Checking rates & availability- Swan and Dolphin

Is this right, I can't check rates and availability for the Swan and Dolphin?

I used to be able to check availability and rates for the Swan & Dolphin on the Dis Orlando Area Hotels page. Now I just see a phone # to call for reservations. Anybody know if this truly changed and I can't check rates for the Swan & Dolphin?

I hate to bother someone with a list of 6 different weeks that I want to check dates for. It was much easier to check all the dates on my own.

Starwood was just bought by Marriott, so maybe there are some funky things going on with booking temporarily?

I've had no problems on SPG.com

cmph said:

Starwood was just bought by Marriott, so maybe there are some funky things going on with booking temporarily?

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Interesting, I did not know this! So we'll be able to use Marriott points at the Swan & Dolphin now?

halfpintpeggy said:

Interesting, I did not know this! So we'll be able to use Marriott points at the Swan & Dolphin now?

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I read the article about Marriott's purchase of Starwood in the Washington Post the day before I happened to see this post, actually! I think it's ok to post this link? if a mod removes it... just google marriott starwood washington post...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/life...bb1a64-8182-11e6-9578-558cc125c7ba_story.html

cmph said:

Starwood was just bought by Marriott, so maybe there are some funky things going on with booking temporarily?

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Although the sale is complete, it will be quite some time before the companies are fully integrated. It's a huge undertaking, as all 1,200+ Starwood hotels have to be converted to Marriott computer systems. Currently, nothing has been changed as far as reservations is concerned. Integration will likely not happen until 2018.

halfpintpeggy said:

Interesting, I did not know this! So we'll be able to use Marriott points at the Swan & Dolphin now?

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You can not use Marriott Rewards (MR) points to book a Starwood hotel. However, you can transfer Marriott Rewards points into a linked Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) account at the rate of 3 MR points to 1 SPG point. (If you do not have a SPG account, you can sign up for free.) Also, if you have elite-level MR status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Premier), you will be granted equivalent elite-level status in SPG.

These features means the MR members can now enjoy Starwood hotels before the integration of the two companies is fully completed.

For more information, visit the MR FAQ page here: http://members.marriott.com/faq/

writerguyfl said:

Although the sale is complete, it will be quite some time before the companies are fully integrated. It's a huge undertaking, as all 1,200+ Starwood hotels have to be converted to Marriott computer systems. Currently, nothing has been changed as far as reservations is concerned. Integration will likely not happen until 2018.



You can not use Marriott Rewards (MR) points to book a Starwood hotel. However, you can transfer Marriott Rewards points into a linked Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) account at the rate of 3 MR points to 1 SPG point. (If you do not have a SPG account, you can sign up for free.) Also, if you have elite-level MR status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Premier), you will be granted equivalent elite-level status in SPG.

These features means the MR members can now enjoy Starwood hotels before the integration of the two companies is fully completed.

For more information, visit the MR FAQ page here: http://members.marriott.com/faq/

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Hmmm just wondering, once the integration is completed, will we be able to use Marriott points? Not wanting to lose any...

halfpintpeggy said:

Hmmm just wondering, once the integration is completed, will we be able to use Marriott points? Not wanting to lose any...

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I worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years and I still follow what happens. Here's my thoughts based on that experience:

At this point, Marriott hasn't announced any plans regarding the frequent guest program. In my view, they have two options. In the first, they transition everything to Marriott Rewards (MR). In that scenario, all Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) points would automatically get transferred to MR at the 1:3 ratio. That would happen (probably in 2018) when the SPG program is officially ended.

In the second scenario, both MR and SPG go away and are replaced by a brand new program. Given that Marriott is the owner and the MR program is generally well regarded, I think this option is unlikely. However, if it happens, any MR or SPG points will be converted into the new program.

The good new for you is that you have no reason to worry. Your points are safe, regardless of what happens in the future with the frequent guest program. It's in Marriott's best interest to keep their client base (meaning people in their frequent guest programs) happy.