Wow! Minniemom - I'm sorry to hear your experience was so awful - What a shame it was so bad you wouldn't return even if it was free...that must have been pretty awful....
I had a fantastic stay at the Dolphin in Dec 2001 - I loved it so much, that I just booked our upcoming stay there. The location is perfect, we found the staff to be very helpful & friendly. The rooms were very comfortable, the beds were great, the views, awesome. We enjoyed the Grotto & hot tubs & found the atmosphere to be quite Magical in it's own way. I think the architecture is stunning - not as literal as Disney resorts, but every bit as whimsical.... My teenage son loved it & is very excited to go back & my DH is looking forward to staying there as well. I have been recommending the Dolphin to friends ever since I stayed there - I was very impressed....