Dolphin Cove Inn

Driving down the cobblestone street, guests may miss the property, as it has confusing signage for both the Dolphin Cove Inn and Playasol Manzanillo; Dolphin Cove Inn is actually a part of the larger Playasol Manzanillo, a complex of individually owned condos. But once it's found, guests can make their way inside to the small lobby, which includes a reception desk, several cushioned wicker chairs, one computer, and a shelf filled with books available for borrow. It's quiet aside from check-out time, though guests often hang out there while using the Wi-Fi. Built on a hillside, the property is undeniably beautiful, with whitewashed buildings, lush pink bougainvillea, and stunning vistas from just about every vantage point. As the rooms are apartment-style with kitchenettes, and the amenities are few, guests are either families looking to save money by cooking, or couples seeking a quiet escape.

Dolphin Cove Inn is on Santiago Bay, between Barcelo Karmina Palace Deluxe and Las Hadas Golf Resort and Marina. Built onto a hillside, all rooms overlook the ocean, and the beach is a five-minute walk from most rooms. The Playa de Oro International Airport is a 45-minute drive from the hotel. Most restaurants and sights require a car, though cabs are plentiful and inexpensive. The historic downtown of Manzanillo is about a 15-minute drive from the resort. It's a four-hour drive from the popular resort town of Puerto Vallarta and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Guadalajara. 

There are 50 guest rooms and suites at Dolphin Cove Inn, ranging from Standard Rooms to Three-Bedroom Suites. They're all decorated in the same style -- white walls and furniture; gray tiling; colorful couch cushions; and gorgeous hand-loomed fabrics on the wall. Each room has a kitchenette stocked with a two-burner stove, microwave, appliances, tableware, and cutlery; some rooms have an oven and a washer and dryer. Beds with blue blankets are comfortable. Additional amenities include flat-screen TVs, a ceiling fan and air conditioner, in-room safe, and two water bottles. Bathrooms are decorated in Mexican Talavera tile, and feature showers with stocked toiletries, and hairdryers. One of the best room features are the furnished balconies that have potted bougainvillea plants and stunning views of the ocean; some have lounge chairs in addition to metal tables and chairs. Note that there's some minor wear and tear and old tube-style TVs. 

There are few amenities at Dolphin Cove Inn, but most guests are satisfied with the ones available. A children's pool has a waterslide that connects to the main pool, which is surrounded by loungers, umbrellas, and plastic tables and chairs. Steps by the pool lead down to the terrace, which has tables under straw umbrellas and loungers, some of which are quite worn. There are a few steps from there that take guests to the narrow beach; since it's narrow with a high tide, there are no lounge chairs set up. There's an open-air restaurant, Paradise, which is next to the pool and inexpensive. The restaurant is open for all three meals, and breakfast is included in the room rate. It serves dishes ranging from pizza and hamburgers to coconut shrimp and enchiladas; the ceviche, guacamole, and blackberry margaritas receive excellent reviews. Drinking water and ice cubes come from purified water. During high season, there's a snack bar located down on the promenade near the beach entrance. Additionally, the property has a small grocery mart for those who want to buy snacks or food to cook in the rooms.