To preface, my parents and I just returned from a 4 night stay at the Walt Disney World Dolphin resort, and I am 22 years old. I travel a decent amount, so I consider myself to be of some knowledge about hotels and what is expected from them. I don't consider myself to be pompous or negative in any way- I'm just trying to be honest about my experience. The Dolphin is absolutely HUGE, with about 1500 rooms. We booked what was called a "jr. suite"- the regular rate for this room was stated in our guidebook as $588.00/night, and we booked the room at half price for $294.00/night. This is more than we EVER consider spending for a hotel, but this was something special, and we thought we'd be in the lap of luxury, like nothing we'd ever experienced before. I must say the lobby is impressive, with a huge fish fountain and what is best described as a circus tent ceiling, with fake flowers and white lights wound around the columns. The front desk staff is decked out in seafoam green polyester suits- a sentiment which sums up the entire experience at the Dolphin. Seafoam green and polyester. Maria, our front desk clerk, actually gave us two room options, then gave us keys for both so we could check them out. I thought this was VERY accommodating and more than I expected from a hotel that was very busy (during the height of check-in time). It turned out that the first room had a lovely view of a brick wall, so we picked the second option. Let me just say that if we had been stuck with that room for $294/night, let alone $588? I'd rather stay at the Motel 6 down the road. Well the "suites" are actually two rooms that happen to be adjoining. That's it. No kitchenette, nothing special, just two rooms that were connected, one of which has a "murphy bed" - one of those beds that comes down out of the wall. (this was my bed). It actually was more comfortable than I thought it would be. BE FOREWARNED about 2 things! (1) The rooms have the TACKIEST decor I have ever encountered from a hotel. Polyester fish bedspreads, big floral curtains, striped wallpaper, a different floral pattern on the couch, and seafoam green furniture. Some may say this decor is "fun" and "light-hearted" but I just couldn't believe it. You won't believe it until you see it- I hope you don't have to. (2) There is a pamphlet beside the bed that says "our green guarantee"- they guarantee you that they're not going to change your sheets on an extended stay. We were there 4 nights, and after the 3rd I had to call and ask for them to change our sheets. To be fair, all you have to do is ask for them to change them, but it's something I EXPECT! After a day in the parks you fall into bed kind of stinky and in MY opinion, one of the best things about staying in the hotel is having clean sheets every night. It's just like leaving me clean towels. What am I paying all this money for? Also, my room smelled like mildew, something I complained about from the beginning, but they couldn't seem to locate and eliminate the smell during my stay. One morning I was watching Wimbledon in my "side" of the room and the cleaning lady came in and told me to go into the other room so she could clean. Service with a smile? was that a "good morning ma'am"? I received neither. Again, these are things I EXPECT from a luxury high-end hotel- and I just didn't get them. The only thing I regret is not calling that incident to management's attention at the time, but I like to enjoy myself, not hang around complaining about my vacation, and I intend to maybe write a letter sometime soon. Some pros I can point out are: LOCATION! We walked back from the fireworks at Epcot in less than 20 minutes, got free transport to all Disney attractions via boat or bus, and did not ONCE have to get in the car for 4 days! Also, the Dolphin wasn't crowded- there was plenty of room in the gym, by the pool, in the restaurants, etc. BUT, it was July (off season) and other epinions about different times of the year will tell you differently. The only crowd the Dolphin truly appeals to is business travelers- the convention facilities are extensive. Otherwise go elsewhere.

Recommended: No