Top 10? How?
Since my recent stay at The Dolphin Motel I have read the reviews with interest and the comments from the owners.  I keep seeing the response to any criticism that it is a 'family run' motel.   Well let's face it, so was the Bates Motel and that didn't make it any good did it?  OK, jokes aside it is an average motel BUT BY NO MEANS should it be rated, as i now type this, as 9th out of all accommodation in San Diego.  How?  Nearby motels had pools, balconies, etc.   The Dolphin Motel?  The best I can say is that the rooms are clean, but.... boy are they small.  And the walls?  You can hear almost everything from your neighbours... coughs, bodily functions and so on.   The breakfast?  To be honest I don't expect much from a motel anyway but to read all the reviews about what a great breakfast they offer is surprising to say the least.  Bananas, yoghurt and muffins.   I didn't expect hotel standard breakfasts but for all these reviews to enthuse about the quality of breakfast makes me wonder.  The location?  Yes, it is in driving distance of major attractions but then again most of the hotels and motels in San Diego are.  The harbour they boast about is OK but nothing to write home about, it is quite small and quiet.  Certainly not a vibrant or happening place.  The top 10 ranking is very misleading, as are all the positive reviews.  Read the negative ones, they are the most honest.   I am sure the owners will respond swiftly to this review, refuting everything I have said, but this is an honest opinion from a traveller, which is the point of Trip Advisor.  At the end of the day I'll leave it up to you to decide, but if you take my advice, don't believe all the great reviews they seem to receive.... A huge amount of extremely good reviews and very highly (over) rated for a basic, average motel...