Carlsbad hotels

This stunning luxury hotel in Carlsbad sits right on the Batiquitos Lagoon and offers guests zen-like water views. It’s also minutes away from popular attractions like Legoland and the Carlsbad Flower Fields, and is home to a world-class Arnold Palmer golf course.

Whitewashed wood floors and an impressive modern glass chandelier in the lobby give guests a taste of the experience ahead. Meanwhile, amenities include sparkling resort pools and the signature restaurant, Ember & Rye, helmed by Top Chef champ Richard Blais, which serves perfectly cooked steaks and dishes made from fresh California ingredients.

In the summer months, I love sitting by the pool sipping a delicious hand-crafted cocktail while my kids tire themselves out on the waterslide. Cooler weather means spending the evening in the Topgolf Swing Suite followed by roasting s’mores (toasted marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between two crackers) at one of the giant fire pits overlooking the ocean.

For those seeking more space than a standard hotel room and a home-away-from-home-but-make-it-luxe experience, look no further. The serene Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara is located on the same property as the Park Hyatt Aviara and offers guestrooms with kitchenettes, one and two-bedroom “residences,” and even villas with full kitchens and terraces for al fresco dining.

Each room is tastefully decorated in cool California coastal style and a concierge can stock your room’s fridge to your liking before you arrive.

Guests have access to the top-rated Aviara Golf Club, a coffee bar, on-site restaurant, sauna, pool and kids’ club. I love grabbing a latte and taking a morning walk around the Batiquitos Lagoon while the birds are chirping. If you decide to hit up one of the nearby beaches or parks, they can even prepare a packed lunch for an idyllic picnic outing.

Nestled among swoon-worthy beach cottages, the family-owned Beach Terrace Inn boasts an unbeatable location, right on the sand. The roomy guest accommodation – with many rooms featuring terraces that stretch out right over the sand – is supremely relaxing, making it no surprise that it ranks as one of the best hotels in Carlsbad.

With access to a private beach, guests will be wowed by panoramic ocean views at every turn. The beach is a throwback in time with vintage-inspired beach umbrellas and wood lounge chairs practically begging guests to slow down and enjoy the view. Towels, toys and boogie boards are also on hand, so you don’t have to pack anything extra.

A complimentary light breakfast is included with your stay and when you want a break from the salty ocean air, you can easily walk to a number of shops, restaurants and bars in bustling Carlsbad Village.

The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is always at the top of my return visit list. Hand-painted tiles, bougainvillea bushes and arches infuse the property with Spanish Mission charm. Two 18-hole golf courses, eight pools – including one with waterslides and a splash pad – an award-winning spa, and tennis and pickleball courts make this one resort I never want to leave.

I usually just order nachos and mai tais poolside for lunch, and if you want to dress up for dinner, head over to my favourite on-site dining restaurant, VUE, around sunset to watch a glorious San Diego sky painted pink and gold while overlooking the golf course. While you’re there don’t miss the standout truffle fries.

The rooms are spacious, bright and airy, and guests shouldn’t be surprised to see a wedding or two on the lawn during their stay.

If you have plans to visit Legoland, just go all in and book a room at the super fun Legoland Castle Hotel. You’ll gain early entrance to the park (which is literally steps away), get a free hot breakfast, and have your kids raving about how they stayed at one of the best hotels in Carlsbad.

The Castle Hotel offers three different themed suites for families to choose from: Princess, Knights & Dragons or Magic Wizards. The suites all have whimsical bunk beds and a treasure hunt inside each room (and don’t worry, if you have more than one child, they can leave multiple “treasures”).

The heated pool (with life-size Legos floating around) is a blast and the outdoor film nights are always a hit, especially since little ones can head to the nearby play area if they start losing interest.

Located in the heart of the entertainment district, the Cassara Carlsbad is an ideal location for seeing a live show or watching the sunset on the beach. Multiple pools, a splash pad and a delicious Mediterranean restaurant make for an easy, no-fuss holiday at one of the best hotels in Carlsbad.

Take advantage of the hotel’s free bikes and go for a morning ride down to the beach. If you’re heading to the Sea Life Aquarium across the road, there’s a pedestrian walkway that’ll take you straight to the entrance. There’s also a complimentary shuttle to the local beaches and Carlsbad Outlets.

If you happen to be visiting in the spring, you can gaze in awe down the hillside at the Carlsbad Flower Field in full glorious bloom.

Overlooking one of the most pristine beaches in San Diego, the Seapointe Resort is one of the best hotels in Carlsbad. With its spacious one and two-bedroom flats offering sweeping ocean views, it has a lovely beach house feel.

The beach, just a short hike across the Pacific Coast Highway, is the main draw of this property. Guests can hire beach chairs, boogie boards, and even a beach wagon to use, and if it feels more like a pool day, there’s both an adult and family pool to choose from.

Cap out your perfect beach day by grilling at one of the on-site BBQs or taking a complimentary shuttle to a nearby restaurant. If you’re planning on exploring further south in San Diego, you can walk to the Coaster train station, which takes you to Old Town San Diego for a fun day trip.

A coastal retreat that’s steps away from the beach, this resort is just a short drive from various San Diego tourist attractions like Legoland, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. The cheery coastal guestrooms and suites come with a microwave and fridge, and guests can hire everything they need for the beach – including a beach cruiser bicycle – during their stay.

The full-service spa at this hotel is a bit of a hidden gem, so be sure to leave time for a heavenly Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage and to melt the day away in the sauna. Just note that the Ocean Crest Spa is closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.

One of the best hotels in Carlsbad, enjoying a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of wine by the fire pit while listening to live music and the sound of crashing ocean waves is an unbeatable experience.

Whether you’re planning a multi-generational trip, travelling with family, or bringing along your furry friend, fans deem the Home2 Suites as one of the best hotels in Carlsbad for a reason. The suites here are roomy, located just minutes from the airport and are in close proximity to other big San Diego attractions.

The pet-friendly suites have fully stocked kitchenettes, full-size refrigerators and sofa beds in the spacious living rooms. Meanwhile, standard amenities like a gym, pool, EV chargers and free Wi-Fi are available to all guests. Free hot breakfast and free parking round out a comfortable stay.

If you’re travelling with a dog, the Alga Norte Dog Park is just a short drive away, so your pup can get a good run around and make some new friends.

With a beach cottage exterior and sunny rooms painted cheerful tones of yellow and orange, this sweet beachfront hotel makes it feel like you’re a million miles from home. The best hotels in Carlsbad make sure they’ve covered all the small details, and this property is no exception.

Beach toys, chairs, towels, umbrellas, bikes and even jogging pushchairs are available. My favourite thing, however, has to be the wide variety of organised activities, from outdoor film nights and candy sushi-making to table tennis tournaments and brewery walking tours.

There are some timeshare options at this property, so expect to chat with new friends that may be staying the entire week, or more. Wind down the day in the hot tub and watch the sunset over the ocean that’s mere feet away.