Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Dolphin Inn
Full view
View all photos(28)28
Room & Suite (13)
Dining (5)
View prices for your travel dates
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View allDid you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.
About
#7 of 8 motels in Cayucos
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Enjoy pleasure in the lap of nature at Dolphin Inn. 19 Unit family operated motel, Non smoking Rooms, Cottage with kitchens, some rooms with Jacuzzi Tubs.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot bath
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Wifi
Room features
Fireplace
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Mid-range
Location
399 S Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA 93430-1298
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 62 out of 100
62
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
33.1 km•
See all flights
Santa Maria Public Airport
72.3 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
18 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Traveller rating
- 7
- 15
- 9
- 10
- 25
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
+1
Whenever we stay in Cayucos, we always have Rick and Rebecca over at the Seaside Motel host us. One Saturday, we decided on a whim to go to Cayucos and stayed over for the night. Looking at the photos and description on the motel's official web site vs. seeing it in person made me chuckle out loud.
Keep in mind that we only used this motel to unpack, use as a base to visit Cambria an other parts of SLO, and to sleep, nothing more. What has been said about the Dolphin Inn is true. It's dated and needs a major overhaul. With that said, we found our stay comforting. Our room was #16, sort of a mini duplex at the north-western corner of the inn and sharing a wall with room #17. While others have gone so far as complained to the city, we felt the Dolphin Inn served us well, despite some shortcomings. Hey, what do you expect from a $70/night accommodation?
Our room has a kitchen with utensils, but we did not bother to use it. When we first step foot inside the room, it reeked of disinfectant, just like another reviewer mentioned. That didn't bother us. What bothered me was the lingering smell of fried fish oil permeating the air around us. It's unmistakable. You know how when you fry fish, say trout or salmon and the distinguishable fishy, greasy, oily smell permeates the air? Not the freshly fried smell, but the stagnant oily smell. Yup. The previous tenant must've made use of the kitchen, I suspected.
The bed is actually quite comfortable compared to some of the $200+ accommodations we've stayed at. The pillows are surprisingly equally comfy too. No bed bugs in our room. It is true that the walls are paper thin. So thin you can hear your neighbor talk and sneeze or have sex (we heard our neighbor sneeze and blow his nose in Hi-Fi, but didn't hear them talk or sex it up). So if you end up staying at the Dolphin Inn and do not want your neighbor to eavesdrop on you, inadvertently or deliberately, keep that in mind. Fortunately our neighbor was cool. Whenever the neighbor closes or opens the door, the wall mounted gas heater will rattle and you can hear the door opening/closing from the bedroom. I can see this as a major problem for some people, especially if you are unfortunate to get a room adjacent to the office and sandwiched between two other rooms.
For the price you're paying you will definitely see a clash of demographics, especially if you're used to paying $150+ /night hotel. For example, when we returned to our room at around 10:30pm from dinner at Schooner's Wharf, we saw a couple of youngsters hanging out and chatting around room #4 and drinking what appears to be beer. Like I said, if you're not use to this kind of scene, you'd probably best avoid the Dolphin Inn. The guy that drove the black Porche probably didn't get his money's worth here.
We enjoyed our stay, but would never pay a penny over $70/night for this place. Our rate for one Saturday evening was $69 through Booking. I read another reviewer where someone paid $169 for this place and I truly feel sorry for them.
Keep in mind that we only used this motel to unpack, use as a base to visit Cambria an other parts of SLO, and to sleep, nothing more. What has been said about the Dolphin Inn is true. It's dated and needs a major overhaul. With that said, we found our stay comforting. Our room was #16, sort of a mini duplex at the north-western corner of the inn and sharing a wall with room #17. While others have gone so far as complained to the city, we felt the Dolphin Inn served us well, despite some shortcomings. Hey, what do you expect from a $70/night accommodation?
Our room has a kitchen with utensils, but we did not bother to use it. When we first step foot inside the room, it reeked of disinfectant, just like another reviewer mentioned. That didn't bother us. What bothered me was the lingering smell of fried fish oil permeating the air around us. It's unmistakable. You know how when you fry fish, say trout or salmon and the distinguishable fishy, greasy, oily smell permeates the air? Not the freshly fried smell, but the stagnant oily smell. Yup. The previous tenant must've made use of the kitchen, I suspected.
The bed is actually quite comfortable compared to some of the $200+ accommodations we've stayed at. The pillows are surprisingly equally comfy too. No bed bugs in our room. It is true that the walls are paper thin. So thin you can hear your neighbor talk and sneeze or have sex (we heard our neighbor sneeze and blow his nose in Hi-Fi, but didn't hear them talk or sex it up). So if you end up staying at the Dolphin Inn and do not want your neighbor to eavesdrop on you, inadvertently or deliberately, keep that in mind. Fortunately our neighbor was cool. Whenever the neighbor closes or opens the door, the wall mounted gas heater will rattle and you can hear the door opening/closing from the bedroom. I can see this as a major problem for some people, especially if you are unfortunate to get a room adjacent to the office and sandwiched between two other rooms.
For the price you're paying you will definitely see a clash of demographics, especially if you're used to paying $150+ /night hotel. For example, when we returned to our room at around 10:30pm from dinner at Schooner's Wharf, we saw a couple of youngsters hanging out and chatting around room #4 and drinking what appears to be beer. Like I said, if you're not use to this kind of scene, you'd probably best avoid the Dolphin Inn. The guy that drove the black Porche probably didn't get his money's worth here.
We enjoyed our stay, but would never pay a penny over $70/night for this place. Our rate for one Saturday evening was $69 through Booking. I read another reviewer where someone paid $169 for this place and I truly feel sorry for them.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Avoid the row of rooms that's adjacent to the office. If you want quiet and privacy, best to...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had booked in advance at a number of locations whilst touring California and Arizona, all of which had proved to be good choices. This was our last stay and how I came to chose it I will never know! On arrival the place looked poor and the room was musty and not at all inviting. Beds clean and comfortable, but carpeting dirty and stained. Shower OK in corner of very small washroom in which sink drained very slowly. This motel looks as if it was constructed in the 1950s or earlier and since then little, if anything, has been spent on updating it. Breakfast which was included, consisted of one sticky pain au raisin (or at least thats what it looked lke!!) in a sealed bag and a coffee which we had to fetch from the small reception room where there was no eating area. Needless to say, we found nothing to recommend this place.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2011Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Dont think there are ANY GOOD rooms!!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at the Dolphin Inn on June 23, 2007. We booked the room on their own web site. The operators of the hotel are very nice. The hotel is about a block from the ocean and within easy walking distance of the Catholic church and a number of eating establishments. The pier is about a 15-20minute walk away. Additionally, Moro Bay is only about a 10 minute drive away (to actually get to the Embarcadero where many of the tourist locations are). So the location is great. The rooms are very clean. We had one with two Queen beds. It had both a microwave and refrigerator.
Now for the negative. The bathroom is very small. The shower is tiny (barely enough room to turn around in). That would have been acceptable if not for the beds. The mattresses were both VERY old. They were both very hard (well worn) and they were extremely noisy (squeaked and crinkled whenever you moved). My back was sore in the morning and it would have been difficult to sleep on that bed a couple of more nights. Additionally, the placement of the television (off to the side of the beds) is not conducive to viewing but lets face it, you don't go to the coast to watch television. Because of the matresses, we felt that the room simply wasn't worth the $199 (included tax) that we paid, even for a Saturday night stay during June.
If you can't find anyplace else to stay then the Dolphin Inn is acceptable, but I'd definitely check other options first.
Now for the negative. The bathroom is very small. The shower is tiny (barely enough room to turn around in). That would have been acceptable if not for the beds. The mattresses were both VERY old. They were both very hard (well worn) and they were extremely noisy (squeaked and crinkled whenever you moved). My back was sore in the morning and it would have been difficult to sleep on that bed a couple of more nights. Additionally, the placement of the television (off to the side of the beds) is not conducive to viewing but lets face it, you don't go to the coast to watch television. Because of the matresses, we felt that the room simply wasn't worth the $199 (included tax) that we paid, even for a Saturday night stay during June.
If you can't find anyplace else to stay then the Dolphin Inn is acceptable, but I'd definitely check other options first.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2007Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There's no "negative circle," so one circle will have to do.
I have NEVER in my LIFE searched so diligently for bedbugs in a motel room before. When I realized how crazy it was that I expected to find them, I marched over to the motel next door, Cayucos Beach Inn and begged for a room. The manager there said they get much of the business from disgusted travelers who check in at the Dolphin Inn only to be unable to stomach the conditions they're paying for!
We spent less than 30 minutes in our room...trust me; we didn't even sit DOWN we were so shocked, but the owner refused any refund, even partial. I seriously think they make their money from booking rooms online and then offering no refund when the customer sees the carpet with stains, disgusting bedspread with stains, tears and burns, un-closeable bathroom door, no air conditioning, bugs, etc.
Learn from our mistake and please don't give this place your money. Next door is a wonderful, clean, well-priced motel with free wi-fi and free continental breakfast.
I have NEVER in my LIFE searched so diligently for bedbugs in a motel room before. When I realized how crazy it was that I expected to find them, I marched over to the motel next door, Cayucos Beach Inn and begged for a room. The manager there said they get much of the business from disgusted travelers who check in at the Dolphin Inn only to be unable to stomach the conditions they're paying for!
We spent less than 30 minutes in our room...trust me; we didn't even sit DOWN we were so shocked, but the owner refused any refund, even partial. I seriously think they make their money from booking rooms online and then offering no refund when the customer sees the carpet with stains, disgusting bedspread with stains, tears and burns, un-closeable bathroom door, no air conditioning, bugs, etc.
Learn from our mistake and please don't give this place your money. Next door is a wonderful, clean, well-priced motel with free wi-fi and free continental breakfast.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2011Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Drive 10 more feet next door to Cayucos Beach Inn.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This small, old motel seems fine when you drive up, but once inside, it is terrible. Our room was old, the bed was squeaky, and our fire alarm was broken and thrown in a cabinet. The showers sometimes do not work, and after asking the staff if they had an iron or hairdryer, they snapped at us saying that they did not have one and whereever we heard that they did was wrong. The sheets covering the mattress were flat sheets, not fitted, so in the middle of the night you wake up with your face in the old mattresses. The walls between the rooms are very thin. There are no clocks in the rooms. Way too expensive for what it is.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2004
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Both my wife and I stayed at the Dolphin Inn this past weekend. What a dump!!! The room was filthy, smell of disinfectent, drapes were half off the rod and paper thin walls. The broken office chair outside the room said it all.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2012Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
not as advertised: first room had no refrigerator. no ice machine available. bathroom sink was clogged.
management lied about giving me a reduction in fees when I complained about the conditions of this hotel. Billed me the hole amount. Free breakfast was Cheerios. I will never stay here again.
management lied about giving me a reduction in fees when I complained about the conditions of this hotel. Billed me the hole amount. Free breakfast was Cheerios. I will never stay here again.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2011Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â plug your nose and close your eyes.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here for 1 night whilst on a road trip up highway 1. I used trip advisor before coming into town and quickly found the motel. It didn't look great from the outside so we looked elsewhere but as it's peak season, absolutely everywhere else was showing 'No Vacancy'...so we decided yo stay at The Dolphin as planned. We thought the $129 was pretty hood until we saw the room. It looks like it was last decorated in the 1950's, the carpet was truly filthy and it smelled musty and damp. There was a kitchen that was barely suitable to house our suitcases, let alone cook in! The curtains barely give you any privacy. The shower was horrific, like showering in a dark wardrobe, it made me and my wife shudder the thought of using it (would make a great place to commit suicide). The front door didn't feel remotely secure as it looked like an old bedroom door. The bedshhets were clean, and we could park right outside, they are the only positives! We would highly recommend eating and drinking at the excellent Schooners down on the front. The food is excellent and the staff are ultra friendly, as are the locals.
Avoid The Dolphin like the plague!! The only way I'd stay here again is if they pulled the place down and let me pitch a tent where it once stood!
Avoid The Dolphin like the plague!! The only way I'd stay here again is if they pulled the place down and let me pitch a tent where it once stood!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2011
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have been staying at the Dolphin Inn for years, with no regrets. It is comfortable, quiet, close to the beach, and average in price. The managers are always polite, and they respect your privacy. We often wish that there were a couple of trees in the parking lot, but perhaps that will come, in time.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2005Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This hotel is one of the most terrible I have ever slept in! The reception is bad, they lost our reservation, and offer us a queen size bed instead of the king booked for the same price.
The room was dirty as well as the towels in the bathroom. I found lot of hairs in the tube, which supposed to be also a jacuzzi but didn't work.
The room was dirty as well as the towels in the bathroom. I found lot of hairs in the tube, which supposed to be also a jacuzzi but didn't work.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2012Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No results found. • Try changing or clearing your search to read questions and answers.
ALSO KNOWN AS
dolphin hotel cayucos
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSan Luis Obispo CountyCayucos
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingDOLPHIN INN | Motel Reviews (Cayucos, CA) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Dolphin Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Dolphin Inn?
Nearby attractions include Cayucos Pier (0.1 km), Brown Butter Cookie Company (0.6 km), and Estero Bluffs State Park (0.6 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Dolphin Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Dolphin Inn?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a refrigerator, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Dolphin Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Dolphin Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Brown Butter Cookie Company, Duckie's, and Schooners.
Is Dolphin Inn located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.6 km away from the centre of Cayucos.
Are pets allowed at Dolphin Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.