Want to be central to LegoLand and San Diego, but stay at a hotel with a distinct ‘beach’ feel? The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa is located one street off a lifeguard-manned beach, with ocean views from both rooms and the outdoor pool and lounging complex, and is still within easy driving distance to area attractions.
Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa review:
Located in Carlsbad, one of my favorite family-friendly beach towns, Hilton Oceanfront is decidedly upscale while remaining casual. We found the staff to be extra friendly and courteous, and loved the cool-tone colors and water-and-sand vibe. The outdoor areas featured local vegetation, cabanas, papasan chairs, and fire pits.
Room amenities:
This hotel is very family-friendly! We stayed in a standard room with an ocean view, which had a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee-maker. We loved the ability to make easy snacks and breakfasts in-room. First-floor rooms in our category include a patio, which we enjoyed to look out over the ocean. Note: you do have a street separating you from the sea. The Hilton also offers suites and less expensive standard rooms without views.
Hotel amenities:
The pool area is the best feature of the Hilton, as far as my kids are concerned. The salt-water pool features a zero-depth entry, and is nicely heated. There’s a decently-sized kiddie pool/wading pool and a hot tub. All pools are outdoor, with plenty of seating, lounge chairs, and fire pits adjacent.
An onsite restaurant overlooks the pool area and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and room service is available. There’s also a nice coffee service in the lobby. The exercise facility is not overly large but has everything you need: cardio machines, weights, medicine balls, and yoga mats. It overlooks the pool as well, which I always find to be a nice touch when I’m working out.
You’ll need to hop in your car to access other local dining, but self-parking is free! WiFi is free to Hilton Honors members (this is a free membership you can sign up for anytime). In short, the number of included amenities really makes Hilton Oceanfront stand out as family-friendly. Most hotels we experience in this category charge piecemeal for wifi and parking, and certainly don’t include microwaves in the rooms.
Rates:
Rates started at $195 for a standard room during the time of our visit (spring). Rates vary by season, of course.
Distance from the interstate:
Located right off I-5.
Directions:
From I-5, exit at Poinsettia Lane/Aviara Parkway. Turn west onto Poinsettia Lane, then south onto Carlsbad Boulevard. Turn east onto Ponto Road and resort entrance is immediately on the right at 1
Ponto Road, Carlsbad.
As I disclose whenever applicable, we stayed at Hilton Oceanfront as guests of the resort. Hosted visits make up-to-date reviews on Pit Stops for Kids possible.
