Reviews of Dolphin Beach Resort Hotel, St Pete Beach, Florida

Our room was clean but it does...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs J Mackenzie

Comments:

Our room was clean but it does need updating. Our room was located next to the outside bar which we didn't like but the close proximity to the ocean was great.If we were to go to this area again, we would definitly rent a car as we did not for this trip. We found the attractions a bit far for taxi's but there were good restaurants within a 10 minute drive. Overall, we give a 7/10 because of the ocean.

My New wife and I booked into...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr C Allan

Comments:

My New wife and I booked into the Qaulity in Plaza in international drive and we hated it no balcony and the staff were terriable, Then we went to the dolphin what a change. Nice and friendly atmosphere, CLEAN ROOM nice staff and fresh towels. got a balcony but even if you can see the pool you can see the sea as it is a horseshou shaped hotel. We are currently looking to buy or rent in the area and are going back to the dolphin. Oh yeah the wedding was fantastic and even the locals who drink at the bar turned up at our wedding. One thing we will never forget it as we have the photos. So to all those people who diss the hotel come into reality and smell what grows the roses and it wont be it. Honestly its a great HOTEL and it offers good night entertainment wether it karaoke or a singer it has it all.

My husband and I stayed at the...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2007

Tour Operator:

Trip Central.ca

Submitted By:

Mrs B Conrad

Comments:

My husband and I stayed at the Dolphin Beach Resort for 7 days over Christmas 2007. I wasn't sure quite what to expect from a 3 star in Florida, as it's been many years since I had been, but I was pleasantly surprised. The room we had was very nice, beds were very comfortable, staff were very friendly. Sure the hallway carpets are older but I wouldn't go so far as to say filthy! I've stayed in many 5 star hotels and the Dolphin is comparable to those. I don't know what people expect when they stay in a 3 star hotel, but, the hotel was clean, quiet, awesome beach, friendly staff .... couldn't ask for more! I can't wait to go again this Christmas!

We just returned from our stay...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs S L Breski

Comments:

We just returned from our stay at the Dolphin Beach Resort Hotel and felt the need to write a review immediately!!! After reading the reviews posted I was extremely close to cancelling my trip and thank God I didn't!!! The original room we had was on the second floor and when my husband asked for another room on the ground floor with a balcony they were more than accomodating. The room was very clean, the staff extremely friendly and helpful. The carpets in the hallways could use a cleaning and it needs a few updates but it was not as bad as people previously made it out to be. The only bug I saw was outside, and we had a beautiful view by the pool and close to the beach. I expected an old outdated hotel with bugs crawling everywhere and paint peeling from the walls but instead I got nothing but a great stay!! Do not let some of these reviews deter you from staying there!

We have just returned from a...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2008

Tour Operator:

transtat

Submitted By:

Mrs N.R. Taylor

Comments:

We have just returned from a wonderful vacation "inspite of" not "because of" staying at the Dolphin Beach Resort".We arrived at 1:30 AM to a STINKY room ,I don't know what the smell was but it was bad,the room was dirty and the paint was peeling off the window ledge. We had requested a room with a view of the Gulf-we had a view of the pool!we had no balcony and a dirty room ! My husband went to front desk and we did move to a room with a view of the Gulf ,a balcony and didn't smell bad,altho there were hairs on the side of the bathtub!and We had to pay another $40.00 a night for it!! We would have gone elsewhere but we had a Package deal" so couldn't. The carpets in the halls were very dirty . The building is old and in need of some paint ,new carpets and staff! The staff was very unfriendly-except for the restraunt staff-the desk and housekeeping staff were almost rude! IThe location was excellent,the beach beautiful,but there are many hotels on this beach---I would NOT recommend the Dolphen!!!!

My husband and myself booked an...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2008

Tour Operator:

American Airlines Vacations

Submitted By:

Mrs CAK

Comments:

My husband and myself booked an American Airlines vacation which included airfare, hotel and car. The Dolphin Beach Resort was the hotel package we chose, and the Dolphin beach resort web page looked really nice.



We had been to St. Petes beach previously about 10 years in a row for vacation and always stayed at the same place. We though this time we would try a new place. Boy, WHAT A MISTAKE THAT WAS. The first thing we noticed was the rickety old elevator and the FILTHY carpeting in the hotel. I would never place a child down on that carpet.

dirty and stained. but that;s not the worst part. THERE WERE COCKROACHES IN OUR ROOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DISGUSTING...............Our trip was already paid for and we did not have the money to change hotels. We were constantly watching for roaches. We did some searching of the hotel , all 3 floors and found the carpeting on all floors was filthy and stained, mold on the ceilings, and just plain filth, The hotel; should be torn down.

PLEASE..... NEVER BRING CHILDREN TO THAT HOTEL. IT IS NOT CLEAN ENOUGH.

tHE HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHOULD DO AN INSPECTION. I OPENED A SERVICE DOOR ON THE SECOND FLOOR AND THERE WAS MATRESSES AND BEDDING ON THE FLOOR. THE CEILING WAS SO ROTTED, THE CEILING TILES WERE HANGING DOWN!!!!!! WE FEEL SO CHEATED. I WOULD NEVER EVER RECOMMEND THIS HOTEL TO ANYONE. I AM DEMANDING OUR MONEY BACK FROM AMERICAN AIRLINES VACATIONS. WHAT A SHAME THIS HOTEL IS. IT PUT THE BEAUTIFUL BEACH AND GULF FRONT TO SHAME. COCKROACH HEAVEN. PLEASE GO TO ANOTHER HOTEL. I WOULD NOT LIE ABOUT THIS. I HAVE WRITTEN THIS REVIEW TO WARN GOOD PEOPLE LIKE US NOT TO SPEND YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY IN THIS DUMP.

The Dolphin Centre (formerly the...

Overall Rating:

0/10

Board Basis:

Not Specified

Date of Holiday:

Tour Operator:

Not Specified

Submitted By:

Mr MWH 

Comments:

The Dolphin Centre (formerly the Happy Dolphin) has had it's problems over the years. I stayed there many times in the 60's,70's and 80's. I stayed there again when I arrived in town (the 90's) for the purpose of purchasing a home. Well, times had changed. There was hostility upon walking in the door, the decor was "tired" to say the least and there was the refusal to honour a AAA discount. I was hoping things had turned around but apparently not.



If you are in the area, you can't beat the Tradewinds, Sirata or the Don Cesar. The Sandpiper is currently being updated as it is part of the Tradewinds. If you haven't been there in a few years the Tradewinds is the old Breckenridge and they do a great job. There are MANY condo options on the same beach as well. Condo minimums may be up to three months, however. Great for snowbirds, lousy for families on a short holiday.



This is a wonderful area. Don't let any one experience convince you otherwise. Good luck!

As a family we have been to...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2005

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Mr A Hawes

Comments:

As a family we have been to Florida many times staying in many 3 star hotels, which were basic but always clean and comfortable. The Dolphin Beach Resort was a huge disappointment . We had read mixed reviews prior to our departure but went with open minds!



We arrived late on 16th August 2005 4 adults 3 very tired children. The desk staff did the absolute minimum to assist with our check in we left the lobby with vague instructions to find our rooms. The first thing we noticed when walking through the hotel was the general run down impression the place gave and appearance of needing a good clean . The carpets in the corridors were stained and smelt damp .



Once inside the room things did not improve more dirty carpets, broken furniture, bed linen that was stained, mildew that had been painted over on the walls and bathrooms in need of at least re-decoration. Speaking to other guests around the pool I know these issues did not just affect our party .



Having spent 6 nights at the Dolphin Beach we decided to check out early and find alternative accommodation . Thankfully we were able to continue our holiday in the quality of accommodation you would normally expect and put the experience of the Dolphin Beach firmly behind us!!!

My boyfriend and I didn’t...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2004

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Miss A Leaf

Comments:

My boyfriend and I didn’t think much of this hotel or the people in it ! We arrived to find the pool was closed for 3 days, which turned into 5 days which was the bulk of our stay. This left us with no water to splash about in as the sea was freezing despite the sun gleaming !



The sea was also not as wonderful as we were told. There were many sand shelves making it quite dangerous, and it wasn’t very blue either. Much of the beach was covered in shells so shoes were needed, not exactly my idea of an idyllic Florida beach !



We bought some food one night and needed some cutlery to be told that the hotel forbade loaning it to guests. The girl I spoke to had to smuggle me a fork and knife so I could eat !



The one time we did eat in the restaurant, whenever I thanked the staff for something I got a response of a stroppy ‘mhmm’. The whole atmosphere of the hotel felt very hostile and unfriendly.



I was also under the impression we were in the middle of a shopping district. We were surrounded by a few shops but to get anywhere else we had to take a complicated trolley ride. No where near as easy to understand like Orlando’s I-Ride.



There were very little choices of places to eat and pretty much no where to go out. The Starlite diner saved us from starvation, as well as the Publix supermarket.



Most of the plugs in our room were hanging from the wall, also despite the hotel having about 5 guests, we were given one of the worst rooms. Not very impressed with the hotel or the area of St Pete’s Beach. I wouldn’t go back there again.

This was the best value for...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2002

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mr JW Whelan

Comments:

This was the best value for money holiday we have had, with a wonderful beach & shops close by I hour to Busch gardens 100 miles to Disney Orlando.