Christopher C.
Yelp
This was our first time at the Swan Reserve, but not our first time at the Marriott facilities at Disney World. We usually stay at the Dolphin because of the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This time we decided to try the Swan Reserve, partly because the room rate for a 1 bedroom suite was the same as a standard room at the regular Swan. Location-wise, the Swan Reserve is located across the street from the Swan and Dolphin, next to the Fantasia Mini Golf.
Parking is available either valet or self park and because of the relative small size of this hotel, the self-parking lot is located right next to the building, so unless you really have mobility issues, you really don't need to valet. The lobby of the hotel is located up the escalator in what would be the third floor or the main floor of the hotel. The hotel bar, which backs up to the pool bar, the quick service coffee bar and the hotel restaurant are all located on this floor. (Note: your charge for parking also includes parking at all the parks, if you plan on driving, but as previously noted Epcot and Hollywood Studio are walking distance as well as the Skyliner and Disney buses).
Service was quite good as we arrived at 8am and had requested an early arrival. Luckily they were able to check us in and had a room at our category available. The 1 bedroom suite with the Epcot view was quite large, easily able to fit a family of four comfortably. The main bedroom has a king bed and the common living area has what I assumed to be a sofa bed and a full size dining table. The room was at the very end of the hall which can be difficult for those that struggle with mobility, but the views were amazing with windows on two sides of the room. At night, you are able to see both the fireworks show at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom. Because we were only staying one night, we did not have any service done to the room but it was nice to see amenities that weren't the refillable bottles attached to the wall.
The room and building itself was quite new and beautiful. There was an elegance to it that one wouldn't expect to see at Disney World, so it was refreshing and unique. The one thing that I would question is how well the facility will upkeep as more families move through each week. On the bathroom door, there were already signs of wear which was unexpected for a hotel that's less than a year old. However, this was still a great stay. I will reiterate that the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve is a nice alternative to the Disney properties around Crescent Lake, while still allowing for the same access and similar facilities as the Yacht and Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn.