Dolphin Inn

Like many other Carmel inns, the 27-room Dolphin Inn has a quaint, old-fashioned feel, and offers guests lots of good freebies and personal attention. Fresh coffee and cookies in the lobby are replenished throughout the day. There are a few small tables with fresh-cut flowers, but unlike the nearby Carriage House Inn, there is no common fireplace or comfy relaxation area. Rooms are simple, spacious and bright, with flat-screen TVs, and some come with fireplaces. But they could use an update: Some rooms have stains on the carpet and peeling paint around the sinks. Guests have commonly complained about sound easily traveling through the walls, especially on the bottom floor or near the vending machines. The outdoor pool, although small and lackluster, is a rare amenity in Carmel, where few inns offer a swimming facility on-site.