it's no Swan. Also, proximity of the Swan to the parks is a plus. Granted, the Hilton is across the street from Downtown Disney, but so what.
Jun 13, 2011, 5:19 am
#230
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,946
I agree, but with an exception. When considering deluxe hotels not on the monorail or attached to Epcot (specifically Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge) AND if you have a car, consider Coronado Springs (CS)
Coronado Springs (CS) - while a moderate - has many features in common with Disney Deluxes. Disney even prices CS higher than other moderate properties. CS has been recently refurbished, has doors separating the bath & bed areas, is not-over-the-top "Disney", has 2 queen and king bed configurations, and has some suite configurations. Worth short-listing when considering where to stay.
Coronado Springs (CS) - while a moderate - has many features in common with Disney Deluxes. Disney even prices CS higher than other moderate properties. CS has been recently refurbished, has doors separating the bath & bed areas, is not-over-the-top "Disney", has 2 queen and king bed configurations, and has some suite configurations. Worth short-listing when considering where to stay.
Upon arrival back home, an attorney from Disney's legal department took the initiative to phone me, as they must have been running scared. Never once did I receive a response from management at the Coronado. Not impressed!
Jun 14, 2011, 6:22 am
#231
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,990
Cheers,
Jun 14, 2011, 6:46 pm
#234
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: All Over
Programs: DL Gold, AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hilton Dia, Hyatt Glob, CC Gold, Avis President's Club
Posts: 574
Jun 16, 2011, 4:43 am
#235
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Programs: HH Diam, IHG Pl, Sirius G,Bonvoy LTG,Melia Pl,Shangri-La Diam,UA*G,Emirates G,Virgin Atl. G,Hertz PC
Posts: 167
Jun 16, 2011, 4:49 am
#236
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Programs: HH Diam, IHG Pl, Sirius G,Bonvoy LTG,Melia Pl,Shangri-La Diam,UA*G,Emirates G,Virgin Atl. G,Hertz PC
Posts: 167
To my knowledge, there has never been a Westin logo at the Swan or a Sheraton logo entering the Dolphin, but the Swan is listed first on the Westin website and Dolphin on the Sheraton website. The Swan has the "heavenly" bed, the Dolphin the "sweet sleeper" bed. I'm not sure about the bathroom amenities...
Jun 16, 2011, 6:37 am
#237
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
Jul 11, 2011, 7:48 pm
#238
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: AA EXP - 3MM; DL Gd; SPG PL, Marriott Slv, Hilton Gd
Posts: 40
A Sheraton with a Great Location
The Swan looks and feels like a Sheraton (including the BR amenities). Go for the location and $, but keep all other expectations in check. The rooms, the service, and the restaurants are mediocre; there is limited upgrade potential; and there is no bona fide Plat recognition. If location is key, stay here; if you want more of a Westin experience, I strongly recommend the Hilton Bonnet Creek.
Jul 11, 2011, 7:55 pm
#239
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Programs: AA EXP 4MM, SPG Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 446
The Swan looks and feels like a Sheraton (including the BR amenities). Go for the location and $, but keep all other expectations in check. The rooms, the service, and the restaurants are mediocre; there is limited upgrade potential; and there is no bona fide Plat recognition. If location is key, stay here; if you want more of a Westin experience, I strongly recommend the Hilton Bonnet Creek.
BTW, how will a Hilton give you a Westin experience?
Last edited by Pedro M; Jul 11, 2011 at 8:00 pm Reason: Spelling
Jul 11, 2011, 9:09 pm
#240
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: AA EXP - 3MM; DL Gd; SPG PL, Marriott Slv, Hilton Gd
Posts: 40
I somewhat disagree. Is your comment based on one stay, or is it a pattern you have observed over time? We go to the Swan quite often, and more often than not we get upgraded to a suite. There have been a few times when we didn't get an upgrade to a suite, but for the most we have been successful. I like the restaurants at the Swan and at the Dolphin as well.
BTW, how will a Hilton give you a Westin experience?
BTW, how will a Hilton give you a Westin experience?
Regarding your Hilton question, the feel of the Hilton Bonnet Creek (ambience, clientele, service, room) is much more similar to a Westin than a Hilton, IMO. And certainly more like a Westin than the Dolphin or Swan.