Dolphin House Serviced Apartments

This quiet complex is part of the Dolphin Square Village that contains more than 1,000 residential apartments set on three-plus acres one block from the Thames River. The courtyard, framed by 10-story, red-brick buildings, is nicely landscaped, with private sitting areas and a dolphin sculpture dancing in a fountain. Inside, the lobby is nice but unassuming, with two office-style desks in the registration area. It’s decorated in beige and cream shades and has a pleasant sitting area with upholstered armchairs and sofas in dark colors. Magazines and newspapers cover the tables, encouraging guests to stick around for a while, although most tend not to linger here. The large fitness center and pool stay busy, and the beautifully decorated spa gives the Dolphin House a more high-end vibe. The complex tends to draw business travelers on extended stays, and families who revel in the extra space.

The Dolphin House is located in a quiet, mostly residential neighborhood in Pimlico, a block from the Thames River, about a 26-minute drive southwest from Buckingham Palace. The lovely St. George’s Square Garden is across the street (a two-minute walk), and the Pimlico tube station is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The transportation hub at Victoria is a 14-minute walk, or 11 minutes via the tube. The nearest restaurants and pubs are about five minutes away on foot. Many of London’s top attractions are 15 to 20 minutes away via the tube, including Westminster Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Other attractions that are about 40 to 50 minutes away via the tube include St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, the British Museum, and Kensington Palace. Gatwick Airport and London Heathrow Airport are approximately an hour and 40 minutes away by car, respectively. 

Although the size and layout can vary greatly, units at the Dolphin House Serviced Apartments generally share the same traditional (and somewhat dated) decor, with slight variations. Rooms have a neutral backdrop of beige walls, solid brown drapes, and brownish gray carpeting. Matching reddish-brown furniture includes desks, tables, dressers, built-in nightstands, and headboards with padded leather in a mauve color. Mauve is also used on upholstered armchairs and sofas (in rooms that have them). Bedspreads are shiny olive green. All kitchenettes or kitchens have microwaves, sinks, coffeemakers, toasters, dishes, and mini-fridges. Full kitchens add ovens and stove tops. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, electronic safes, Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, and direct-dial phones. Wi-Fi is free only for guests who book directly through the hotel’s website. Note that rooms do not have air-conditioning (fans are supplied) and do not have individual heat controls. Bathrooms are well-sized and can vary, too, but are similarly decorated in beige-tile walls, white ceramic vanities, heated towel racks, and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Some of the larger units have twin vanities, windows, and tubs that are separate from walk-in showers. 

The apartment-style units are spacious except for the Economy Singles, which are cramped but still include tiny kitchenettes. Studios have open-floor plans, but the One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Apartments have separate living rooms, and some have separate kitchens. Units on the first two floors also have washer/dryers, and three-bedroom units have three bathrooms. Rooms are generally clean and well maintained, but some guests have complained about inadequate housekeeping and minor maintenance issues. Many guests also have reported problems getting the rooms they booked. Be aware that units with full kitchens and washer/dryers are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance. 

These residential-style apartments have the type of amenities often found in upscale, full-service hotels. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast (some packages include it), lunch, and dinner, and the bar serves cocktails throughout the afternoon and evening. The full-service, Moroccan-themed spa offers various massage options and body treatments, and includes lockers and sauna and steam rooms. The spacious fitness center is free to guests and offers cardio and weight-training equipment, free weights, and a squash court. The pool and 24-hour self-serve laundry facilities also are free. Meeting space is available, and free Wi-Fi is available in all public spaces. Valet dry-cleaning services are available, and there's a business center with Internet access. Paid on-site parking is available in an underground garage. The complex has a small grocery and ATM. It's nonsmoking, and pets aren’t allowed. The reception desk is staffed 24/7.