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The Dolphin Inn

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Traveller (88)
Dining (29)
Room & Suite (27)
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About

#1 of 1 inn in Thorpeness
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Situated in the unique seaside village of Thorpeness, the Dolphin Inn, a free house, has placed itself in the heart of the community. A short stroll takes you to miles of unspoilt Suffolk heritage coastline and we are a short distance from Minsmeare, a birding paradise hosting some of our rarest wildlife. The Dolphin has three well appointed four star bedrooms, a fantastic restaurant with an enthusiastic chef, a bar that dispensers a large variety of whiskeys, ales, has a superb wine list and boasts a large beer garden.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Street parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Restaurant
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Private check-in / check-out
Wifi
Kids' meals
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Room features
Desk
Bottled water
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English
499Reviews4Q+A60Room tips

Reviews
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glynne a wrote a review 11 Mar
Huntingdon, United Kingdom62 contributions45 helpful votes
The room was nice but compact very clean and huge bed Room1. We booked evening meal bit overpriced starters was lovely but ordered fish pie for mains and it was spoilt by capers on it. Would have been nice to have been more basic didn't need all the other bits. Disappointed with breakfast no self service continental offered apart from cerial that was listed from breakfast menu. Hotel very clean and in a beautiful village.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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the flower head wrote a review Feb 2024
Norwich, United Kingdom2 contributions
We went for a family meal to enjoy a 50th birthday, surprised to find if we wanted the cake which we provided brought through from kitchen would be a £10 charge, as we where a party of 11, would have thought the profit could have covered that. I ordered seafood risotto, which was so oversalted could not taste the food, a fish pie was also ordered which was the same, far to much salt. Could not fault the service, just a shame it was not up to expectations food wise.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
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_ian_faz wrote a review Feb 2024
Colchester, United Kingdom51 contributions31 helpful votes
We always enjoy visiting The Dolphin when we are in the area. We booked in for a Sunday afternoon lunch and we were not disappointed. The special Roast with crumble is excellent value and our beef lunch was delicious as was the crumble. We were welcomed in and service was excellent and with smiles from all staff. Excellent atmosphere.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Dogs allowed in a section of the inside restaurant. Worth booking in advance.
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Stephen S wrote a review Feb 2024
4 contributions3 helpful votes
Terribly rude staff, we stopped at this restaurant without booking, but were told very abruptly before we reached the bar that we could only sit outside. Who wants to eat outside in February? A polite we are fully booked or we can only offer drinks at the bar, which we would have liked, would have been acceptable. A shame because we often visit this area but will not be returning to spend our money here.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
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DoingMyBucketList wrote a review Jan 2024
Marlow, United Kingdom177 contributions91 helpful votes
Very pleasant stay at the Dolphin in the interesting village. Warm room, comfy bed and pillows, lots of hot water and quiet even though it was above the bar. Food was excellent, especially breakfast. Will be returning.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Shoalswalker wrote a review Jan 2024
Lowestoft, United Kingdom5 contributions
Two recent visits at end of 2023. First class experience on both visits. Excellent food, beer, staff, service and atmosphere…especially the Christmas visit. Very busy but well organised and professional.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Jayne S wrote a review Jan 2024
9 contributions1 helpful vote
This is a review of 2 halves- 1st half family meal on 29th December, this was good although very busy, service was good and food although expensive was okay. Total bill with drinks around £150...........2nd half we were staying in Thorpeness and wanted to have a drink in the Dolphin on new years day at around 6pm. All the tables were reserved even in the bar area, this despite not many people in there. When we asked if we could get drinks we were told no as fully booked. We only wanted to stay an hour or so. Rude lady on the bar refused to help and just said we need to make money. Rude man then said we are not a bar only a restaurant. Why advertise a bar then and call yourself an inn? Such a shame and spoilt our experience. We didnt venture there on NYE as it was packed and closed at 5pm, I bet they all the people we saw were not eating either as this was busy in the garden as well. You could have made money from us on new years day as well, lets hope you remain busy and making money out of season! we wont be returning. We went to the White lion hotel in Aldburgh for our drink, they could not have been more accomodating and friendly, go there instead!
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Dont bother to go just for a drink as you are not made welcome
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Toby W wrote a review Dec 2023
Colchester, United Kingdom28 contributions42 helpful votes
We visited the pub for lunch on New Year’s Eve during our stay in Aldeburgh. The venue was fully booked, with many patrons who had not pre-booked drinking outside given the mild weather. Service was extremely efficient and delivered with a smile, which given how busy the place was, was impressive. Shell on prawns were large and more than enough for our Son’s main, with chips of course. Our daughter’s kid’s pork roast was easily as large as those being served to the adults, at half the price. She ate the lot, which is not always the case at home! The vegan daal was delicious, and main course of brill both abundant and most flavoursome. All-in-all a great lunch and a firm recommendation for the venue.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Pre-book during holidays
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99BAC wrote a review Dec 2023
85 contributions47 helpful votes
We stopped off at the Dolphin for lunch and a pint. We were warmly welcomed and spent an hour or so enjoying the atmosphere of the pub (lovely log fire too). Good selection of meals to suite all appetites and tastes. Will be returning next time we pass through Thorpeness.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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rbull12017 wrote a review Dec 2023
Witham, United Kingdom294 contributions46 helpful votes
+1
We visited the Dolphin in the summer and unfortunately already eaten so only stayed for a drink. The constant flow of lunches made me quite envious so I said to my wife that when we visit Suffolk/ Norfolk for a short break in December we must book a table here. I'm so pleased we did as the Sunday roast and crumble deal was delicious. We chose the pork loin and nut roast and the crumble with either ice cream or custard, £19.95 per person. A few weeks earlier we had Sunday lunch at Le Talbooth in Dedham which we both agreed wasn't as good and far more expensive. A special mention to Clare our main waitress who sorted out our table earlier than booked, along with the other waitresses who were all happy and smiling throughout our stay. I suggest you book in advance as it gets very busy.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
£137 - £151 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the dolphin hotel thorpeness
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandEast AngliaSuffolkThorpeness
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE DOLPHIN INN - Updated 2024 Reviews (Thorpeness)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Dolphin Inn
Which popular attractions are close to The Dolphin Inn?
Nearby attractions include Suffolk Escape Room (4.7 miles), RSPB Minsmere (4.5 miles), and The Red House, Aldeburgh (1.6 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Dolphin Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at The Dolphin Inn?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at The Dolphin Inn?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Dolphin Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Ash Smoked Fishes, The Lighthouse, and The Friston Chequers.
Is The Dolphin Inn located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.08 miles away from the centre of Thorpeness.
Are pets allowed at The Dolphin Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to The Dolphin Inn?
Many travellers enjoy visiting The Red House, Aldeburgh (1.6 miles) and Aldeburgh Museum (1.9 miles).