Dolphin Motel

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Dolphin Motel

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes
Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 2 Queen Beds | Private kitchenette | Mini-fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, toaster
Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living room | 32-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, TV
Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area | 32-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, TV
Garden

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
$63
includes taxes & fees
Oct 22 - Oct 23

Explore the area

View in a map
69 Williams Road, Paihia, 0200
  • Place, Paihia Wharf
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Paihia Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Room options

Studio (King)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 409 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 560 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 Queen Beds and 3 Twin Beds

Studio Suite, Multiple Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 409 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Studio (Queen)

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)
  • 226 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 2 Queen Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(10 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 495 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed, Accessible

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About this property

Dolphin Motel

Paihia motel walkable to Bay of Islands
Along with laundry facilities, this smoke-free motel has tour/ticket assistance and a garden. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include barbecue grills and a picnic area. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
Dolphin Motel offers 30 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. 32-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels.

Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered once per stay and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Dolphin Motel features barbecue grills, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. This Paihia motel also offers a picnic area and laundry facilities. Complimentary self parking is available on site.

Dolphin Motel is a smoke-free property.

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 available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Toaster

More

  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 6:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 5:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, up to the age of 3 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Property payment types

Important information

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
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 23 years old
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
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number 115946340

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Alcohol is not served at this property

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

Property is also known as

Dolphin Motel Paihia
Dolphin Paihia
Dolphin Motel Motel
Dolphin Motel Paihia
Dolphin Motel Motel Paihia

Dolphin Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 353 out of 712 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 236 out of 712 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 75 out of 712 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 712 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 13 out of 712 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Debby

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
First time giving poor review. I emailed - checking in after 6pm. Received email from them saying Check-in closed at 7:30pm. I said I would arrive between 6-7 pm from Auckland. Arrived about 7:05 pm in the dark, and could not find the reception. I called, and someone told me where to find the reception, which was closed... I still could not find it, so I called again, and he said he would come out and show me where it was... The reception light had burnt out, so part of the problem. When I finally met him at the reception office, and asked about the 7:30pm check-in, he replied, but I could not understand him clearly... "sometime they leave earlier" I got the key, and my room was on the second floor, and I had to walk up 14 concrete steps to get there. I am a senior, and stairs are a bit tricky for me... The place was lovely and clean. Thank you! But.... the mattress on the bed was so soft, when I sat on the mattress, it sank down to the mattress frame; it was harder to go to sleep. Also, the shower was about 20 cm off the floor! And no step to get into it... Also, there were 3 holes in the grouting by the toilet with orange plastic around them and 2 similiar holes in the shower- why? One hole hollow - why? A small bag celery was left in fridge. On kitchen wall-Motel policy-wash your dishes and put away or maybe incur a $50 fee. Was not on website. The dark blue dishcloth and teatowel had stains on them. Who last washed the dishes? Vacancy sign half lit on Saturday
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
All ok
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great shower Central location Clean rooms Laundry Spacious Bathroom/kitchen floor tiles very very slippery and dangerous when wet. Terrible tile choice for wet areas. Only 3 stars due to this problem
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Veer Singh

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Photos shown on expedia are not exactly how the motel looks. Trip insurance was shown $5 before checkout but got charged $10. Ridiculous 👎
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Dolphin motel - all good

Newish motel. Everything about is great.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Jon

It took 10 minutes for someone to come to the admin area,so we could book in. The shower floods all over the tiled floor. The grout on the shower tiles is moldy. The shower ran out of hot water. We couldn’t get the T V onto a channel. My partner thought he had broken his toe on the large chair which was slightly sticking out into the bathroom doorway. Overall probably the worst motel room we have stayed in. It certainly wasn’t the motel featured in the photos to advertise this motel.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really good experience, cozy and clean small studio! Near to the beach and supermarket. Recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

GRAEME

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wet in Paihia

Motel was excellent in the new wing. Clean, quiet & walkable even though it rained for 5 days straight. Rooms really do need a mat at the front door so you do not walk straight in on the carpet with wet shoes
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Annemarie

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were greeted by a polite staff member who efficiently checked us in. The room was better than expected and felt like it had been recently renovated which was good to see. Everything you for need for an overnight stay and walkable to all local amenities and the beach-front. Ample free parking and great being able to park our car directly outside of the room.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kieran

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ross

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very nice

Was quiet clean roomy and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew

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

8/10 Good

Naomi

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The property is in a good location and suited our needs as we were meeting friends in the township so nice and handy. Our room was nice and clean. The only thing was that we were on a bottom floor and it was very noisy from the upstairs guests to the point where we could hear them going to the toilet. Little offputting.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Natasha

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was clean, comfy bed, walking distance to town
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Payal

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Matthias

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Matthias

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Slava

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maree

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Eirene

Traveled with partner
The outside air con unit for the room above us wasVERY noisy and vibrated thru our unit when it was used by those above us. Otherwise our unit was clean and the bed wasVERY comfortable indeed. We suggest having the air con unit checked to see if the vibration can be eliminated
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025