Most people know Carlsbad, California, as being home to LEGOLAND California, but spend a few days exploring this quintessential San Diego town, and it won’t take you long to see why visitors flock here year after year.
Spend your days frolicking on one of the city’s beaches, drinking and dining in the adorable Carlsbad Village, taking photos at the famous Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, shopping at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, kayaking in Carlsbad Lagoon – the list goes on!
With so many unique activities to keep you busy during the day, you’ll want a nice hotel room to relax in each night. Luckily, Carlsbad boasts all kinds of intimate oceanfront villas, luxurious spa hotels, and family-friendly resorts. In fact, there are so many wonderful places to stay in Carlsbad that you may find it impossible to choose just one. To help you out, I’ve put together a list of the 10 best hotels in Carlsbad for you.
- Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? Here are my top 3 picks!
- Beach Terrace (for boutique vibes on the beach)
- Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara (for pure luxury)
- The Cassara Carlsbad (for direct access to LEGOLAND)
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Where to Stay in Carlsbad
Carlsbad is a relatively small city, so no matter where you stay, you’ll never be more than a few miles from where you want to be. If you’re in town to visit LEGOLAND, you’ll find quite a few family-friendly resorts right next door to the theme park. Many of these resorts also offer private pedestrian entrances into LEGOLAND, which is a huge perk.
Alternately, if you’re in town to have a sun-soaked beach vacation, you’ll find some of the best hotels in Carlsbad right on the beach. These places offer direct beach access, complimentary beach gear, and unbeatable ocean views from the luxury guest rooms.
For a swanky, amenity-packed vacation, you’ll find a few 5-star hotels tucked away a few miles from the coast, including the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara. These resorts are ideal if you’re dreaming of having access to a world-class spa, a championship golf course, and award-winning restaurants during your getaway!
The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Carlsbad, CA
1. Beach Terrace
Beach Terrace is one of the coolest boutique hotels in Carlsbad if you’re looking for laid-back luxury right on the beach. With its prime oceanfront location, it’s well worth booking one of the oceanfront rooms, which boast 700 square feet of space, spacious living rooms, spa-like bathrooms, and private balconies with panoramic ocean views.
Alternately, the Poolside Cabana rooms will give you 580 square feet of space, a cozy living area, and a private deck and outdoor living space with direct pool access.
One of the best things about Beach Terrace is that the pool area is perched right over the sandy shores of Carlsbad City Beach, giving you unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and direct beach access. Plus, the hotel has a “Beach Valet” who will hook you up with beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, toys, boogie boards, and even snacks on the beach!
2. Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara
When it comes to 5-star hotels in Carlsbad, California, it’s tough to beat the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara. Whether you’re a family traveling to visit LEGOLAND with your kids or a couple celebrating an anniversary, the Four Seasons will shower you with bespoke amenities.
This sprawling resort features multiple pools (including a separate kids’ pool), a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center with a yoga and Pilates pavilion, and multiple restaurants. Plus, with unique amenities like a Surf Concierge, wellness classes, and complimentary children’s toiletries and kid-size bathrobes, the staff really do go above and beyond to make your stay special.
Depending on your needs, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options, ranging from the Superior Guest Room with a kitchenette to the one or two-bedroom Resort Residence with a luxe living room, kitchen, and bedroom(s).
3. The Cassara Carlsbad
If you’re looking for the best hotels near LEGOLAND California, it doesn’t get much closer than The Cassara Carlsbad. You’ll find this family-friendly resort right next to the theme park, which you can access via the resort’s pedestrian entrance.
When you’re not having a blast at LEGOLAND, there are plenty of kid-friendly amenities right on-site, including two huge pools, a splash pad, and a game room with a ping-pong table and a pool table.
Even the most standard of rooms here is outfitted with sophisticated mid-century decor, a 42-inch flat-screen TV with HBO, a Keurig coffee maker, a minifridge, and complimentary bath products. But if you need more space, you can always opt for one of the two-bedroom suites, which can sleep four.
4. Park Hyatt Aviara
Park Hyatt Aviara is another one of the top 5-star hotels in Carlsbad, California. This luxury resort is set on 250 acres of land, and it’s the perfect pick if you’re looking for an amenity-packed resort-style stay.
When it comes to sports and entertainment, you can tee off at the Aviara Golf Club, go head-to-head on the five tennis and four pickleball courts, wine and dine at the five restaurants, splash around in the adult and family pools, and reserve one of the Topgolf Swing Suites!
You’ll have 327 newly redesigned hotel rooms and suites to choose from, so it’s easy to find the perfect layout for you. But at the very minimum, you’ll get 540 feet of space, a 55-inch flat-screen TV with streaming capabilities, Frette robes and slippers, an Illy coffee maker, and a marble bath with Le Labo amenities.
5. The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is one of the best hotels in Carlsbad if you’re looking for a pet-friendly stay. You’ll find this resort spa tucked away just down the road from LEGOLAND. But with so many on-site amenities, you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to!
You can spend your days getting massages and facials at the resort’s Ocean Pearl Spa, soaking up the So-Cal sun from the oasis-like pool, working up a sweat in the 24-hour fitness center, and dining on farm-to-table dishes at 20Twenty Restaurant.
The sophisticated guest rooms and suites here are outfitted with comfy Westin Heavenly Beds wrapped in luxury linens, ergonomic workstations, and marble bathrooms with custom robes and Westin Heavenly bath products. With bowls, beds, and special treats, your pup will be taken care of too!
6. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad
With its luxury spa, two championship golf courses, six dining concepts, eight resort-style pool areas, 12 hard and clay tennis courts, and 400 acres of land, there’s a lot to love about Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.
Ideal for all types of travelers, Omni La Costa features 500+ rooms, suites, and villas, all outfitted with elegant decor, a coffee maker, a minifridge, a custom-designed desk, and a marble bath with plush robes at minimum. Many rooms also come with soaking tubs and private balconies.
If you need more room, you can also choose from a range of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom layouts.
7. Ocean Villas Beach Front
Ocean Villas Beach Front is one of the best Carlsbad hotels if you’re looking for a home away from home during your stay. This is also your best bet if you want to be right on the beach!
There are just nine units on this boutique property. Depending on your group size, you can choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom luxury condos set right on the sand.
No matter which you choose, you’ll get homey amenities like a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee maker and cooking supplies, a living room with a smart TV, and beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. You’ll also get a private oceanfront balcony complete with seating areas. Head up to the 5th floor, and you’ll also find a communal BBQ and lounge area with ocean views.
8. Ocean Palms Beach Resort
Ocean Palms Beach Resort is another popular choice if you’re planning a beach vacation. Not only is this place set right across the street from the beach but you’ll be just one block from all of the shops and restaurants in Carlsbad Village, so the location really can’t be beat.
If you want to stay in one of the best rooms in the house, you’ll want to stay in either the studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom Ocean View Suites. Not only will you get spectacular ocean views from your living room and balcony, but you’ll get a spacious living area and a fully equipped kitchen.
Freebies include continental breakfast each morning, beach gear, towels, and Wi-Fi, as well as use of the pool and hot tub, fitness center, BBQ stations, and putting green – all available without a resort fee!
9. Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach
Stay at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, and you’ll be steps from the beach and just a few miles from LEGOLAND, the Carlsbad Flower Fields, and the Carlsbad Premium Outlets.
Located just across the street from the beach, you can take in ocean views while lounging around the pool and take in more ocean views while enjoying happy hour specials at the on-site Chandler’s Lounge or alfresco dinners at Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining.
There are a variety of room types to choose from, but it’s well worth booking one of the balcony rooms with an ocean view to take full advantage of the location. These rooms also come with a comfy Hilton Serenity bed, a 50-inch flat-screen TV, a sitting area, an ergonomic workstation, and a handy microwave and minifridge.
10. Grand Pacific Palisades Resort
When it comes to family-friendly hotels near LEGOLAND California, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort is another great option. You’ll find this casual 12-acre resort above the Flower Fields and right next to LEGOLAND and the SEA LIFE Aquarium. Another perk of staying here is that you’ll get access to an exclusive pedestrian entrance to LEGOLAND.
Perfect for families, you’ll have the option to stay in one of the one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom condo suites outfitted with all the creature comforts of home, including a full kitchen, dining area, and living room.
The resort also boasts a palm tree-studded pool area with ocean views, a splash pad for kids, a state-of-the-art gym, a resort shuttle (within a 5-mile radius), and a game room. You’ll also have local favorite Karl Strauss Brewery Restaurant on-site, as well as access to a complimentary hotel shuttle that will take you to Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar and 7 Mile Kitchen.
