Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa

2727 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, United States
HOTEL OVERVIEW
You know what? I was honestly a bit skeptical when I first pulled up to Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa on Shell Beach Road – it’s tucked into this clifftop spot that doesn’t immediately scream “resort” from the street. But once you walk through those doors and see the Pacific stretching out forever through those floor-to-ceiling windows, it all clicks. The lobby has this understated elegance that feels more Napa Valley than typical beachfront hotel, and I mean that in the best way possible.
The location is actually pretty brilliant once you understand Pismo Beach geography. You’re perched right above Shell Beach (which, let’s be honest, is way prettier than the main Pismo pier area), and it’s maybe a five-minute walk down to Dinosaur Caves Park if you want those Instagram-worthy tide pools. The rooms facing west are absolutely worth the upgrade – I watched the sun melt into the ocean from my balcony with a glass of wine, and it was one of those moments that makes you forget about your credit card statement. The spa is legitimately good too, not just hotel-spa-adequate, and they use this local seaweed treatment that sounds weird but actually left my skin feeling amazing for days afterward.
Here’s the thing though – this place really shines during shoulder season. Summer gets pretty packed (and pricey), but if you can swing a visit in late fall or early spring, you’ll have those ocean-view terraces mostly to yourself. The restaurant sources a lot from the farmers markets in San Luis Obispo, so the menu actually changes with what’s good locally, which I wasn’t expecting. Parking is included and plentiful, thank god, because finding a spot anywhere near the beach in Pismo can be a nightmare during peak times. The staff genuinely seems to know the area well – our concierge sent us to this little wine tasting room in Avila Beach that we never would have found otherwise. Sure, it’s not the flashiest resort on the Central Coast, but there’s something refreshing about a place that lets the location do the talking instead of trying to wow you with over-the-top amenities. If you’re looking for a spot where you can actually relax and enjoy one of California’s most underrated stretches of coastline, this is it.
HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS


Reviews
Staff: 10
Comfort: 10
Location: 10
Facilities: 10
Cleanliness: 10
Value for money: 6.3
Amna from United States
Staff were very warm and pleasant. The location is perfect
Don from United States
The location was excellent and the food was incredible!!!
SURROUNDINGS
What's nearby:
- Mini Golf: 6 km
- Ford Field: 6 km
- The Square: 6 km
- Blair Field: 7 km
- Boosinger Park: 5 km
- Ramona Garden Park Center: 9 km
- Five Cities Cal Ripken Baseball Fields: 6 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Marisol: 200 m
- Restaurant Depalo & Sons: 400 m
- Restaurant Lido Restaurant: 50 m
Natural beauty:
- Peak Indian Knob (258m): 13 km
- Lake Pismo Lake Ecological Res: 7 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Pirates Cove Beach: 2.7 km
- Margo Dodd Park Beach: 2.6 km
- Silver Shoals Park Beach: 450 m
- Eldwayen Ocean Park Beach: 1.9 km
- South Palisades Park Beach: 900 m
Public transport:
- Train Grover Beach: 8 km
- Train San Luis Obispo: 15 km
Closest airports:
- Santa Ynez Airport: 95 km
- Santa Maria Public Airport: 45 km
- San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport: 13 km
ROOMS
- One Bedroom Suite with Pool View with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- One-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- Two-Bedroom Suite with Pool View with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 4 children
- Two-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 4 children
- Two Bedroom Suite with Pool Side View with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 4 children
- Two Bedroom Suite with Ocean Side View with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 4 children
- Penthouse Suite with Pool View with 2 extra-large double beds and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children
- Penthouse Suite with Ocean View with 2 extra-large double beds and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children
- Two-Bedroom Executive Ocean Front Suite with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 4 children


FACILITIES
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
General:
- Shuttle service Additional charge
- Pet bowls
- Pet basket
- Grocery deliveries Additional charge
- Shared lounge/T V area
- Designated smoking area
- Non-smoking throughout
- Allergy-free room
- Wake-up service
- Tile/marble floor
- Heating
- Private entrance
- Laptop safe
- Lift
- Fan
- Family rooms
- Ironing facilities
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Iron
- Room service
Kitchen:
- Dining table
- Coffee machine
- Cleaning products
- Toaster
- Stovetop
- Oven
- Tumble dryer
- Kitchenware
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Outdoor fireplace
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun terrace
- BBQ facilities
- Terrace
- Garden
Wellness:
- Fitness/spa locker rooms
- Fitness
- Spa/wellness packages
- Spa lounge/relaxation area
- Spa facilities
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
- Fitness centre
- Sauna
Activities:
- Bicycle rental Additional charge
- Live music/performance
- Happy hour Additional charge
- Beach
- Evening entertainment
- Horse riding Additional charge Off-site
- Diving Additional charge Off-site
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Fishing Additional charge Off-site
- Hot tub
- Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge
- Tennis court Off-site
Living Area:
- Dining area
- Sofa
- Seating Area
- Desk
Food & Drink:
- Wine/champagne Additional charge
- Kid meals Additional charge
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Breakfast in the room
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee maker
Room Amenities:
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa bed
- Clothes rack
Languages spoken:
- English
- Spanish
Cleaning services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Trouser press Additional charge
- Dry cleaning Additional charge
- Laundry Additional charge
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke alarms
- Security alarm
- Key card access
- 24-hour security
- Safety deposit box
Media & Technology:
- iPod dock
- Flat-screen TV
- Cable channels
- DVD player
- Radio
- Telephone
- TV
Reception services:
- Invoice provided
- Concierge service
- ATM/cash machine on site
- Luggage storage
- 24-hour front desk
Business facilities:
- Fax/photocopying Additional charge
- Business centre
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Outdoor swimming pool Free!:
- Heated pool
- Pool/beach towels
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
Entertainment and family services:
- Kids' outdoor play equipment
- Board games/puzzles
Parking Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).:
- Valet parking
- Parking garage
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Accessible parking


HOUSE RULES
Pets:
- Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Check-in:
- From 15:00
- Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Check-out:
- Until 11:00
Age restriction:
- The minimum age for check-in is 18
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
HOTEL ADDRESS
2727 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, United States
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