Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa

4.5 star property
Upscale beach resort with outdoor pool

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January 2025

Photo gallery for Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa

Outdoor spa tub
Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View | Terrace/patio
Executive Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront | Private kitchen | Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
View from property
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Californian cuisine, pool views

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
    Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Bar
    Bar
  • Spa
    Spa
  • Room service
    Room service

Explore the area

Map
2727 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA, 93449
  • The Spa at Dolphin Bay
    1 min walk
  • Pismo Preserve
    5 min walk
  • Avila Hot Springs
    2 min drive
  • San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional)
    15 min drive

Room options

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View (Ground Floor)

  • 1600 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Poolside (Ground Floor)

  • 1600 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non-Ocean View

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront

  • 1600 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Oceanfront

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Executive Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront

  • 1600 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Partial Ocean View

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Pool View

  • 1600 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Penthouse, Oceanfront

  • 2100 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View, Ground Floor

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Penthouse, Pool View

  • 2100 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View, Ground Floor

  • 1000 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Pismo Beach

Oceanside stay.Your stay at this resort will put you steps from The Spa at Dolphin Bay and a 5-minute walk from Pismo Preserve. Avila Hot Springs and Margo Dodd Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • The Spa at Dolphin Bay - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pismo Preserve - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Avila Hot Springs - 2 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Pismo Beach Pier - 4 min drive - 3.7 miles
  • Monarch Butterfly Grove - 5 min drive - 4.3 miles

Getting around

  • Grover Beach Station - 12 min drive
  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Old West Cinnamon Rolls - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wooly's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Splash Café - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Avila Valley Barn - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Kraken Coffee Company - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa

Upscale beach resort with outdoor pool
As a guest of Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, you'll find an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a sauna, and a fitness center. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Public spaces have free wired Internet.

A 24-hour business center and meeting rooms are available. Spa services, a terrace, and barbecue grills are also featured at the luxury Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa. An area shuttle within 15 mi and an airport shuttle (available on request) are available for a fee. Free self parking and valet parking are available. A complete renovation of Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa was completed in April 2016.

This 4.5-star Pismo Beach resort is smoke free.

  • 60 guestrooms or units
  • 4 levels
  • Meeting rooms
  • Built in 2006
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • ATM
  • Bellhop
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa offers 60 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature iPod docking stations and washers/dryers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate sitting areas and include queen sofa beds. Pillowtop beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 36-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels and DVD players. Accommodations at this 4.5-star resort have kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers, stovetops, microwaves, and separate dining areas. Bathrooms include bathrobes, designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and complimentary newspapers; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include safes and coffee/tea makers. In-room massages and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. There are 4 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology. There are 15 hot springs open between 8:00 AM and 10:30 PM.

Awards and affiliations

The property is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Art supplies
  • Children's games
  • DVD player
  • Free crib
  • Highchair
  • In-room full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room sofa bed
  • In-room washer/dryer
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate
  • Separate bedroom
  • Separate in-room dining area

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on request
  • Area shuttle (surcharge) up to 15 mi
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 15 to 50 for adults and USD 1 to 25 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • 15 hot springs
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private wine tours
  • Sauna
  • Spa tub
  • Vineyard
  • Wine tasting room
  • Wine tours
  • Yoga classes

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchairs on site

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 36-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • DVD player
  • iPod dock

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillow menu
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding
  • Queen sofa bed

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Kitchen
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Separate dining area
  • Stovetop

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Washer/dryer

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:30 AM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 65 per accommodation, per day
  • Weight limit: 4 lbs per pet
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Resort fee: USD 34.05 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Concierge service
  • Faxes
  • Fitness center access
  • Housekeeping
  • Internet access
  • Newspaper
  • Pool access

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 15 to 50 for adults, and USD 1 to 25 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 15 per person (roundtrip)
  • Pet fee: USD 65 per accommodation, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. 

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Hot springs access available from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

Property is also known as

Bay Dolphin
Dolphin Bay
Dolphin Bay Pismo Beach
Dolphin Bay Resort
Dolphin Bay Resort Pismo Beach
Resort Dolphin Bay
Dolphin Bay Hotel Pismo Beach
Dolphin Bay Resort And Spa
Dolphin Bay Resort Spa
Dolphin Bay And Spa Pismo
Dolphin Bay Resort And Spa Resort
Dolphin Bay Resort And Spa Pismo Beach
Dolphin Bay Resort And Spa Resort Pismo Beach

Frequently asked questions

How close is Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa to the airport?

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa is 9.2 mi (15-min drive) away from the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa have an airport shuttle?

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa offers an airport shuttle from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, on request, for a charge of USD 15. per person, roundtrip.

How close is Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa to the beach?

This resort is 2.7 mi (3-min drive) from Pismo State Beach and 3.8 mi (9-min drive) from Pirates Cove. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t offered at Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of between USD 15 and 50 for adults, USD 1 and 25 for children. It's available every day from 8 AM to 11 AM.

Is there a casino at Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa?

No, there is no casino at this resort, but Central Coast Casino (7-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4:30 AM.

Is there free parking at Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa?

This resort offers free self parking and valet parking.

Does Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa have a pool?

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa features an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Does Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa have a restaurant?

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa is home to Lido at Dolphin Bay, which features Californian cuisine, ocean views, and a poolside location.

Does Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa have a spa?

This resort doesn't have a spa, but it does offer body wraps, detox wraps, and Swedish massages.

How close is Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa to downtown Pismo Beach?

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa is 3.1 mi away from Pismo Beach.

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 212 out of 273 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 40 out of 273 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 273 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 273 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 273 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing room- huge and clean with every amenity. The hotel grounds are gorgeous and the cliffside views spectacular.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Felicia, Placentia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was very nice, our room was excellent and the pool was really well maintained. We had a 2 bedroom unit near the pool that was great for our group of 5. The pool area did get a bit rowdy. We also found there to be limited on-site food options. The Lido restaurant was a little pricy as a family option. We got some drinks there a few times and had a issues with the staff, including on the last night when the bartender appeared to be impaired. Otherwise, the location in Shell Beach lends itself to good views, but you have to drive to get to a sandy beach. Overall, very nice option for a family with comfortable, well-appointed suites that feel quite luxurious.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

6/10 Okay

Wilson

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness
Fruit flies
Nice hotel and staff were really pleasant and accommodating. Pool incredibly warm and very nice attendants. We stayed in a one bedroom unit which was very well sized and comfortable. BUT, one drawback. When we checked in we noticed a lot of fruit flies in our room. Easily more than a hundred, maybe 200? I asked the valet to inform the front desk and I called down and they said it was somewhat normal? I went down and asked if we could change rooms or pay to upgrade to any room without bugs. Front desk said they were fully booked but did send maintenance to set up fly traps. First night traps killed about 5, but I swatted about 50. Second night I killed near 150 (evidence below). Third night was fine with just a dozen randomly popping up. But not what you want on a vacation for excess of $500/night.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the pool and view and cleanliness and ease of parking and room service. At times it was quite loud and busy at pool. Would have been great to have a few more fire pits near cliff view.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They dont have us in system at first so the manager shes so nice she gave us upgraded room and because we have to wait for room to clean she offered some free appetizer at the bar while were waiting.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a 2 bedroom beachfront unit with a beautiful view. The unit is very spacious and attractively furnished. We had a pleasant stay. The area around Pismo beach does not have much to do though. We visited a beach and Morro Bay. The only complaint is the price is high on this hotel. We paid $1000 per night for our stay. Also we were not able to eat at the hotel restaurant as we did not have a reservation (despite having lots of open table). The pool looks decent but we did not use it as we saw lots of babies in diapers.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel has waterfront view with astonishing landscape. We had one bedroom which size is bigger than most of other properties we stayed (we are travelers and stay in many compatible hotels). The bed is comfortable which is a good measurement if a hotel is up to a par for me, as to others. Services here are great in general, though they missed a couple small items that we requested in our room services. Overall, it’s a great place to stay. Will recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay with family. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Facilities were great. Will definitely stay again at the resort
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, excellent service by all staff including all restaurants, front desk, and valet.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All the rooms are suites, it’s not your typical hotel. There’s a full kitchen living room and a washer and dryer which came in handy. The pool is heated there’s a trail that takes you down to the beach. Great hotel will definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
First time we used this hotel. As a worldwide traveler in the past 30 years, I have to say this facility is quite a disappointment. Not so much about the hotel itself, which enjoys a wonderful location, but all to do with the amenities, their rigid policies and their attitude. We booked a penthouse with two bedrooms. Views are spectacular but the room has practically no amenities, besides the room itself.No welcome drinks or fruits or flowers (that typically come with a place you pay so much), no bath robes, no slippers, no wine classes (just some water glasses), and the toiletries are very basic, even the tissue box was almost empty (just a few pulls emptied the box!) For over $1000 that we paid for the night, we would expect the hotel to be a bit more accommodating, but their 11am check out time is so rigidly enforced with front desk clerks simply coldly telling you “sorry, we don’t do late checkout!”, looking at us like we are aliens. All we were asking is to extend the check out to 1pm the latest to accommodate a call that requires a quiet place, but the small request was rejected at both check in and checkout with no explanation other than it’s their policy and they simply just don’t do it. To be fair to the clerks, they did however allow us to remain on their property upon checking out (which is a surprise since it seems to imply this hotel does not permit visitors to stay on their property if you are not a paying hotel guest!) Quite a memorable $1000 dollar night stay!
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

CHRISTINA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness
Place was just ok. Expected a nicer resort. Lots of kids at the pool, more family than couples oriented. Suite could also have been more luxurious, it was just a larger version of a basic room. Some front desk staff had an attitude. Spa and massage were just ok as well, nothing to write home about.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

8/10 Good

Lee

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pismo accommodation
The unit was pleasant. Not a value in the least. Unless you are going to spend time at the property, I do not recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was mine and my family’s first time at dolphin bay and it was nothing but amazing. Paid for a pool view got a beach view. Staff is friendly, super nice and amazing, the room was by far super clean and nice. Room service was super fast at getting our food to us.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Clean and comfortable, however staff not friendly and treated our family different then other families.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What can’t I say about this property? The customer service from the moment my family and I stepped on the property was amazing. The suite was beautiful, clean and beyond my expectation. Very family and pet friendly property. Definitely staying here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff and amazing views. Best hotel I’ve ever stayed at by far!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021