Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel, Carlsbad - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

850 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, California, United States of America, 92011

Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. The resort is framed by garden courtyards and the iconic Windmill of Carlsbad, creating a serene ambiance against the backdrop of Southern California's blue sky. With its comprehensive amenities and friendly service, it serves as an affordable alternative to larger hotels in the area. Its prime location ensures easy access to local attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring North County San Diego.

Location

Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel is conveniently located across from the Carlsbad Premium Outlets and within close proximity to LEGOLAND California. The resort is a short distance from beautiful beaches, golf courses, and vibrant local attractions, making it easy for guests to engage with the area's recreational and cultural offerings. Shuttle services are available for local excursions.

Rooms

The resort features 145 guest rooms organized in six buildings, each appointed with classic décor that enhances the country-inspired ambiance. Guests can enjoy views of either the garden courtyard or the heated outdoor pool from private balconies or patios. Each room includes modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, mini refrigerators, and LCD HDTVs, making it suitable for leisure or business travelers.

Eat & Drink

Adjacent to the resort is the Windmill Food Hall, where guests can sample an array of artisanal cuisines under one roof. Highlights include options for breakfast and snacks like coffee, tacos, and desserts. This convenient dining option caters to varied tastes, ensuring all guests find something to fuel their stay.

Leisure & Business

The resort boasts a heated outdoor pool and spa, ideal for relaxation after a day of exploration. Additionally, guests have access to a business center for those needing to stay connected. Outdoor courtyards and gazebos provide spaces for gatherings or quiet enjoyment amidst the lush surroundings.

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Select your room type

The resort provides a range of accommodations, including double rooms, family rooms, and suites, all with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive deals.

Double Room

Max:

4 persons

33 m²

Bed options:

2 King Size Beds

Garden view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Queen Room

Max:

4 persons

33 m²

Bed options:

2 King Size Beds

Pool view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Queen Room

Max:

4 persons

33 m²

Bed options:

2 King Size Beds

Garden view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center

Carlsbad 1.2 mi

Airports

McClellan-Palomar (CLD) 3.0 mi

San Diego International (SAN) 31.9 mi

Train

Coaster Carlsbad Poinsettia Station 1.0 mi

Coaster Carlsbad Village Station 3.2 mi

Bus

Bus stop700 ft

Facilities

Enjoy a range of amenities at the resort designed for your comfortable stay and remarkable experiences.

Paid Wi-Fi

Parking

USD 12 per day

24-hour services

24-hour reception

Babysitting

General

No smoking on site
Paid Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Baggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center
Snorkeling
Canoeing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing

Services

Free shuttle service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Stores/Commercial services

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables

Business

Business center
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Heated swimming pool
Outdoor swimming pool
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Garden area
Jacuzzi
Pool with view

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Bathtub
Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
Direct dial telephone
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

850 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, California, United States of America, 92011

Map view

850 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, California, United States of America, 92011

City landmarks

5704 Paseo del Norte

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

2400 ft

Museums

Museum of Making Music

1.1 mi

Aquarium

Sea Life Aquarium

5200 ft

Carlsbad Boulevard

1.1 mi

Car Country Park

5000 ft

Garden

The Flower Fields

2500 ft

Mall

Costco Wholesale

2900 ft

Camping

South Carlsbad State Park Campground

2300 ft

Legoland Theme Park

2400 ft

Seacoast Gallery

2600 ft

Driving School

2700 ft

Amusement & Theme Parks

Coastersaurus

2800 ft

Car Wash

2800 ft

Paseo del Norte

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

2800 ft

Amusement & Theme Parks

Volvo Junior Driving School

2800 ft

Nearby

Windmill Banquet and Catering

1300 ft

Restaurants

Blaze

2300 ft

5620 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad Premium Outlets

Panda Express

2600 ft

5630 Paseo Del Norte

Taco Bell

2000 ft

6017 Paseo Del Norte

Subway

1900 ft

5620 Paseo Del Norte Ste 127

Wetzel's Pretzels

3200 ft

5620 Paseo Del Norte C#122

In-N-Out Burger

4000 ft

5950 Avenida Encinas

McDonald's

3300 ft

5990 Avenida Encinas

San Sai

2900 ft

5600 Paseo Del Norte Ste 115A

Corner Bakery Cafe

2500 ft

5617 Paseo Del Norte Ste 110

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

2500 ft

5617 Paseo Del Norte

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

84%

liked the resort and would come back

8.4/10

Great

Rooms

6.7

Location

9.2

Service

7.2

Dining

5.0

Justin

United Kingdom, December 2024

6.8/10

The hotel is in a really convenient location, just a short drive to Legoland and several restaurants, which was perfect for our family trip. The rooms were small and had an odd odor, but they were arranged close together as we requested, which was a plus. While the service was friendly and helpful, the breakfast left a lot to be desired. Overall, it's decent value for money, but there are definitely areas that could use some improvement.

Rooms

6.0

The rooms were pretty small compared to our last stay and had an odd odor, but they were arranged close together as we requested.

Service

8.0

The staff was very pleasant and always prioritized guests, which made our experience more enjoyable.

Location

9.0

The hotel location is great, close to Legoland and a shopping center with food options, which worked out perfectly for our family.

Dining

5.0

Unfortunately, the breakfast was the worst we've had at a hotel; they really should either charge more for a better spread or just offer a simple continental version.

Facilities

William

United States of America, December 2024

7.2/10

I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The location was very convenient, especially for visiting LEGOLAND, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. However, the rooms could definitely use some renovations, as they felt a bit run down, and the dining options left much to be desired. Overall, it’s a decent place if you prioritize location and warm service, but there are definitely areas for improvement.

Rooms

6.0

The rooms were a little run down and smelled strongly of cleaning chemicals, but they were still clean and comfortable.

Service

9.0

The staff was fantastic! Everyone I interacted with was polite, friendly, and seemed to genuinely enjoy their work.

Location

10.0

The hotel was perfectly situated close to LEGOLAND and various shopping and dining options, making it very easy to get around.

Dining

5.0

The breakfast was quite disappointing; the selection was minimal and the food quality was not great. I really struggled to find anything appetizing.

Facilities

7.0

While the hotel had decent amenities, they were not particularly outstanding or luxurious.

Ella

United Kingdom, December 2024

5.4/10

My stay at this hotel was disappointing overall. The location was perfect for beach access and nearby attractions such as Legoland and shopping options. However, I found the rooms to be uncomfortable due to noise and cleanliness issues, which made it difficult to relax. Though the staff was helpful, the dining options didn't meet my expectations, especially considering the price we paid.

Rooms

5.0

The rooms were noisy, and I encountered cleanliness issues, which made my stay uncomfortable, especially worrying about spiders with my kids around.

Service

6.0

The staff was helpful and courteous when I raised my concerns, but I felt the response to issues like the buffet was lacking.

Location

9.0

The hotel is in a great location, just across from the beach and close to various attractions like Legoland and shopping centers.

Dining

5.0

Unfortunately, the dining experience was not very good; the buffet lacked variety and was not worth the price we paid.

Facilities

5.0

Facilities were okay, but nothing special; I expected more for the overall experience.

Bernard

United States of America, December 2024

6.8/10

I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The location is ideal for beachgoers and families visiting Legoland, which was a huge plus. The rooms provided a nice pool view, but they could be noisy at times with families nearby. The staff was generally friendly and helpful, though the service could be slow at times and lacked some essentials. Overall, it's a decent spot, but there's definitely room for improvement.

Rooms

7.0

The room I stayed in had a nice pool view and was reasonably quiet, but I did experience some noise from families in nearby rooms, which was a bit disruptive at times.

Service

6.0

Most of the staff were polite and friendly during check-in and throughout my stay, but I found the supplies like toilet paper to be quite limited.

Location

9.0

The hotel is perfectly located for access to the beach and is close to Legoland and various shops, making it very convenient for families.

Dining

5.0

The breakfast options were a bit underwhelming and could be improved with a wider variety. It wasn’t bad, but definitely not great.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities were decent, but nothing stood out as exceptional. The pool area was nice and well-kept, which I enjoyed.

Alfred

United States of America, December 2024

5.0/10

During my stay, the hotel was located in a lovely spot, although it was under renovation which affected my overall experience. The rooms, while having an outside patio that opened onto a beautiful lawn, had a school dining room feel and were not ready to check in until quite late. The service was frustrating due to a long wait at check-in and multiple knocks at my door early in the morning. Still, the location was convenient, close to Legoland and the beach, making it a decent choice.

Rooms

6.0

The rooms had a school dining room feel and were still being renovated, so I can't say how they usually are. The outside patio was a nice touch, though.

Service

5.0

The service was not great; I had to deal with a long wait for my room and unexpected knocks at my door in the early morning. One of the staff members was compassionate and helpful, but that wasn't the case with everyone.

Location

7.0

The location was lovely, with easy access to Legoland and within walking distance to the beach, but it's worth noting it’s by the freeway and not as close to the beach as the website suggested.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was disappointing; the breakfast wasn’t good and made my stomach hurt. I expected better quality given the rate we paid.

Facilities

5.0

Since the hotel was under renovation, I didn't get to fully experience the facilities. However, it seemed like they were trying to maintain the grounds.

Ethan

United Kingdom, November 2024

7.2/10

I had a pleasant stay at this hotel, which offered a clean and comfortable atmosphere along with a very friendly staff. The free shuttle to Legoland was a major plus, but I found the dining experience lacking and the noise from the bar was a bit bothersome. The location was great, with easy access to Legoland and various restaurants nearby, which added value to my visit.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were attractive, comfortable, and clean, though I found them to be a bit dark and could hear neighbors next door.

Service

9.0

The service was excellent; the staff was very nice, helpful, and friendly, always ready to assist.

Location

10.0

The location was perfect, being close to Legoland and across from the shopping outlets and several restaurants, which made it very convenient.

Dining

5.0

The food quality was disappointing, as the options were not great, and I even found some items unacceptable.

Facilities

6.0

The overall facilities were decent, but nothing stood out as exceptional during my stay.

Jean

United Kingdom, October 2024

7.6/10

I had a nice stay at the hotel, especially enjoying the comfortable and clean atmosphere. The location is fantastic, making it easy to access nearby attractions like LEGOLAND and the beach. However, I experienced a bit of a hiccup during check-in with room readiness, and the breakfast options could use some variety. Overall, it offers great value for families visiting the area.

Rooms

7.0

Although we had to wait a bit for our room to be ready during check-in, it was clean and equipped with a microwave and refrigerator, which was super handy.

Service

8.0

The staff were very helpful and had a superior approach, but I feel like they could work on being a bit friendlier at times.

Location

9.0

I loved the location! It's close to LEGOLAND, great restaurants, and just a short drive to the beach.

Dining

6.0

The breakfast was decent and helpful for starting the day, but it finishes too early and could really benefit from a bit more variety.

Facilities

8.0

The pool area was clean and well-maintained, offering a nice spot to relax after a day of exploring.

Elliot

United Kingdom, October 2024

7.4/10

I had a lovely time at the hotel, with a beautifully clean room and a great view of the garden. The location was perfect for our family adventures, and while the service was generally friendly, it could be a bit congested near the pool. The dining experience didn't quite meet our expectations, but overall, it was a comfortable stay value-wise.

Rooms

9.0

The room was spacious and very clean, offering a delightful garden view.

Service

7.0

The staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating, but it felt a bit crowded around the pool which made it less enjoyable.

Location

10.0

The location was safe and peaceful, which contributed to a calm and relaxed atmosphere during our stay.

Dining

5.0

While the brunch was satisfactory, I found the food a bit bland and there wasn't really a social space to eat.

Facilities

6.0

The pool hours were great, but the layout felt a bit too busy with guests moving in and out.

Andrea

United States of America, September 2024

6.4/10

I recently stayed at this hotel and found the location to be excellent, just a short shuttle ride to Legoland and close to great shopping and dining options. The rooms were clean and the staff was friendly, which made my stay enjoyable. Unfortunately, the dining experience left a lot to be desired, with limited options for breakfast. There were also some issues with soundproofing in the rooms, which was a bit of a downside.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were clean, but the soundproofing could use improvement.

Service

6.0

The staff was friendly and helpful, but there were a few inappropriate remarks that I overheard.

Location

9.0

The hotel is in a great location, right across from the Carlsbad Outlets and just minutes from Legoland, which was perfect for our trip.

Dining

5.0

The breakfast was disappointing, as the options were limited and felt a bit prefabbed.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were adequate, but nothing particularly stood out.

Michelle

United States of America, August 2024

8.6/10

I had a great stay at this hotel! The rooms are spacious, updated, and clean, with a lovely balcony view of the pool. The location is perfect, being just across from the Carlsbad Outlet Mall and close to LEGOLAND. However, the dining options could use some improvement, especially for vegetarians. The staff was friendly and helpful, which made my experience even better.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious and very clean, with no old stinky carpets. I loved having a balcony view of the pool, and having a microwave and fridge in the room was a nice touch.

Service

9.0

The staff were very nice, professional, and helpful throughout my stay. They always made sure I had what I needed which was appreciated.

Location

10.0

The location was great, just across from the Carlsbad Outlet Mall and really close to LEGOLAND. It made it super convenient for my family outings.

Dining

7.0

While the breakfast was pretty extensive for being complimentary, I thought they could have included better vegetarian options. That was a little disappointing.

Facilities

8.0

The amenities were nice, and the pool area was well-maintained, which added to my overall enjoyment of the stay.