Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf

The hotel is widely recognized for its miniature golf course, which serves as a unique and memorable feature, often drawing guests, especially families and couples, looking for a fun activity during their stay. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, the comfortable accommodations, and the genuinely friendly and helpful staff. Its prime location near coastal bluffs and local attractions makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and road trippers seeking convenience and scenic beauty. The spacious rooms and pet-friendly amenities also make it a good fit for those traveling with pets. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room away from the main highway to minimize potential traffic noise, and be aware that while mini golf is on-site, its inclusion in the stay or operating hours may vary.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's most notable amenity is its miniature golf course, which many guests enjoy, though some note its upkeep could be improved or that it's not always included in the room rate. An arcade is also available, adding to the recreational options. In-room amenities typically include a coffee maker and a refrigerator, providing convenience for guests. While a microwave is not usually found in individual rooms, one is accessible in the lobby for guest use. Free Wi-Fi is provided, though many guests report inconsistent or slow connectivity, particularly in certain areas or buildings. For those traveling with pets, the hotel offers thoughtful pet amenities such as a welcome basket with a bowl, towel, and treats, and some pet-friendly rooms feature wood flooring.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests overwhelmingly praise the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, well-kept, and fresh, with many noting the absence of unpleasant odors. The beds are generally found to be comfortable, though some guests found them too soft or too firm. Rooms are often described as spacious and well-appointed, with some featuring luxurious jetted tubs or jacuzzi baths, which are a highlight for many. However, a recurring point of feedback is the lack of air conditioning, which can make rooms warm or stuffy, especially during warmer periods, though fans are typically provided. Noise can be an issue, with some guests experiencing traffic noise from the nearby highway or hearing neighbors due to thin walls, while others found their rooms quiet. Issues with heating and TV functionality were occasionally reported, but staff were generally responsive.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a basic "grab and go" breakfast with limited options, typically consisting of items like granola bars, juice, yogurt, and coffee. Many guests found this offering to be minimal and not particularly appealing, often opting to dine elsewhere. While coffee and tea are available in the lobby during breakfast hours, there is no full-service restaurant or in-room dining on the property. Guests frequently recommend exploring the numerous restaurants and delis within walking distance or a short drive for more substantial breakfast and meal options, highlighting the convenience of the hotel's location for external dining. The absence of a microwave in the rooms also limits options for preparing or reheating food.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it highly convenient for exploring the area. It is situated very close to the coastal bluffs and the ocean, with many guests enjoying easy walking access to scenic viewpoints like Pomo Bluffs Park for stunning sunsets. Numerous dining options, supermarkets, and shopping areas are within walking distance or a very short drive, providing guests with ample choices for meals and necessities. Its position right off the highway ensures easy access for travelers, particularly those on road trips. Parking is readily available, often directly outside the rooms, which adds to the convenience, though some guests noted concerns about the immediate surrounding area at night.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as room changes or early check-ins. Many reviews commend individual staff members for going above and beyond, providing local recommendations and promptly addressing issues like non-working TVs or heating problems. The pet-friendly service is particularly appreciated, with staff often providing extra treats and amenities for animal companions. While most interactions are positive, a few guests reported less satisfactory experiences regarding specific issues like deposit handling or inconsistent information about Wi-Fi, but overall, the staff's commitment to guest satisfaction is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a comprehensive pet policy, which includes a nightly fee and a requirement that pets not be left unattended in rooms, though specific amenities like a welcome basket with a bowl, towel, and treats are provided, and some pet-friendly rooms feature wood flooring. Guests should be aware of potential deposit requirements, as some reported confusion or issues with these charges upon check-in or check-out. While generally well-maintained, many guests describe the property as having a dated decor or being an older property that could benefit from modern updates, including some older TV models and remotes. Thin walls are occasionally mentioned, leading to noise from neighboring rooms or the exterior. Some guests also noted issues with external lighting being overly bright outside their rooms at night, even with blackout curtains.