Dolphin Beach Resort

Though the exterior of the Dolphin Beach Resort resembles a motel flanked by a parking lot, this mid-range property is situated right on the white sands of St. Pete Beach and has all the typical resort amenities including a lovely pool, restaurant, and beachside tiki bar. Though the interiors have an aged appearance and are in need of an update, travelers are attracted by the value rates. The lobby has a ‘70s vibe, with a rainbow colored carpet and matching seating and walls that looks more like a play room for kids than a hotel lobby. Even the semi circular stairway in the middle of the room has steps splashed in colors. There is also wicker furniture covered with pastel flower print pillows.

Whereas the interiors look dated and in need of a revamp, the grounds of the Dolphin Beach Resort are lovely, with a large azure-tiled pool flanked by teal sun chairs and palm trees in the courtyard-like space that is bordered by the three wings of the building and the beach. The atmosphere is beachy and relaxed, with plenty of space to lounge around in the sun or enjoy a cocktail at the tiki-style Flipper’s Beach Bar that straddles the pool area and beach. The resort is geared towards leisure travelers who want to spend some time on the beach and poolside, but don’t want to break the bank doing so.

The Dolphin Beach Resort is situated right on St. Pete Beach and right off of Gulf Boulevard. The Dolphin Village Shopping Center is conveniently located right across the street, and home to a supermarket, pharmacy, bank, and several dining options, including a Japanese steakhouse, pizza, and fast food. There are many other hotels, motels, and resorts in the area. Downtown St. Petersburg is about 10 miles away. There is a trolley stop right outside of the resort.  

Rooms at the Dolphin Beach Resort are fairly spacious and comfortable, with all the standard amenities (mini-fridge, microwave, coffeemaker, and flat-screen TV), though lackluster when it comes to decor and -- like the rest of the interiors throughout the hotel -- in need of an update. Electric blue patterned carpets and coral walls that match the bedspreads are paired with blonde wood furniture and basic armchairs. Some guests complain of noisy air-conditioning units. Though the decor and design style need improvement, many ground floor rooms have the wonderful perk of direct access to either the beach or pool, which are worth the extra cost. Rooms either have pool, beach, or street-side views that look over the parking lot. Standard bathrooms are plain and small, with shower/tub combos and basic toiletries provided, and are also in need of an update.

The key features of the Dolphin Beach Resort are the lovely, tropical grounds where the large pool is the centerpiece. Embraced by the three wings of the U-shaped resort and bordering the beach, the pool is circled in teal sun chairs and a handful of palms trees and plants. Flipper’s Beach Bar, a tiki-style bar, straddles the pool area and beach, with lots of wooden picnic tables scattered around its deck. A terrace above the bar is filled with more sun chairs and has great views over the pool and beach, and there is also a shuffle board court by the bar. The beautiful white-sanded beach has a volleyball net as well as cabanas that are available for rent.

The resort’s restaurant, Boca Sands Grille, serves American classics and cocktails and hosts various events during the week, such as karaoke evenings. An outside patio overlooks the pool. The Grille serves breakfast, though it is not included in the room rate.