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Dolphin Motel

2912 Garrison St, San Diego, CA 92106
Hotel amenities
Ranked #6 of 246 hotels in San Diego
4.5 of 5 stars 385 Reviews
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385 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this hotel
  • Very clean(13)
  • Rooms are small(10)
  • Point Loma(9)
  • Continental breakfast(7)
  • Old town(7)
  • Friendly and helpful(6)
  • Flat screen TV(5)
  • Would definitely stay(4)
  • Shelter island(4)
  • Cabrillo National Monument(3)
Traveller rating
    220
    123
    29
    8
    5
Only show reviews for Family (61) | Couples (178) | Business (22)
Date Rating
Emma-Leigh L
Fruita, Colorado
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2012

The day after I ran the Tinker Bell Half Marathon in Disneyland, my husband and I headed to San Diego for two days of rest and relaxation. Having grown up along the Southern New Jersey Shore, I immediately fell in love with the familiar, quaint look and feel of the Dolphin Motel. It is a wonderful blend of the old... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Alan Murdock, Owner at Dolphin Motel, responded to this review
11 February 2012

Well its a pleasure to meet you guys You are just the guests we are looking for! I second the motion because this is a family-run business with a home feeling We had a big smile on our faces when you mentioned walking on your feet here on the property, that does happen often We would love to have you... More

sfergus1979
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews
5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Free Wifi and free breakfast plus the 1st class service make this the best motel I've ever stayed in. Rooms were clean and of reasonable size. Very close to airport and perfectly situated between downtown and the beaches. Reception printed off our boarding passes and even let us borrow a lap top for no extra charge. We will be back! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Alan Murdock, Owner at Dolphin Motel, responded to this review
4 February 2012

Thank you so much Steven! Service Service Service We pride ourselves in service, which can be given at no extra charge! That is a must! If I remember correctly you stayed with us 4 nights and in an upstairs room. Yes, tripadvisor rates every location on one thing: that is service it does not rate on luxury, or how fancy... More

Kathy M
Minnetonka
1 review
2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 February 2012
2
people found this review helpful

The Dolphin Motel is a great place for the right person. It's economical, clean, directly across from the harbor (we watched the fishing boats come in, which was great fun!), situated near some very nice restaurants you can walk to, and has terrific employees. The owner is on site every day, and over breakfast (served from 6:00 on for early... More

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paul o
Las Vegas, Nevada
1 review
3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 February 2012
3
people found this review helpful

We found this quant little place by chance while spending a day in town on our honeymoon, after a great cruise, two years ago. Since then have been back for our two anniversaries as well as our birthday (twice)(we have the same birthdate- go figure). Everyone who works there is super friendly and willing to assist you in anything short... More

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Alan Murdock, Owner at Dolphin Motel, responded to this review
1 February 2012

It is such a treat to have you guys come back time and time again. Vegas citizens visit us, and we visit Vegas. Just like my dad always says "we don't get alot of rich folks here, but we do get smart travelers" And yes, by popular demand is the second floor upstairs, of course we have a limited number... More

oldpo
Hillsboro, OR
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews
76 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012
5
people found this review helpful

As is often the case with properties that have been reviewed many many times, most of the virtues and vices have been listed and what really becomes important is what we each seek as travelers. We selected this property based on TA reviews and moved in for 9 days in late January. Yes, the rooms are small, with a main... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Alan Murdock, Owner at Dolphin Motel, responded to this review
1 February 2012

Thank you so much Wayne! All the way from Oregon too! My goodness, these good folks did stay with us for an extended amount of time. The off-season rates kick in and the money our guests save can be used for other extras during their vacation. We do appreciate you writing a thorough description of our motel for future visitors.... More

Landworld
Jackson, Mississippi
Senior Contributor
24 reviews
4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

First. Service. Old fashioned, polite, one on one, not trying to sell you something service. Genuine people work here and they LIKE what they do! They LIKE what they do. Said it twice and it is not enough. The rooms are small. They are clean (you can walk around without socks on). They are a place to sleep and shower.... More

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Alan Murdock, Owner at Dolphin Motel, responded to this review
1 February 2012

Thank you very much Jim! If I remember correctly you guys stayed with us for 4 nights right next to the office with the balcony. That is by far our most popular room And we hardly go a day without that room being rented. I sure wish we had more rooms with balcony for our guests to enjoy. Once again... More

Taylorstravel
Saskatoon, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews
2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012

We got just what we had hoped for and a bit more at the dolphin. It is great to see the kind of service you can get when the people who work there genuinely care about their guests and their business. I was pleased that the street was quiet at night and it was in an area where we always... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Alan Murdock, Owner at Dolphin Motel, responded to this review
1 February 2012

Thank you very much to the Taylor family for visiting our motel If i remember correctly, you guys found us on tripadvisor and now you are writing about us on tripadvisor! Your hassle-free vacation is our priority. And yes, for the majority of families on vacation. Price is (in my opinion) the biggest factor which can limit where they stay... More

yeoyeoyeo
Denver, Colorado
Contributor
12 reviews
23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 January 2012
5
people found this review helpful

First off I want to make clear, this is a Basic, affordable Motel. With that said I want to rave about my Stay! I found this Motel off of Trip Advisor and all the great reviews. They are not wrong and this is why- My Dad, Son and I reserved two rooms. They were clean beyond belief. They have a... More

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Alan Murdock, Owner at Dolphin Motel, responded to this review
27 January 2012

Thank you for your kind review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Tell your dad we all said hello and thanks for the great picture of the USS Midway. As you know its proudly displayed in our office. Nice that he was able to take you aboard his old ship. Best regards, Alan, Holly, Steve, and Tom More

buttonwoodbrook
Pepperell, MA
Senior Contributor
45 reviews
12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 January 2012

As previous reviewers have stated this is an unbelievable deal in San Diego. It is right across from the sport fishing pier which is a fun place to stroll through. Many beautiful, expensive sail boats. It is not fancy but clean and well kept. All the staff, including the owner are friendly and very helpful. Would definitely stay here again. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
ComebackShane
West Bloomfield, Michigan
Contributor
14 reviews
11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 January 2012
2
people found this review helpful

For 50 bucks a night, its completely worth it. Rooms are small, but good enough for 1 or 2 people. Has a nice warm cup of coffee waiting in the morning with breakfast snacks and fruits. Friendly service. Owner hangs out there and is very friendly. More

Was this review helpful? Yes

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Dolphin Motel Also Known As

  • Dolphin Motel San Diego
  • Dolphin Hotel San Diego
Address: 2912 Garrison St, San Diego, CA 92106

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