Dolphin Hotel St Ives

Ok this place was closed for years but is now undergoing a refurbishment the public bar is open and lookin fresh which was always a go too for drinks as it’s one of the nicest beer gardens in st ives right on the river and looking over to hemmingford meadow the other way. fantastic sunset good choice of beer etc and average prices for town. The work is ongoing but they are getting there and the staff are great. Definitely worth a lazy drink or two.

It was our first visit to the Dolphin after it had been refurbished since being used for displaced people. The refurbishment has been done tastefully but as I said to the receptionist on departure there were a few things to look at. e.g. though the room was nicely decorated there is a lack of detail as they had decided to put in new curtains and rail but where the old rail was removed the paint work wasn’t touched up. The bathroom was really nicely appointed but let down with a toilet pan that was badly stained round the u bend, in addition the toilet rocked when you sat on it, that would not be evident to cleaners ect. In addition to the above the bathroom could be enhanced with hooks on the back of the bathroom door, as the hooks under the towel rack are inadequate. We had a fan in the room which was essential during the hot weather during our stay. The staff are really cheerful and exceptionally helpful. The breakfast was on the average side for our taste. The bar ran out of IPA on Saturday night! All this said would we stay again – of course we would.

Booked via their website direct, where the site asked for payment information. Get an email a day after checkout saying I’ve not paid and threatening debt collection. Their poor administration and website doesn’t work and then they’re threatening customers. AVOID

We were meant to stay at this hotel on our way to London , so we arrived just after lunch , which was obviously too early to check in , which we understood , initial greeting poor and the eerily quiet atmosphere was odd , a hotel that is closed daily i felt was strange , we confirmed check in at 2pm and asked if we could use the toilets after our long journey, we were directed to an entrance outside of the hotel to the foul smelling toilets with rusted taps , again not impressed, so from there we wandered around the outside of the hotel to find Patios overgrown and unused , we had a look around the bar and breakfast area which was very worn looking and uninviting , by now were not feeling very good so we had a walk around the town which was really nice around the area of the riverside and bridge, centrally there are the usual mix of shops , Whilst browsing we spoke to many local people who didn't even know the hotel was open again after a long closure to the general public , so by now we are definitely short of confidence in staying at this establishment and looking at other Hotels to stay which we found and at a much better price, we informed the reception that we would not be staying overnight and left immediately, bearing in mind we had already paid it was a major disappointment.My opinoin iis don't be fooled by the current photographs which are published on many sights.

We've stopped at the hotel a couple of times now and have to say that we always receive such a warm welcome. Both rooms we have stayed in have been recently refurbished to an excellent standard. The breakfast this morning was very good, especially when considered in terms of overall value for money. The location is great, ample free parking. We will be back!

Only stayed for one night but had terrific views over the meadow. Hotel is perfectly placed for the river great Ouse and walking into St Ives. I would like to make a special mention for Seetsa on reception, who we found to be very helpful. He gave us a very warm welcome and we feel he is an asset to the hotel. Thank you .