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Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa

4.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa

Outdoor spa tub
View from property
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Californian cuisine, pool views
Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View | Terrace/patio
Executive Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront | Private kitchen | Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Spa
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
2727 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA, 93449
  • The Spa at Dolphin Bay
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Pismo Preserve
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Avila Hot Springs
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View (Ground Floor)

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View (Ground Floor) | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View (Ground Floor)

  • 1600 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Poolside (Ground Floor)

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Poolside (Ground Floor) | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Poolside (Ground Floor)

  • 1600 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non-Ocean View

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non-Ocean View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non-Ocean View

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront

  • 1600 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom, Oceanfront

Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Oceanfront

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Executive Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront

Executive Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Executive Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront

  • 1600 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom, Partial Ocean View

36-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV, DVD player

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Partial Ocean View

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Pool View

36-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV, DVD player

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Pool View

  • 1600 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View | Balcony

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Penthouse, Oceanfront

Penthouse, Oceanfront | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Penthouse, Oceanfront

  • 2100 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View, Ground Floor

Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View, Ground Floor

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Penthouse, Pool View

Penthouse, Pool View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Penthouse, Pool View

  • 2100 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View, Ground Floor

Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View, Ground Floor

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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Room

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  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, (1636)
The price is $366
per night
includes taxes & fees
Mar 8 - Mar 9
Inn at the Cove

About this property

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa

4.5-star Pismo Beach resort close to Avila Hot Springs
Guests of this beach resort will appreciate convenient onsite amenities such as a hot tub and a fitness center.
Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa offers 60 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature iPod docking stations and washers/dryers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate sitting areas and include queen sofa beds. Pillowtop beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 36-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels and DVD players. Accommodations at this 4.5-star resort have kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers, stovetops, microwaves, and separate dining areas. Bathrooms include bathrobes, designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and complimentary newspapers; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include safes and coffee/tea makers. In-room massages and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

An outdoor pool and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a sauna and a fitness center.

Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. There are 4 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology. There are 15 hot springs open between 8:00 AM and 10:30 PM.
In addition to an outdoor pool, Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa provides a hot tub, a sauna, and a fitness center. The resort offers a restaurant. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the resort's bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wired Internet access.

Business-related amenities at this 4.5-star property consist of a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms. This luxury resort also offers spa services, a terrace, and barbecue grills. For a surcharge, the property provides an area shuttle within 15 mi and an airport shuttle (available on request). Complimentary self parking and valet parking are available on site, along with a car charging station. A total renovation of this property was completed in April 2016.

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa is a smoke-free property.

Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 8 AM and 11 AM.
Lido at Dolphin Bay - This poolside restaurant specializes in Californian cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Happy hour is offered.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Awards and affiliations

The property is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on request
  • Area shuttle (surcharge) up to 15 mi
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 15 to 50 for adults and USD 1 to 25 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics

Restaurants on site

  • Lido at Dolphin Bay

Things to do

  • 15 hot springs
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private wine tours
  • Sauna
  • Spa tub
  • Vineyard
  • Wine tasting room
  • Wine tours
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Art supplies
  • Children's games
  • DVD player
  • Free crib
  • Highchair
  • In-room full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room sofa bed
  • In-room washer/dryer
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate
  • Separate bedroom
  • Separate in-room dining area

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace
  • Vineyard

Spa

  • 15 hot springs
  • 4 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Detox wraps
  • Facials
  • Hot springs open from 8:00 AM - 10:30 PM
  • Hot springs water temperature - 104 ºF
  • Hot stone massages
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Reflexology
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchairs on site

More

  • 4 floors
  • Built in 2006
  • Renovated entire property - April 2016
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillow menu
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding
  • Queen sofa bed

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 36-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • DVD player
  • iPod dock

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Kitchen
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Separate dining area
  • Stovetop

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Washer/dryer

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:30 AM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 65 per accommodation, per day
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Up to 4 lbs per pet
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Resort fee: USD 34.05 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Concierge service
  • Faxes
  • Fitness center access
  • Housekeeping
  • Internet access
  • Newspaper
  • Pool access

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 15 to 50 for adults, and USD 1 to 25 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 15 per person (roundtrip)
  • Pet fee: USD 65 per accommodation, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted

We should mention

Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Hot springs access available from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility without adult supervision

Property is also known as

Bay Dolphin
Dolphin Bay
Dolphin Bay Pismo Beach
Dolphin Bay Resort
Dolphin Bay Resort Pismo Beach
Resort Dolphin Bay
Dolphin Bay Hotel Pismo Beach
Dolphin Bay Resort And Spa
Dolphin Bay Resort Spa
Dolphin Bay And Spa Pismo
Dolphin Bay Resort And Spa Resort
Dolphin Bay Resort And Spa Pismo Beach
Dolphin Bay Resort And Spa Resort Pismo Beach

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 212 out of 273 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 40 out of 273 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 273 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 273 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 273 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing room- huge and clean with every amenity. The hotel grounds are gorgeous and the cliffside views spectacular.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Felicia, Placentia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was very nice, our room was excellent and the pool was really well maintained. We had a 2 bedroom unit near the pool that was great for our group of 5. The pool area did get a bit rowdy. We also found there to be limited on-site food options. The Lido restaurant was a little pricy as a family option. We got some drinks there a few times and had a issues with the staff, including on the last night when the bartender appeared to be impaired. Otherwise, the location in Shell Beach lends itself to good views, but you have to drive to get to a sandy beach. Overall, very nice option for a family with comfortable, well-appointed suites that feel quite luxurious.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

6/10 Okay

Wilson

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness
Fruit flies
Nice hotel and staff were really pleasant and accommodating. Pool incredibly warm and very nice attendants. We stayed in a one bedroom unit which was very well sized and comfortable. BUT, one drawback. When we checked in we noticed a lot of fruit flies in our room. Easily more than a hundred, maybe 200? I asked the valet to inform the front desk and I called down and they said it was somewhat normal? I went down and asked if we could change rooms or pay to upgrade to any room without bugs. Front desk said they were fully booked but did send maintenance to set up fly traps. First night traps killed about 5, but I swatted about 50. Second night I killed near 150 (evidence below). Third night was fine with just a dozen randomly popping up. But not what you want on a vacation for excess of $500/night.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the pool and view and cleanliness and ease of parking and room service. At times it was quite loud and busy at pool. Would have been great to have a few more fire pits near cliff view.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They dont have us in system at first so the manager shes so nice she gave us upgraded room and because we have to wait for room to clean she offered some free appetizer at the bar while were waiting.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a 2 bedroom beachfront unit with a beautiful view. The unit is very spacious and attractively furnished. We had a pleasant stay. The area around Pismo beach does not have much to do though. We visited a beach and Morro Bay. The only complaint is the price is high on this hotel. We paid $1000 per night for our stay. Also we were not able to eat at the hotel restaurant as we did not have a reservation (despite having lots of open table). The pool looks decent but we did not use it as we saw lots of babies in diapers.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel has waterfront view with astonishing landscape. We had one bedroom which size is bigger than most of other properties we stayed (we are travelers and stay in many compatible hotels). The bed is comfortable which is a good measurement if a hotel is up to a par for me, as to others. Services here are great in general, though they missed a couple small items that we requested in our room services. Overall, it’s a great place to stay. Will recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay with family. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Facilities were great. Will definitely stay again at the resort
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, excellent service by all staff including all restaurants, front desk, and valet.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All the rooms are suites, it’s not your typical hotel. There’s a full kitchen living room and a washer and dryer which came in handy. The pool is heated there’s a trail that takes you down to the beach. Great hotel will definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and room was much larger than I expected.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
First time we used this hotel. As a worldwide traveler in the past 30 years, I have to say this facility is quite a disappointment. Not so much about the hotel itself, which enjoys a wonderful location, but all to do with the amenities, their rigid policies and their attitude. We booked a penthouse with two bedrooms. Views are spectacular but the room has practically no amenities, besides the room itself.No welcome drinks or fruits or flowers (that typically come with a place you pay so much), no bath robes, no slippers, no wine classes (just some water glasses), and the toiletries are very basic, even the tissue box was almost empty (just a few pulls emptied the box!) For over $1000 that we paid for the night, we would expect the hotel to be a bit more accommodating, but their 11am check out time is so rigidly enforced with front desk clerks simply coldly telling you “sorry, we don’t do late checkout!”, looking at us like we are aliens. All we were asking is to extend the check out to 1pm the latest to accommodate a call that requires a quiet place, but the small request was rejected at both check in and checkout with no explanation other than it’s their policy and they simply just don’t do it. To be fair to the clerks, they did however allow us to remain on their property upon checking out (which is a surprise since it seems to imply this hotel does not permit visitors to stay on their property if you are not a paying hotel guest!) Quite a memorable $1000 dollar night stay!
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

CHRISTINA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness
Place was just ok. Expected a nicer resort. Lots of kids at the pool, more family than couples oriented. Suite could also have been more luxurious, it was just a larger version of a basic room. Some front desk staff had an attitude. Spa and massage were just ok as well, nothing to write home about.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

8/10 Good

Lee

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pismo accommodation
The unit was pleasant. Not a value in the least. Unless you are going to spend time at the property, I do not recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was mine and my family’s first time at dolphin bay and it was nothing but amazing. Paid for a pool view got a beach view. Staff is friendly, super nice and amazing, the room was by far super clean and nice. Room service was super fast at getting our food to us.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Clean and comfortable, however staff not friendly and treated our family different then other families.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What can’t I say about this property? The customer service from the moment my family and I stepped on the property was amazing. The suite was beautiful, clean and beyond my expectation. Very family and pet friendly property. Definitely staying here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff and amazing views. Best hotel I’ve ever stayed at by far!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021