Dolphin Beach Resort

First, let me tell you what I liked. The rooms were clean. We were able to check in right when we arrived which was several hours before their 4 pm check in. The in room refrigerator kept our beverages ice cold. The bedding was very comfortable. The WiFi was very good and reliable. The view out of our window was exceptional - we had a pool/partial gulf view. What we didn’t like: They charge $10.70 + tax for parking per day. Their nearby competitors don’t do this (Management - please don’t reply back with a list of hotels that do, because I know they DON’T or that no one ever complains.) Meanwhile, there are 2 BMWs parked right up front and taped off in bright yellow tape to not dare enter the area! I assume these belong to owners and/or management. The perception is bad. There is a pervasive, odd smell in the hotel which I assume is buried in their carpets. It’s does go away after you’re inside for awhile and get used to it. When we checked in, our safe was inoperable, the phone was unplugged and the clock had not been changed for daylight savings time. (I know these are somewhat petty, but as a whole, it stunk.) Maintenance did come straightaway to deal with the safe. Our first night there, my husband and I took a stroll on the beach and then walked into their Tiki Bar to finish our drinks and watch the entertainment (which was very good). Out of nowhere, a server came to our table, swiped the menus and napkin holder, and loudly admonished us for having our own drinks in the tiki bar. We weren’t trying to secretly consume our own alcohol in their bar. The drinks were almost gone and we fully intended to purchase drinks from them as soon as they were finished and we were also going to tip the entertainment. But after that humiliating public spanking, we decided right then and there that we weren’t spending one dime more at this resort. We took our wallets down the street to Crabby Bills, The Frog Pond and Sandbar Bills who treated us like royalty. Want to lay in a cabana or chaise lounge on the beach? Get ready to shell out $25 for the day for a cabana and $8 per hour for the chaise loungers. But if you don’t mind the kids, you can lay by the pool for free. Allegedly, the cabanas and loungers are independently owned and not in the best condition. I am usually sad to leave SPB; today, I couldn’t wait to go home. Will NOT return. Do consider staying elsewhere.

First impressions were not good, the place doesn’t look great from the street. The chap with all the piercings that checked us in asked if we’d stayed before, when we said no he said “well welcome to the circus” under his breath. We parked at the side and noted there was no entrance security at all. The corridor looked shabby and dirty. When we got to our beach front room we found it clean, well equipped and comfortable with a beautiful view of the beach and the Gulf. The swimming pool area was also clean and really nice. The staff really let this place down, especially Nancy who had zero charm and a really poor attitude. We requested a late checkout and she said no, I asked for just an extra hour and she said “oh my God, OK, but the cleaners would be knocking at the door”. The only member of staff that was helpful and had a welcome smile was Agnes, the rest need some re-training.

Checked in from a booking made on one of the popular hotel booking website was treated lower class by staff when checked it because never booked directly. Room assigned was less not much of it. Beware!