2301 Hooks Ave, Donna, TX 78537, USA, United States | (937) 315-4602
Affordable, clean hotel across from San Diego Bay and near tourist spots
Close proximity to transportation for attractions not within walking distance
Free breakfast buffet of muffins, yogurt, and coffee
Free water and canned soda for guests 24-hours a day
Free parking and free Wi-Fi
Quiet hours in the morning and at night
Rooms are on the small side
Very few amenities
The Dolphin Motel is a solid pick for tourists looking for a clean, affordable place to stay near some of San Diego's top attractions. Given its comfy beds and convenient location across from San Diego Bay, the property is a great home base for sleeping and cleaning up in between visiting the sights. It offers a few nice touches, including free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free water and canned soda anytime day or night. However, the motel doesn't offer much in the way of amenities and rooms are small and sparse. There are a few restaurant options -- from seafood spots to popular chains -- within walking distance of the motel. The trolley to Old Town stops nearby, making it easy for guests to reach attractions via public transit.
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Scene
A homey vibe, but not many bells and whistles
Run by the same family for almost 40 years, Dolphin Motel has a homey vibe. Staying here is kind of like crashing at a friend's ultra casual beach house -- not many bells and whistles, but all the bases covered. There's little in the way of public spaces, save the breakfast buffet area filled with casual patio furniture and brightly colored umbrellas.
Location
Across the street from San Diego Bay and close to the airport
Dolphin Motel is located across from San Diego Bay in a popular tourist spot packed with hotels. The street the motel stands on is quiet, though. For any kind of water activity, whether sport fishing or boat tours, the location is ideal. It's five minutes from the airport and about 15 minutes by car to downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the cruise terminal. There's a bus stop a short distance from the hotel that takes tourists to popular spots like Old Town. There are a few seafood restaurants within walking distance, as well as a pizza place, a Jack in the Box, McDonald's, and a liquor/convenience store.
Rooms
Small but clean and functional rooms, some with balconies
There are two types of rooms at the Dolphin Motel: singles and doubles. Both are minimally decorated (think white linens, white walls, mostly white bathrooms, and dark wall-to-wall carpeting), but have useful amenities that include flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. They are clean and functional, but not at all spacious. Rooms are designed for people who want a place to change and sleep in between sightseeing, rather than spending any significant amount of time in during waking hours. There are quiet hours from 9 pm to 9 am and the overall vibe for the most part is serene enough for a good night's sleep.
Features
A free buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free waters and soda contribute to the overall value of the hotel
Guests of the Dolphin Motel won't find anything in the way of bells and whistles when it comes to amenities. However, there are a few nice touches that contribute to the overall feeling that a traveler who stays there is getting a lot of bang for their buck. Among these perks are a free buffet breakfast with coffee, muffins, and yogurt; free parking; free water and canned soda; and free Wi-Fi.
