Dolphin Crest Guesthouse

The reception staff were lovely and easy to approach, and we ended up having a pleasant stay. Our Laguna room was spacious and neat, the bathroom was pleasant, the beds weren’t uncomfortable, and breakfast was sufficient. Still, I’m not sure this deserves a 4-star rating. I wonder whether it’s been reviewed since the new owners took over sometime around 2022 and 2023. One bedside cabinet was completely broken, and its lamp didn’t work. There was only one chair at the small table for working or eating, which made sharing a meal awkward. Parking concerned me too: there are 7 rooms but only 5 secure spaces, so two guests wouldn’t have secure parking if the property were full.

The property looked run-down and nothing like the photos, and we’ve been ignored since leaving. I’d strongly advise staying elsewhere. Our stay was incredibly frustrating. Our room on the right smelled strongly of mold, with visible mold on the walls and sockets. One socket was faulty and caused frequent power outages. Whenever the sliding gate opened or closed, the whole building shook, making it nearly impossible to sleep. We trusted the hotel with our laundry, but several items were ruined. When I brought it up, they admitted it may have been mixed with dark clothes, which damaged our whites. Since then they’ve been unhelpful. We repeatedly tried to contact them, especially after the manager of their sister hotel, North Star- which we stayed at after, gave us her email, but we got no proper response. Her only reply was that her clothes “never get ruined,” as if it was our fault.

The location is good, and the staff are friendly, but they seem uninspired. Breakfast was so-so. The rooms feel old and very tired, probably at least 5 years past a badly needed refurb. The layout is strange, the bathroom grout is moldy, and the curtains are weird and old. The kids’ sleeper couch has a big dip, so they end up in the same spot. This is nowhere near a 4-star place. Highly forgettable, and I’d never return.

The aftermath left me appalled. I tried to speak with Kristel, the lady, but got nowhere. The staff were so nonchalant, and I’m not pleased at all. If I could, I’d give them zero. Is this just my bad luck, or was this really such a bad experience? My family and I won’t stay there again, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Forest Manor is just down the road on forest drive, with no hassles. Please do better. At this rate, the holiday season will be dry.