London, 44 Norfolk Square51.516411,-0.172925(Show on Map)
7.4
Good
+5 Photos
+5 Photos
+ 3 Photos3
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Dolphin Inn - The Lodge is highly regarded for its prime location and convenient access to transportation hubs like Paddington Station and Heathrow Airport. The quiet and safe neighborhood, enriched with dining options ranging from budget-friendly eateries to pubs, offers a perfect blend of tranquility and centrality for exploring London.
The hotel’s breakfast earns positive reviews for being filling, tasty and a good value with options for a hearty English breakfast available for an extra fee. Despite minor critiques regarding the selection and breakfast room size, the overall dining experience is appreciated. Dinner options benefit from the hotel's strategic location, providing a wide variety of nearby dining establishments catering to all tastes and budgets, enhancing the overall convenience for guests.
The rooms are noted for their cleanliness and comfortable beds, albeit with some issues regarding space and ventilation. Some rooms are small and cramped, facing noise disturbances either from neighbors or the nearby subway. Nevertheless, the dedicated cleaning staff ensures a spotless environment and upgraded rooms offer more spacious accommodations.
The staff at Dolphin Inn - The Lodge receive high praise for their friendliness, attentiveness and helpfulness, significantly contributing to a warm and welcoming stay. While mostly positive, some guests encountered occasional unavailability or lack of assistance.
WiFi quality is a mixed bag—some guests report excellent and reliable service, while others face connectivity issues and slow speeds, suggesting room for improvement.
The lodge presents a family-friendly environment with suitable rooms and amenities, though occasional noise can affect sleep quality. Its proximity to nightlife and dining establishments adds vibrancy to the stay, though some guests may experience late-night disturbances due to street noise.
The historical charm of the Victorian-era building adds character, though the structure can appear outdated to some. Despite this, its historical significance and the engaging conversations with staff about the building's past add a unique aspect to the stay.
In summary, Dolphin Inn - The Lodge offers a strategic, value-driven and clean base for visitors exploring London with a welcoming staff and convenient amenities, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers and families alike.
Categories
Historic
Family
Nightlife
Romantic
Small
Room Types
Single Room with BathroomFeaturing free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The single room features an electric kettle, parquet floors, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Twin Room with BathroomFeaturing free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room has a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, parquet floors, as well as heating. The unit has 1 bed.
Triple Room with BathroomFeaturing free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The triple room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, parquet floors, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Quadruple Room with Private BathroomOffering free toiletries, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The quadruple room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, parquet floors, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Family Room with Private BathroomOffering free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The family room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, parquet floors, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 3 beds.
Family RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The family room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, parquet floors, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 3 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.4
Good
Review Summaries
Location
The Dolphin Inn - The Lodge boasts an exceptionally favorable location, scoring high marks from guests for its proximity to various transportation hubs and attractions. Situated just a couple of minutes' walk from Paddington Station, it offers convenient access to both the London Underground and National Rail services, making it an ideal base for exploring the city and beyond. The hotel's nearby bus stops further enhance its connectivity. Guests particularly appreciate the simplicity of reaching Heathrow Airport and central London landmarks such as Oxford Street and Hyde Park.
The surrounding neighborhood features a quiet, safe atmosphere with an array of dining options ranging from budget-friendly restaurants to pubs. Despite its centrality, the area around the hotel is generally noted for being peaceful, providing a restful ambiance for travelers.
In summation, the Dolphin Inn - The Lodge is valued for its strategic position, making it an excellent choice for visitors seeking both convenience and a tranquil environment within the bustling city center.
Breakfast
Breakfast at Dolphin Inn - The Lodge receives overall positive feedback from guests. Many laud the breakfast as excellent, delicious and plentiful, noting that the good quality-price ratio makes it a valuable part of their stay. Guests appreciate the variety in the breakfast menu and the option for a tasty English breakfast available for an additional fee. The dining experience is often highlighted for its substantial and hearty offerings with some guests specifically mentioning the yummy scrambled eggs. The continental breakfast, which is frequently included, is recognized for being sufficient and reasonably priced.
However, a few guests pointed out some limitations, such as a modest selection and the small size of the breakfast room, which can become crowded at times. There are mentions of having to walk to another entrance for breakfast, which some might find inconvenient. While some found the variety adequate, others suggested that more options could enhance the experience.
Overall, the breakfast at Dolphin Inn - The Lodge is deemed very good and offers excellent value with friendly staff contributing positively to the dining experience.
Dinner
The dinner experience at Dolphin Inn - The Lodge is enhanced by its super strategic location with a plethora of dining options in the surrounding area. Guests can enjoy a variety of eating and drinking places locally, including many ethnic restaurants and pubs. The area is notably safe at night, making it convenient to explore the nearby eateries without concern. There are plenty of food options within a block, catering to different budgets and tastes, so guests don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a good meal. The presence of many shops and restaurants ensures a good variety and choice of places to dine, adding to the overall convenience and appeal of staying at the lodge.
Rooms
'Dolphin Inn - The Lodge' offers a mixed experience for its guests with cleanliness being a standout positive attribute. The rooms are consistently clean and many guests appreciated the daily housekeeping service. The beds are comfortable and the staff is friendly, which adds to the overall pleasant stay.
However, space is a prominent issue at this hotel. Most rooms are described as very small, cramped and narrow with tiny bathrooms that sometimes lack proper ventilation. The absence of an elevator adds to the inconvenience, especially for those assigned rooms on the fourth floor. Additionally, some rooms face noise issues, either from neighboring rooms or the nearby subway, which can disrupt sleep.
Despite these drawbacks, some rooms are described as spacious, particularly those that were upgraded. The furniture and decor are generally outdated and some rooms require renovation. There are basic facilities like kettles and mini-fridges, though not all rooms are equipped equally and some suffer from minor maintenance issues.
The location is advantageous, being close to Paddington Station, which makes it convenient for exploring London. Overall, while the hotel may not offer luxury, it provides a basic, clean and functional stay for budget-conscious travelers.
Beds
The beds at Dolphin Inn - The Lodge present a mixed experience for guests. On the positive side, many reviews commend the beds for their comfort and describe the mattresses and pillows as great, frequently emphasizing very comfortable and soft bedding. Cleanliness of the bed linen and the regular making of beds also shine through as positive aspects. Some guests highlighted the comfortable single beds and mentioned that the bunks, despite their arrangement, come with good bedding.
However, there are also numerous complaints regarding the beds. Issues such as uncomfortable and sagging mattresses, very thin mattresses and pillows and creaky or squeaky bunk beds are frequently mentioned. Several guests noted discomfort from bed springs with some even experiencing sharp springs protruding through the mattress. Beds were sometimes described as too small or too narrow, adding to the discomfort. The presence of bunk beds in small rooms further compounded the lack of comfort for many patrons.
Overall, while it's clear that the hotel offers comfortable bedding to some, prospective guests should be aware that experiences seem to vary and there are consistent reports of issues with mattress quality and bed structure.
Cleanliness
Dolphin Inn - The Lodge receives mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness, but there are many positive notes worth highlighting. Guests frequently comment on the high standards of daily cleaning with rooms, towels and bed linens refreshed regularly. The bathrooms, in particular, are often praised for being well-maintained and spotless. Many visitors describe the rooms as very clean, tidy and even spotlessly clean at times.
However, there are occasional critiques about cleanliness issues such as dust on bedside tables, dirty kettles and lack of sufficient soundproofing. Some guests mention specific areas needing more attention, such as the wardrobe and floors. There have also been a few reports of less-than-ideal conditions, including sightings of insects and moldy grouting in the shower.
Overall, the cleaning staff receive commendable recognition for their efforts and many guests appreciate the clean, comfortable environment the hotel offers. Yet, there's a variability in experiences with some visitors encountering minor issues that detract from the overall appeal. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the frequent daily cleanings help maintain a generally positive standard of hygiene throughout the hotel.
Staff
At Dolphin Inn - The Lodge, the staff leave a lasting impression with their attentiveness and friendliness. Guests frequently praise the team for being consistently helpful, responsive and communicative. The reception staff, in particular, receive accolades for efficiency, cordiality and thorough assistance during check-in and check-out processes. Guests often noted the welcoming nature and pleasant demeanor of the front desk personnel, contributing to an easy and smooth check-in experience.
The hotel staff’s dedication to guest satisfaction is reflected in their proactive approach to addressing needs, from handling room changes efficiently to providing local information and answering all questions with a smile. The kind, interactive and polite interactions add a special touch to the overall guest experience. Cleanliness and good service from the cleaning staff enhance the comfort of the stay.
While the majority of reviews highlight positive interactions, a few guests mentioned instances of unavailability and lack of assistance during their stay. Nonetheless, these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.
In summary, despite occasional hiccups, the team at Dolphin Inn - The Lodge is largely recognized for their exceptional hospitality and commitment to ensuring a pleasant stay for their guests.
Wi-Fi
The WiFi experience at Dolphin Inn - The Lodge delivers mixed reviews. On the positive side, guests frequently praised the quality of the WiFi, citing that it was good, snappy and free with an excellent and strong signal. Many mentioned that the WiFi connection worked fine in their rooms without any issues, providing a reliable and functional internet experience.
However, several guests encountered significant problems with the WiFi. Some experienced constant outages and could not connect to the internet with the WiFi either not working at all or being terribly slow. A few guests reported that they weren't able to access WiFi even after asking the staff for help. The lack of consistent and speedy internet connections left some guests frustrated, highlighting that there is ample room for improvement.
Overall, while numerous guests enjoyed a satisfactory and even excellent WiFi service, others had a less favorable experience dealing with connectivity issues and slow speeds.
Family
Dolphin Inn - The Lodge offers a mix of experiences for families traveling with children. The accommodation is well-suited for families, providing family rooms with up to six beds, making it convenient for larger family groups. The location is ideal for family travel and the rooms are described as quiet and family-friendly.
Guests have noted that the staff are lovely and treat guests like friends, often going above and beyond to make stays more comfortable, such as allowing luggage to be stored after check-out. The presence of good Wi-Fi and consistently clean rooms are additional perks appreciated by visitors.
However, there are some mixed opinions with isolated comments indicating that it may not always be the top choice for families, particularly due to occasional noise issues which made it difficult for some to sleep. While many families enjoyed their stay and found the accommodations suitable, it's clear that the experience can vary.
Overall, Dolphin Inn - The Lodge appears to be a generally good option for family trips, particularly for short stays with several positive aspects that appeal to those traveling with children.
Nightlife
Dolphin Inn - The Lodge is strategically located in a vibrant area bustling with nightlife, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the local scene after hours. Guests appreciate the variety of dining options available in the evening with plenty of nearby restaurants and cafes adding to the allure. Numerous pubs and bars are within walking distance, offering a lively atmosphere for an enjoyable night out.
The beautiful surrounding area enhances the experience and visitors can find everything from casual fast food like McDonald's to local grocery stores nearby. However, it's important to note that while the neighborhood offers a plethora of nighttime entertainment, it can get quite noisy. Late-night noise disturbances, including people shouting on the street and the occasional sound of trains, have been mentioned, although some guests reported no issues with night-time disturbances.
Safety appears to be mixed with some guests feeling secure walking at night, while others found the area intimidating, noting the presence of individuals involved in illicit activities. Overall, the location provides a dynamic mix of nightlife and dining options, though potential visitors should be prepared for the lively, sometimes noisy, environment.
Historic
Dolphin Inn - The Lodge is positioned advantageously close to Paddington Station, making accessibility a highlight for many guests, particularly with the Elizabeth line providing excellent transportation links. The location is also appreciated due to its proximity to Hyde Park and easy access to the main museums, enhancing its appeal for travelers keen on exploring the cultural heart of the city.
The structure itself exudes a strong historical vibe, housed within an old Victorian style house with four floors. Reviewers often remark on its historic setting, appreciating its place among other historic homes in the area. The building’s age is undoubtedly noticeable, a fact that lends it a certain charm reflective of an old cupboard or ancient edifice.
However, the building's condition may come off as outdated and worn; some guests feel it is somewhat neglected. Despite this, discussions with the staff can reveal intriguing historical context about the building, adding to the overall interesting historic experience. This unique mix of convenience, history and a touch of Victorian elegance defines Dolphin Inn - The Lodge.
FAQ
No, Dolphin Inn - The Lodge doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Dolphin Inn - The Lodge.
No, Dolphin Inn - The Lodge doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Dolphin Inn - The Lodge.
