Dolphin Cove Motel

2.0 star property
Beachside comfort, minutes from Pismo Beach Pier

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Dolphin Cove Motel

Courtyard
Front of property
Oceanfront Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofabed | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker
Oceanfront Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofabed | Private kitchenette | Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker
Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Partial Ocean View | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, free WiFi

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
170 Main Street, Pismo Beach, CA, 93449-2629
  • Place, Pismo Beach Pier
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Monarch Butterfly Grove
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)
  • 120 sq ft
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(26 reviews)
  • 100 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(61 reviews)
  • 100 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Oceanfront Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofabed

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • 120 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Partial Ocean View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 3239 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Pismo Beach

Located in Downtown Pismo Beach, Dolphin Cove Motel is adjacent to Pismo Beach Pier and within a 5-minute walk of Pismo State Beach. The 21 rooms at this motel include refrigerators, coffee makers, and TVs.

What's nearby

  • Pismo Beach Pier - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pismo State Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Pismo Beach Surf Shop - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Pismo Beach Premium Outlets - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Monarch Butterfly Grove - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • Grover Beach Station - 8 min drive
  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Old West Cinnamon Rolls - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Wooly's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Splash Café Pismo Beach - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Giuseppe's Cucina Italiana - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Pizmo Cafe - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Dolphin Cove Motel

Beachside comfort, minutes from Pismo Beach Pier
Guests staying at Dolphin Cove Motel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and a garden. You can take advantage of free parking if you drive. The front desk has multilingual staff that can answer questions about the accommodations, services, and more. Other amenities at this beach motel include barbecue grills and a picnic area.
32-inch TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer free toiletries, and pillowtop beds with premium bedding ensure a restful night. Other standard amenities include refrigerators, coffee makers, and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Snack bar/deli

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Microwave on request
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • Built in 1938
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave on request
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Electrical adapters
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 25 per stay

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Breakage deposit: USD 100.00 per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 25 per stay

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

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, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector, and a security system
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-9:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector, and a security system.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Dolphin Cove Motel Pismo Beach
Dolphin Cove Motel
Dolphin Cove Pismo Beach
Dolphin Cove Hotel Pismo Beach
Dolphin Cove Motel Motel
Dolphin Cove Motel Pismo Beach
Dolphin Cove Motel Motel Pismo Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Dolphin Cove Motel?

Dolphin Cove Motel provides free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Dolphin Cove Motel?

As of Oct 20, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dolphin Cove Motel on Oct 29, 2025 start from $109.65, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do within easy reach of Dolphin Cove Motel?

This motel is situated in Downtown Pismo Beach, just steps from Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach, and within a short walk of Pismo Preserve. You'll also find Pismo Beach Surf Shop and Sans Liege Wines less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Dolphin Cove Motel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does Dolphin Cove Motel have a casino on the premises?

No, Dolphin Cove Motel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Dolphin Cove Motel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Is Dolphin Cove Motel a good place to stay for couples?

At this beachfront motel, amenities that appeal to couples include a pillowtop mattress, kitchens in some guestrooms, as well as a terrace.

Are there hot tubs at Dolphin Cove Motel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Dolphin Cove Motel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Dolphin Cove Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Dolphin Cove Motel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Dolphin Cove Motel though service animals are welcome.

Does Dolphin Cove Motel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

How far is the airport from Dolphin Cove Motel?

The closest major airport to Dolphin Cove Motel is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), which is 8.7 mi away (17 minutes by car). Another top airport is Santa Maria, CA (SMX-Santa Maria Public), which is located 24.8 mi away (28-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Dolphin Cove Motel?

Yes, some guestrooms at Dolphin Cove Motel offer a patio and may feature ocean views.

Dolphin Cove Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 544 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 277 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 92 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 56 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 46 out of 1015 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

William

Business traveler
Love the location, close to the beach
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raul

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

erica, Porterville

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property. Conveniently located to shopping, restaurants and of course the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bruce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
clean close to the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Camille

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jesus

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Small no good
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette, Ventura

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to all attractions and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

veronica

Traveled with family
Disliked: Room comfort

Plumbing issue and owner was blaming us

We like this place for the convenience. We park and don't have to leave in the car at all until vacation ends. But the floor was dirty we could feel the same grinding when we walked in and when we got back from a day at the beach then shower drain wasn't working! We went down to front office and no one was there finally someone came and the manager took 15 min to get a hold of. And then they said they called the plumber and it would be 30min minimum before he arrives. We were full of sand and dirty. We decide to change and go to dinner and get back and still not ready plumber is working on and then the owner asks me why we bought sand and told us 2 days ago it was fine and now it's not. We reminded him that we just arrived and checked in today and only 1 of 5 of us got to shower and it was not draining. It would have to have been days of sand pile up. We left again to let them finish come back and now it's 2hrs later and they're cleaning up. Unfortunately, it wasn't fixed. He couldn't give us a new room and only offered us to shower in another room THE NEXT MORNING. My husband demanded we be given a new room now or a room to shower now not tomorrow morning. Mind you it's now 830pm tired and dirty and the thought of going to bed like that felt horrendous especially after paying $300 for a room. Plumber told owner also that this wasn't us. That didn't help he was not being helpful. Finally he agreed to give us another room so that we could shower he allowed us until 10pm.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gilbert, Shafter

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel it’s really nice close to the beach, pier its like 5 minutes away restaurants, from now on we staying in here in the future great hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pilar

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Esteban

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Angelica

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We got room 8 which was on a corner and it had good views and we loved that we didn’t have to move our car to go to the pier because the pier was just around the corner. The room was clean and had extra blankets and pillows. It was a bit noisy from the people upstairs and there was also another noise that was very present, probably from the restaurant next store. Overall good hotel but if you like privacy then this is not the place because there are people walking past at all times, we had to close our curtains because people kept looking inside.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
very clean and friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Donna

Traveled with partner
The location is great right next to the beach and walking distance to restaurants, etc The negative is- very small room, no AC.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Arturo

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good service
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Clinton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Close to beach,needs windows that can open doors with screens.AC does not work
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

kimberley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Always nice
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexias

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
View is amazing, the rooms were pretty decent. The patio area was a plus. Michael in the office was friendly and helpful and our check in and check out was quite fast. 5stars from me
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dolphin Cove Motel is right on the sand by the Pismo Beach Pier, yet is affordable. My room was nice. The bed was comfortable. The bathroom was clean. The TV worked. The hotel itself was low key with a retro surf vibe. I will definitely stay there again next time I go to Pismo.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Cynthia

Liked: Staff & service

Million dollar view

This place has a million dollar view! It’s an older property with a little bit of a funky smell but view and location are perfect. If you want top of the line you can pay 10 times more down the street, but for the price you can’t beat this place.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Christopher

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness
Here's what I like. Location! It's right at the beach. It's around the corner from Pomeroy and all the good restaurants and shops. But...it definitely lives up to the "motel" name. It's old, low ceilings. A year ago, we found a dead roach - which means the bug spray is working. This trip, the roach was alive in our room - gross. The shower head barely spits out any water. And our friends next door had mold all over the bathroom window. While it's a great location, I didn't feel clean when I left. I know they try - just didn't execute.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025