Dolphin Resort by Stellar Hotels, Sochi

The hotel's prime location directly on the waterfront and adjacent to the arboretum is its most celebrated feature, offering unparalleled access to scenic walks and city attractions. Guests consistently praise the spacious rooms, the generally attentive staff, and the overall cleanliness of the property, contributing to a memorable stay for many. This makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic getaway, as well as families who appreciate the convenience of large accommodations and easy access to recreational areas. While many enjoy the vibrant surroundings, some guests recommend requesting a room on a higher floor to mitigate potential noise from street-level activities or nearby public areas, ensuring a more serene experience with better views. Additionally, it's advisable to confirm specific room amenities upon arrival, as some variations have been noted.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers generally spacious rooms, often featuring private balconies that provide pleasant views, though some guests note these can accumulate pigeon droppings. In-room amenities typically include bathrobes, slippers, and hygiene kits, along with a minibar, kettle, and daily replenished tea and coffee supplies. Guests appreciate the convenience of a cooler on each floor for water access. While some rooms are well-equipped, a few guests reported issues such as a lack of a hairdryer or a functional TV, and some bathrooms were noted to be missing a proper shower cabin. The hotel also provides access to an external Pearl pool for a fee, and a small safe is available in rooms, though its size may not accommodate larger items like laptops. There is no on-site spa, and laundry services are available for an additional charge.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. While many guests praise the spaciousness of the rooms, the comfortable beds, and the white linen, a significant number reported issues. Common complaints include squeaky beds, sagged mattresses, and old pillows. Some rooms were described as tired or dirty, with observations of musty smells, stained upholstery, dirty tulle curtains, and holes in bathrobes. Bathrooms frequently received negative comments regarding their condition, citing limescale, rust, wobbly toilets, and poor tile work. Balconies were often found to be dirty with pigeon droppings, and housekeeping was sometimes inconsistent, with infrequent wet cleaning and beds not always being made or linen changed regularly. Noise levels can also be a concern, with reports of sounds from the fountain, street traffic, nearby public toilets, and even construction or events impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining and food quality is quite polarized. While some guests found the breakfasts to be satisfactory, many others expressed significant disappointment, describing them as terrible, unjustifiably expensive, and leaving them feeling half-hungry. Despite these criticisms, the on-site restaurant, 'Granat', generally receives positive remarks. Guests appreciate its convenient location within the hotel, describing it as a decent establishment with professional and polite waiters. The restaurant is noted for offering a varied menu with tasty dishes at reasonable prices. Some guests particularly valued the restaurant's flexibility, mentioning instances where staff prepared simple, off-menu dishes upon request, which contributed positively to their overall experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, described as excellent, prime, and ideal. Situated directly on the first line of the waterfront, it offers immediate access to the sea and the promenade. Guests appreciate its proximity to major attractions, being just two steps from the sea and a short walk to the arboretum, Dendrarium, and the Marine Station. The surrounding area is vibrant, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops within easy reach, making it convenient for exploring the city center. While the location is highly convenient for pedestrians and sightseers, parking can be a challenge. Some guests reported difficulties finding available spots and even being refused hotel parking despite previous arrangements, suggesting that parking facilities are limited or inconsistently managed.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is highly varied, ranging from effusive praise to strong criticism. Many guests commend the reception staff for being polite, helpful, and responsive to requests, often describing them as friendly and a great team that enhances the stay. Specific instances of quick responses to issues like noisy neighbors were highlighted positively. However, a notable number of reviews express dissatisfaction, particularly concerning certain individuals at the reception and management. Some guests reported encountering unqualified or unresponsive staff who were perceived as aggressive or indifferent to customer concerns, leading to frustration regarding problem resolution, including issues with room changes or cancellations. There were also complaints about housekeepers being demanding about departure times and a general lack of customer-oriented approach from some personnel, particularly regarding parking availability.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain recurring issues and policies that may impact their stay. A significant concern for some visitors was the presence of loud events, such as weddings, held in the hotel's restaurant directly beneath guest rooms, with music and noise continuing until late evening, and the hotel being unable to offer alternative accommodations. Similarly, construction noise, including drills and jackhammers, has been reported early in the mornings, causing disturbance. The hotel's policy regarding room changes or cancellations can be rigid, often resulting in refusal or a penalty fee equivalent to one night's stay. While some guests experienced late check-out issues with staff demanding prompt departure, others noted a thoughtful touch like birthday congratulations. The hotel's aesthetic, featuring older furniture, is sometimes described as having a unique, nostalgic charm, though it contributes to the "tired" appearance for others.