Dolphin Hotel - Southampton, United Kingdom     

We stayed at the hotel as we were attending a fundraising event and got a great deal on a double room. We were then upgraded to an Exec double as it was our anniversary that week. Staff were exceptional and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Room was indeed basic but clean and different to the standard "chain" rooms that you get from a concrete block hotel. The breakfast was superb. The staff had clearly been run off their feet although they literally ran around taking orders and clearing away. Energy and enthusiasm. If you are looking for or expecting a perfectly decorated hotel with square walls and no atmosphere, don't stay here. Great value, fantatstic staff and we will definetely return. Well done to the management and all the staff.

I chose this hotel because as a disabled traveler ( visually impaired and with guide dog) I had received such a warm welcome on the telephone when enquiring and thoughtfulness immediately with “ we have a good ground floor room for you”. I also liked the idea of local artists painting the headboards of the rooms. It proved to be quite an experience! I could not fault any of the staff: so friendly and nothing could be too much trouble for them. Mind you it took three goes for them to teach me how to use the TV remote control and the fire alarm went off within five minutes of arrival. Still a nice chat with everyone in the car park was fine! My room was quite spacious and clean. Obviously attempts had been made to make the best of an old building it was just unfortunate that everything was beige. The walls, new flooring, paintwork, blinds, bedspread….i mean everything …except the positively pornographic headboard. Still each to their own taste! At least it was colourful! It was a hot day when I arrived in the afternoon but the radiator was on full blast and the window closed. I soon found out why! The window would not stay open and I had to wedge it with hotel information booklets to get a little air in. The radiator would not turn off and I was informed that soon it would be going off as it changed over to heating the hot water but it would come on in the early hours again but that was alright as it was going to be a cold night. Hmn! Actually not so cold and the heating never seemed to lessen. The other reviewer spoke of the toilet seat being dangerous. Try making a cup of tea! The kettle is wired into the wall, wait for it….inside the wardrobe. Still I suppose it’s a plus if you want to get those stubborn creases out of your clothes! Still I do wonder about the fire alarm at the start of my stay and what caused that! The staff in the restaurant and bar were friendly and welcoming though the waitress didn’t seem to know much about the food or wine so could not answer any questions. Thinking that steak and chips would be a safe bet that is what I ordered but knew I had made a mistake when I could smell it coming towards me across the deserted dining room. It was foul! Inedible and for the first time in my life I sent it back. They assured me I would not be charged and apologized. However when I got home and was able to ask a friend to read the bill it was clear they had charged me after all. I like to think it was just a mistake rather than taking advantage of someone who could not immediately check things….who knows. I have to emphasize that the staff are the best I have ever experienced in the hospitality industry. I was very well taken care of. There have been brave attempts to paint over a building much in need of a more serious refurb. But it is clean and comfortable. But boy o boy do they need to get their chef and kitchen checked out! Seriously the worst apology for a meal I have ever, ever been offered.