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Summary of reviewsThe Blue Dolphin Motel in Timaru is highly praised for its strategic and convenient location. Positioned centrally along the main highway, it offers easy access to Caroline Bay, local amenities, the town center and popular attractions, all within walking distance. Guests commend the proximity to hospitals, shops, restaurants and coastal walks, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.
The motel's rooms receive numerous accolades for their spaciousness and cleanliness. Many units are large, fully equipped with kitchens and maintained in spotless and tidy conditions. The comfort of the beds, functional room layouts and quiet environment further enhance the restful atmosphere. The accommodations, though older in style, are practical and well-suited for families with numerous amenities contributing to a convenient stay.
Cleanliness across the property is consistently highlighted with guests describing it as immaculate and well-maintained. Furniture and bedding are frequently mentioned for their cleanliness and comfort. Despite a few isolated issues, the overall presentation of the rooms inspires confidence and satisfaction among visitors.
The staff at Blue Dolphin Motel significantly contribute to the positive guest experience with their friendliness, approachability and attentive service. Described as lovely, welcoming and helpful, the staff's commitment to service ensures that guests feel comfortable and valued. These attributes, combined with the clean rooms and convenient location, enhance the overall guest experience.
Wi-Fi at the motel receives mixed reviews. While many guests appreciate the free internet access and find the connection satisfactory, others encounter issues such as limited data, connectivity problems and occasional non-existence of the service.
Guests enjoy the motel's proximity to Caroline Bay, benefiting from easy access to the beach, pools and coastal walks. Although noise from a nearby pub can be disruptive in the evenings, the overall beach environment is quiet and comfortable, complemented by the ease of access to the bay and supportive hosts.
Parking opinions are divided with many guests appreciating the convenience of parking right outside their rooms. However, some find the parking area tight, older and sometimes difficult to navigate. Despite these challenges, many guests manage without major issues, finding the direct room access beneficial.
Lastly, the beds at the Blue Dolphin Motel are a standout feature, celebrated for their comfort, clean bedding and inclusion of amenities such as electric blankets. Most guests experience excellent sleep, though a few note occasional issues with bed firmness or minor discomforts. Overall, the beds contribute positively to a pleasant stay, aligning well with other aspects of the motel's service and facilities. Show more
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Motel near Ski Resorts
Blue Dolphin Motel in Timaru is a convenient option for those looking to ski at nearby resorts. With Mount Dobson and Fox Peak approximately an hour away, it provides a comfortable and accessible base for winter activities.
Motel with Parking
Parking is provided at the motel. The motel's parking facilities are a notable benefit for guests traveling by car.
Small Motel
Provides comfortable rooms and a pleasant atmosphere. Its location and well-maintained facilities contribute to a relaxing stay.
4-Star Motel
Offers comfortable accommodations and good service. Provides a convenient location for exploring Timaru.
Motel near The Beach
Accessible Motel
Room Types
StudioThis studio has a lounge area with a pull-out double sofa bed and a separate queen bed. It also includes a private patio, full kitchen, heater, fan and an en suite bathroom.
Two-Bedroom Apartment - Split LevelThis split level apartment includes an open plan kitchen, a lounge room and a dining area.
Two-Bedroom Apartment with BathThis large ground floor apartment offers a fully equipped kitchen, an open plan lounge room, a dining area and a separate bathroom.
Maximum occupancy is 8 (see Hotel Policies).
Superior One-Bedroom ApartmentThis spacious apartment includes an open plan kitchen and a lounge/dining area.
Family RoomThis spacious, carpeted apartment has a private patio with garden views and an open lounge area with a single bed, a double sofa bed and an arm chair. The dining area has a table and four chairs. There is a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, microwave and tea/coffee making facilities.
The room also includes heating and a fan, a separate bathroom with a shower and a toilet, electric blankets opening double glazed windows and a digital satellite TV. Extra bedding and pillows are available.
There is a single bed and a double bed in the bedroom.
One-Bedroom Apartment - Ground FloorThis apartment has a open plan living area with a full kitchenette and a dining table with 4 chairs. There is a double or a queen bed in the bedroom.
You can request your preferred bedding configuration in the Special Requests Box at the time of booking.
Two-bedroom apartment - Accessible Split LevelThis split level, accessible apartment has a dining area, seating area and electric kettle.
Large One-Bedroom Apartment - Ground FloorFeaturing a private entrance, this apartment consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. In the well-equipped kitchenette, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. Boasting a patio, this apartment also provides a washing machine, a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Location
Located centrally in Timaru, the Blue Dolphin Motel is consistently praised for its strategic and convenient location. Positioned on the main highway, it offers easy accessibility and minimal noise despite its proximity to major roads. Guests appreciate the motel's closeness to Caroline Bay, local amenities, the town center and popular local attractions, all within walking distance. The motel’s proximity to hospitals, shops, restaurants and coastal walks enhances its allure. Visitors commend the property's convenience, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. Whether for a short stroll to nearby eateries or a quick drive to other key points, the location meets various needs seamlessly, contributing to an overall positive stay.
Rooms
The Blue Dolphin Motel stands out largely for its spacious and clean rooms, creating a comfortable and homely atmosphere for guests. Many rooms are described as large and fully equipped, often featuring separate kitchens and ample space suitable for families. The cleanliness of the rooms is frequently highlighted with several reviewers noting the spotless condition and well-maintained facilities. Comfort is a common theme with mentions of cozy beds, functional layouts and a quiet environment contributing to a restful stay.
The motel's accommodations, although older in style, are appreciated for their practicality and size with several units providing the necessary amenities for a convenient stay, including kitchens with cooking facilities. Guests also appreciate the friendly staff and the overall tidiness of the property. Despite some mentions of dated decor and older units, the emphasis remains on the exceptional cleanliness and the considerable space available in the rooms.
In summary, the Blue Dolphin Motel offers a comfortable and spacious retreat with well-equipped rooms and a focus on cleanliness, making it a practical choice for families and travelers seeking a good value stay.
Beds
The beds at Blue Dolphin Motel receive high praise for their exceptional comfort, often described as comfy, cozy and offering excellent sleeps. Many guests highlight the clean bedding and soft pillows with some appreciating the inclusion of electric blankets. Numerous reviews mention the beds as being among the most comfortable they've experienced in Timaru. While the majority express satisfaction with bed comfort, there are occasional notes about the beds being either too hard or in need of replacement. Some guests also pointed out specific issues like funny mattresses or the foot of the bed being higher than the head. Overall, the beds are a significant positive aspect of the accommodation, contributing to a pleasant stay despite occasional minor drawbacks.
Cleanliness
The reviews for the Blue Dolphin Motel consistently highlight the high standard of cleanliness maintained at the property. Guests repeatedly describe the facilities as spotless with rooms and accommodations being exceptionally clean, tidy and well-maintained. The bedding and furniture receive positive mentions for their cleanliness and comfort.
Visitors appreciate the immaculate presentation of the rooms, noting that everything was well-organized and functional. Terms like lovely and comfortable often accompany remarks about cleanliness, indicating that guests felt at ease during their stay. Additionally, the motel is recognized for offering good facilities and a friendly staff, contributing to an overall positive experience.
While a few issues involving cleanliness were mentioned, such as dirty carpet and isolated incidents with the bathroom, these appear to be exceptions rather than the rule. The overwhelming majority of reviews commend the Blue Dolphin Motel for its dedication to providing a pristine and comfortable environment for its guests.
Staff
The Blue Dolphin Motel boasts an overwhelmingly positive impression of its staff from confirmed guest reviews. The management and owners receive high praise for their friendliness, approachability and willingness to accommodate guests' needs, both upon arrival and throughout their stay. Descriptors such as lovely, friendly, welcoming and helpful are frequently used, painting a picture of a hospitable and attentive team.
Guests appreciate the warm and pleasant greetings they receive, as well as the support from the staff in addressing any issues, including offering a baby-gate for families with young children and even providing a pick-up service from the airport. Although some isolated comments mention less favorable encounters, these seem to be outliers compared to the numerous mentions of positive experiences.
The motel staff's commitment to service is evident, ensuring guests feel comfortable and valued. This positive interaction significantly enhances the overall experience, complemented by the motel’s clean, tidy rooms and its convenient location near the town center. The helpful and kind demeanor of the staff stands out, making the Blue Dolphin Motel a recommended choice for those looking for a welcoming and supportive stay.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi at Blue Dolphin Motel receives mixed reviews. Many guests appreciate the availability of free internet and find the connection to be good with phrases like "good Wi-Fi" and "great wifi" frequently mentioned. However, there are also notable complaints about limited data with some guests facing issues such as difficulty connecting, low data limits and reports of the Wi-Fi being non-existent at times. While some guests have had a satisfactory experience with the Wi-Fi, others have encountered significant connectivity issues.
Beach
The Blue Dolphin Motel features a great, convenient location close to Caroline Bay, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy seaside activities. Guests appreciate the short, enjoyable walk to the beach and the proximity to pools and coastal walks. While the road can be noisy in the evenings due to a nearby pub, the overall environment near the beach is described as quiet and comfortable. The friendly hosts and the ease of accessing the bay add to the positive experience.
Parking
Parking at Blue Dolphin Motel presents a generally positive yet mixed experience for guests. Many appreciated the convenience of parking right outside their rooms and found the available spots to be a bonus. Some reviews highlight good or adequate parking, describing it as a useful amenity that enhanced their stay. However, others note that the parking area is tight, older and occasionally tricky with some finding it difficult and inconvenient. The first-come-first-serve policy and limited spaces led to a few challenges. Despite some problems, many guests managed to navigate the parking situation without major issues. Overall, while the parking facilities at Blue Dolphin Motel offer direct and close access to rooms, they can be a bit of a squeeze.
No, Blue Dolphin Motel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Blue Dolphin Motel.
No, Blue Dolphin Motel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Blue Dolphin Motel.