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
Smoke-free property
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
Frequently asked questions
Is Dolphin Motel pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking at Dolphin Motel?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Dolphin Motel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at Dolphin Motel?
Check-out is at 10 AM.
Where is Dolphin Motel located?
Situated in Paihia, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Bay of Islands, Paihia Wharf, and Paihia Beach. Te Ti Bay and St Paul’s Church are also within 10 minutes.
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Dolphin Motel Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 351 out of 702 reviews
10 - Excellent
351
Rating 8 - Good. 233 out of 702 reviews
8 - Good
233
Rating 6 - Okay. 72 out of 702 reviews
6 - Okay
72
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 702 reviews
4 - Poor
34
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 702 reviews
2 - Terrible
12
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
10/10
Really good experience, cozy and clean small studio! Near to the beach and supermarket. Recommend!
Wendy
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
8/10
Was clean, comfy bed, walking distance to town
Natasha
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
8/10
Great place convenient to town dining
Sandra
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
10/10
It was a good stay staff were helpful.
Ngaakete
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
10/10
Tidy, walkable to town centre, friendly staff
Clare
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10
Great stay the hosts were more than helpful with sorting out parking and security for our boat.
Izaak
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
8/10
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.
Zenko
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
10/10
The Dolphin Motel was very clean, handy to Paihia and very relaxing, the sofa/couch in the room was very useful for sitting and relaxing.
Vicki
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
10/10
Room was nice and clean. The pillows were super comfy, beds were too. Will stay again.
Juneea
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
10/10
Had a nice stay at the Dolphin Motel while in Paihia. Rooms were spacious and clean, the property was tidy. Staff were very helpful. Just a short walk to shops, restaurants and the beach/ marina.
Katy
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10
Was quiet clean roomy and comfortable.
Ross
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10
Everything
Colin
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
10/10
The staff at the motel were so helpful, we were running late and the reception was kept open for us which we really appreciated. The room was clean and the facilities ideal for the short stay we had there. The motel is within walking distance to all the amenities in the small town
Joanne
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
8/10
Enjoyed ourstay .. loved it was close to everything 😊
Tash
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
10/10
Grammar welcome as soon as we checked in. Location to town for eating and drinking was great, everything was so user friendly.
Sheldon
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
10/10
Great stay worth every cent!
Harry
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10
Excellent - the man on reception was super friendly and helpful. The unit was perfect for our party of 6 over 3 generations. I recommend this Motel and would definitely return.
Susan
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
10/10
I liked how clean it was and it came with a kitchenette. Very pleased!
Durga
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
8/10
Staff friendly let me check in early
Suzanne
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
6/10
Definitely not a 4 star motel but clean and comfortable,could do with air conditioning,room was quite hot and was hard to sleep
Paul
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
8/10
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.
Naomi
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
4/10
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.
Jon
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
10/10
Place was a great location, rooms very clean & tidy, beds comfy, check in and out so easy. Very relaxed atmosphere. We would recommend and definately come back.
A tall standing mirror attached to wardrobe door would be great.
Jeff
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
8/10
Great premises. Comfortable and easy access to shops.
Ross
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
8/10
We had a pleasant stay here. We had the 2 bedroom unit. It was well equipped and comfortable.
The carpets were a bit worn out and the dishwasher wasn't working.