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Dolphin Motel

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars Based on 80 traveler reviews
  • What to Expect:
    • 3.5 based on 62 reviews Rooms
    • 4.5 based on 57 reviews Service
    • 4 based on 62 reviews Value
    • 4.5 based on 61 reviews Cleanliness
    • 4 based on 2 reviews Pool
  • Recommended For:
    • 60% based on 70 reviews Older travelers
    • 40% based on 70 reviews Young singles
    • 30% based on 70 reviews Families with teenagers
    • 20% based on 70 reviews Families with young children
    • 20% based on 70 reviews An amazing honeymoon

Reviews of Dolphin Motel

( 1-10 of 81 )
5 of 5 stars
Birmingham, UK
Jul 17, 2008

This is the best place you can stay in San Diego for your money. The room isn't big but it has everything you need and why would you want to stay in your room all the time when you have San Diego to see? The management went above and beyond what could be expected of them and were delighted to... more

Jul 10, 2008

We went by Trip Advisor’s rating for this hotel and I can’t understand how it rated so highly. I wonder if we stayed somewhere different!! The bed was the most uncomfortable one I have ever slept in – hard as a brick. The room was small and pokey – smaller than one we had in New York where you expect... more

3 of 5 stars
Chicago
Jul 7, 2008

The Dolphin management was very friendly and the location was superb but we felt the room was somewhat dated. That being said, if you are looking for a great area to stay and are fine with a very basic room the Dolphin is a good choice (and likely cheaper than other chain options in the area). The hotel is located... more

5 of 5 stars
West Chazy, NY
Jun 10, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

My husband and I spent 4 nights at the Dolphin in late May. Our room was spotless and the bed very comfortable. We had brought earplugs but never needed them. The owner was very helpful guiding us to our destinations with hand drawn maps. We definitely would book the Dolphin again. more

May 16, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Loved the place. Basic but perfectly adequate, comfortable clean rooms. Great location. Great sea breezes. Best value for your buck in San Diego. It's close to everywhere you want to be. This obviously can't be guaranteed for everyone, but at least in my case, management went out of their way to be helpful with travel directions, and planning and in... more

May 8, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

We stayed following a cruise for one night in an upstairs unit (with our friends next door). The taxi fare from cruise terminal is under $20 (about 4 1/2 miles) and to the airport around $10 (little over a mile). The location is superb especially considering the budget price. The property is only one block from bus line 28 that... more

5 of 5 stars
New Mexico
May 5, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

This was my second stay and it was even better than the first! I am so grateful to Tripadvisor for finding this delightful place. If you have forgotten what good customer service feels like, stay here. These people are wonderful and have a special place in my heart. So much so that I wouldn't take the Hotel del Coronado over... more

4 of 5 stars
United States
Apr 7, 2008

Our stay at the Dolphin Motel started out rocky. We were given a room which wasn't acceptable. Then we moved to another room which wasn't much better. One of workers told the owners of my complaints, the next morning when they arrived. The owners then went out of their way to make me happy. He even went out and got... more

Apr 5, 2008
0/2 found this review helpful

If you have Children, do not bother with this place! My daughter and family called to stay 2 nights there, now calling 2 weeks before our son's wedding, the dolphin Motel was told there were 3 children....by the next morning they were asked to leave. When we got in, everyone was waiting across the street for us. I personally called... more

Management response from
DolphinMotel, Owner - Alan

The quiet enjoyment and safety of our Guests is a Top Priority. Guests represented to Motel upon reserving room only two (2) children but there were three (3) young children. One of young children struggled with carrying the youngest down the stairs with absolutely no parental supervision in morning. Safety concerns. In early morning (7a.m), in motel courtyard, children were...

Mar 24, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

We got lost looking for the downtown exit and stumbled onto this gem. What caught our eye was the vacancy sign. The rooms are immaculate and the customer service is second to none. The owners are very friendly and make sure you are well taken care of. The motel is minutes away from downtown. The price was right too!! What... more

Reviews of Dolphin Motel

( 1-10 of 81 )
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Dolphin Motel Address

2912 Garrison Street, San Diego, CA 92106