Name: Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf
Address: 1211 South Main Street, California, United States of America, Mendocino Coast, United States of America
Rating: 8.55

What guests think

At Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf, reviewers consistently highlight clean, comfortable rooms and friendly, accommodating staff, along with a convenient location near coastal viewpoints and town essentials, offering good value for simple, pet-friendly stays.

Common drawbacks include no in-room air conditioning, microwaves limited to the lobby, and occasionally unreliable Wi-Fi. Noise from highway traffic, neighboring rooms, or appliances is mentioned by some, and parts of the property feel dated. The mini golf and arcade are fun when open, but access is sometimes limited or not included in the room rate; breakfast is minimal grab-and-go. Best for budget-minded guests who value simplicity over extras.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Mini golf and an arcade are adjacent and enjoyable, but hours can be limited and play is often discounted rather than free. Parking is easy, the property is pet-friendly, and upper floors require stairs with no elevator noted.

Related guest reviews

8

Pamela

Sep 13, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location spacious room. Had to climb the stairs with luggage. No elevator. The area has beautiful beaches. Friendly.

8

Rajiv

Jun 6, 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

The property was convenient although the wood flooring in the room could use better cleaning. The location was spot on with the beach within walking distance; however. there is no really convenient dog- relief area with the premises of the property.

8

Stephanie

Sep 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We liked that it was a quick drive to anywhere we wanted to go. We didn't like that we didn't get a free round of mini golf. Also many things close early in Fort Bragg, including mini golf. We were on vacation and wanted to stay up late.

6

Shelly

Mar 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We booked this hotel because of the mini golf and game room. No where when booking did it say those items were not open during the week. We had sad kiddos when we found it they couldn’t use those amenities. The room was fine. Had a musty smell, but it wasn’t horrible. My husband said one of the bath towels had a small spot of what looked like blood on it. The room did appear clean other than that though. We would say it’s an average stay but at a very reasonable price so I guess you get what you pay for.

10

Harry

Aug 7, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Always enjoy our stay at the Emerald Dolphin. Rooms are very clean staff is polite and friendly, love the Mini Golf too! We’ll be back for sure 🤗

8

Hayley

Aug 16, 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

Nice stay. We had our dogs with us. Large spot for them to go potty. Room was clean. Very nice large mini fridge . The only thing I was surprised with was that mini golf was not free as advertised. You got a very small discount to play . All in all a decent place to stay .

10

sara

Aug 3, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Staff was really nice, rooms clean the best was mini golf and arcade for the kids.

10

jerilynne

Dec 3, 2023

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Stayed 1 night

Friendly counter person at check in. Clean rooms. Wish golf/arcade were open before checkout time. Overall nice place

4

Abe

Jul 16, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Chose this as a destination for the mini golf. Called in advance and asked if we got free mini golf for staying there? Was told one free game per person. Was not told that you must book through them for that perk. Was told that using Expedia voids all Perks. Very disappointing, since we brought our daughter specifically looking forward to play miniature golf. As well, the man at the miniature golf facility was extremely rude. Hotel and miniature golf do not appear to be connected. Deceiving.

4

Brenda

Aug 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The mini golf is not included, just discounted. Hotel charged hidden fees after check out that were not discussed or disclosed.

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Cleanliness

Most guests report very clean rooms and well kept spaces. A few note issues such as mold, poor drainage, sticky surfaces, odors, or occasional housekeeping misses.

Related guest reviews

10

MICHAEL

Sep 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

clean and quiet

10

Michael

Sep 29, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Clean, comfortable and nice staff

6

Lucille

Aug 22, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Mold in the shower & stains on the shower walls. Faucets were loose. The building showed its age!

8

tamra

Aug 21, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

The shower didn't drain so I was standing in a pool of water and the sink faucet is really hard to lift up.

10

Daniel

Apr 5, 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean but a bit out of date (decor, carpeting, etc.). Bathroom was clean and the water was hot. The mini-golf course was fun (we received a discount for the round because of our stay at the hotel) but in need of repairs. Customer service at the hotel was great. Our key was demagnetized after one day. Went to the office and the male staff helped quickly. He made two new keys and, when I walked back across the street to check the new keys, they still didn’t work! No clicking, no light, nothing. Went back to the desk and described the situation and told him I thought maybe the battery on the door had died. He quickly gathered the tools he needed and walked back to our room with me. Of course, when he checked our door, it opened immediately. When we checked out, I forgot a small ziploc bag that held our phone/watch charging cables. They called us within an hour to let us know we had left them behind and told us, “We just wanted to make sure you got them before you left town!” Super friendly and kind people.

10

Jody

Aug 8, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Everything was nice and clean!! Easy check in, nice field to walk the dogs.

10

Ashley

Dec 29, 2022

·

Stayed 19,354 nights

Very clean. Just as you would expect from the pictures. Very friendly staff. Definitely would stay here again.

10

Kathleen

Nov 12, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Clean room, easy check in, and location.

8

Ava

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rooms were pretty clean , found Kleenex from previous people by night stand and desk was sticky . The entry door around handle dirty . But otherwise good, bed was comfortable

4

Marla

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our television did not work and we had to have someone come and fix that. Our toilet overflowed. The room had obviously not been cleaned when we found several pieces of trash and debris on top of the dresser. It was horrible.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally spacious with comfortable beds, though decor is basic or dated. Repeated notes include no air conditioning, some noise, inconsistent Wi-Fi, and no in-room microwaves.

Related guest reviews

6

Peter

Mar 17, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Had room 117 which was the very end of the block. Road noise +++. Wouldn’t be relocated to another room. Told it would become quieter after 8pm or so. The room itself was ok and bed comfortable. Better places to stay than this.

8

Lorena

Jul 21, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Comfortable clean room, but AC did not work. Did not notify staff as I was only here for one night. Overall happy with my stay.

8

Robert

Jul 19, 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

Clean room, Lots of pillows, bed was older spring, bouncy and too soft. Room was stuffy and hot, but there were two fans in room for cross ventilation. AC upgrade would make this a great place to stay, as is it was average.

2

MINYING

Nov 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

No internet. Front desk refused to change me to a room where there was internet. People who checked in after me had rooms with internet (that means there’re rooms available when I requested the room change). I had to stay in the office to use internet multiple times. The second day after negotiating multiple times and declared I would accept it if there was no internet after they gave me a different room I got a new room with internet (they continuously said they didn’t know which room had internet which one did not. But the truth is only my floor had no internet as I walked through the property). As I worked as a front desk in hotels before, I knew they were lying and up until now I had no idea about why they would do that. Worst experience in all years of travelling around America.

6

Agustin

Dec 8, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

The room doesn’t have AC. It was a bit warm but the bed was comfortable. The room was very roomy. It’s right off the highway so quick access to Main Street.

10

Marion

Sep 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great room with ocean view, well equipped, spacious and comfortable

8

Alma

Sep 7, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Average room and bed was uncomfortable. Could use a redesign.

4

Maryia

Sep 4, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Could not sleep all night due to the mini fridge making extremely loud sounds every hour or so. We were on the second floor, and yet every time someone somewhere flushed a toilet it sounded like it was right next to our bed. On top of everything we paid $350 for this place for a Labor day weekend night. Fortunately it was only for one night. Unfortunately, we had a 6 hour drive ahead after a sleepless night.

6

Brad

Sep 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable beds/pillows. No A/C in our room - they provided 2 fans

10

Donald

Apr 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

3rd time here over past two years, always good, but no microwave in room

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Service

Staff are frequently praised as friendly, responsive, and accommodating, with smooth check-in and helpful touches. A few guests cite miscommunication or unhelpful responses around internet access or mini golf perks.

Related guest reviews

2

MINYING

Nov 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

No internet. Front desk refused to change me to a room where there was internet. People who checked in after me had rooms with internet (that means there’re rooms available when I requested the room change). I had to stay in the office to use internet multiple times. The second day after negotiating multiple times and declared I would accept it if there was no internet after they gave me a different room I got a new room with internet (they continuously said they didn’t know which room had internet which one did not. But the truth is only my floor had no internet as I walked through the property). As I worked as a front desk in hotels before, I knew they were lying and up until now I had no idea about why they would do that. Worst experience in all years of travelling around America.

10

Craig

Jul 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Booked this one night stay at the last minute as we were on a week long road trip. Check in was super easy, the nice lady was very friendly and accommodating. The 2 queen room was very good size, beds were comfortable and everything in the room worked well, fridge was actually cold! Would definitely recommend staying!

10

Paul

Aug 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

My stay at Emerald Dolphin was excellent. The gentleman at check in was very professional and pleasant. He checked me in right away. My room was very good and quiet. Every thing was great.

6

Janet

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The use of space in the room was rather odd, giving a feeling of clutter. There was a persistent hum 24/7, which thiugh not real loud, was particularly annoying. The WiFi was unsecured and as such was not used as wireless reception was adequate. Not sure if we'll stay there again though the staff was very nice.

10

Philip

Jul 31, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great staff, forgot some items in the room they they held them until I returned

10

Jeffery

Aug 26, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

The staff was great and the room was spotless! Very comfortable beds

10

Roxanna

Jan 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I have to stay in Fort Bragg about every six weeks for work. I will definitely be returning to this hotel. The room was very clean, bed was comfortable and staff was so friendly.

10

Sandra

Jun 20, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Manish was very helpful. The room was very roomy, clean and comfortable. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend this Inn!

10

Angela

Aug 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was wonderful and quick to respond as soon as I made the reservation, room was big and clean and beds were comfortable.

10

Janet

Oct 23, 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

We felt the man at front desk was especially helpful and kind. He responded to our questions quickly and professionally. He took a personal interest in helping us.

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Location

Convenient for coastal trails, harbor viewpoints, and town services, with easy highway access. Some guests expected direct beach access or found traffic noise noticeable.

Related guest reviews

8

Barbara

Jan 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is convenient. Wasn't keen on the bathroom and sink in different places.

10

Sharon

Mar 24, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Great location and plenty of dining options

10

Taniya

Apr 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Love this hotel, we’ve stayed here many times. This time I brought my dog and wasn’t charged an extra fee like you usually do at other places so that’s really nice. Right next to the beautiful ocean cliffs and by all the restaurants it’s in the perfect location. The manager was very nice!

8

Lai

Jul 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

"Ideally located near the harbor and Overlook Walk, with park benches and scenic ocean views."

8

JoAnna

Aug 6, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The rooms are large and the beds comfortable. It was pretty basic, but that was okay for what we needed. No laundry or food on site, but close by. You can walk to one beach viewpoint

10

Gilberto

Jun 24, 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

Clean, friendly staff, close to many of the amenities and places around Fort Bragg. Very quiet even when being next to Highway 1. Would definitely stay there again in the future if visiting that area.

6

Michelle

Sep 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This inn was not quite up to par with what they advertised on Expedia. It says in their details (twice) that there is “direct access to the beach.” There is absolutely not. In fact, there is no beach. You need to drive at least a mile or more to the nearest beach. Their pictures make it look like they are right next to a beach, and that it is part of their property. They also make it sound like they are business friendly, but there are no usb outlets or chargers in the rooms. Thank goodness for my portable battery. It was clean and the beds were comfortable, but it is a very basic no-frills motel. And don’t forget, NO beach.

10

John

Mar 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place walking distance to an unbelievable ocean view.

8

Jessica

Dec 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean rooms for a great price! The location is right off the highway and great for an overnight stop on a road trip.

8

Chidam

Apr 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Walkable distance from the bluffs, beautiful views of the coast.

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Dining

Breakfast is minimal grab-and-go or not offered, and there is no on-site restaurant. Several nearby dining options make meals easy off property.

Related guest reviews

8

Zachary

Sep 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel rooms are super well insulated, you can't even hear a car engine start outside. The only downside is that there is a grab and go breakfast, but no sit down continental breakfast.

4

Kehfei

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

free breakfast is very limited.

10

Abhishek

Jul 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very helpful staff. Nice location. No Breakfast, though :-(

10

Chery

Feb 15, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We,grandson and Davey our blind 16 yr old Pittie thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Game room for grandson, bluffs for walking w Davey, tv w great reception for Super Bowl. Squeeeeeky bathroom door fixed right away. Love this place. Only negative...abysmal "walk away" breakfast. Go to Eggheads in town.

8

Letech

Jul 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff at front desk were very friendly. Appreciate the early check in. My family loved that the walk to the beach was less than 10mins. No AC, but they did provide a standing fan. Breakfast was not that great. All grab and go.

8

Gareth

Nov 4, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

OK. Accommodation was fine, but breakfast options were limited in the area, so we drove 15mins down the road to Mendocino.

8

Alberto

Feb 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Really nice place and staff. Must stay clear breakfast is just coffe and a packed pastrie, what is not a problem, but that is not a real breakfast.

10

Glen

Jun 24, 2023

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Stayed 3 nights

We always stay here as really nice and decently affordable. WiFi is spotty at best and included breakfast is minimal but if those are important then this is great place to stay.

6

michelle

Oct 25, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

There was no dining on the property. The bedding was clean as was the bathroom. Carpets were a little shabby. The motel was fine but a little expensive for what you get. I was in the area on business so I did not use the miniature golf, which might be a perk for families.

10

Ruth

Oct 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful location next to the pomo bluffs state park. Comfortable pleasant room. Very friendly staff. 90s decor. Also loved breakfast at a frame espresso across the street.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf.ec-9g4sk8{display:inline-block;width:var(--layout-spacing-s200);}

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Fabulous

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Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf