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From109US$ /night
Check-in
31Dec2025Select date
Check-out
01Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

850 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, California, United States, 92011
-
Near South Carlsbad State Beach
Very good
7.5
7.2
/10
3.3
/5

Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel - A Garden-Style Property with Heated Pool, Premium Outlets Access, and LEGOLAND(R) Proximity

Located across from Carlsbad Premium Outlets and The Flower Fields, this 3-star Carlsbad hotel features 145 rooms arranged in six buildings. Each accommodation includes a private balcony or patio, mini-refrigerator, LCD HDTV, and Wi-Fi access. The property maintains a heated outdoor pool with spa, garden courtyards with gazebos, a cardio room, and a business center with snack pantry. Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel welcomes pets up to 50 pounds for a $75 fee per stay. A complimentary shuttle serves LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad Village, and Tamarack Beach. The property sits 0.5 miles from The Flower Fields, 2 miles from Carlsbad Lagoon, and 3 miles from McClellan-Palomar Airport. Nearby dining options include P.F. Chang's, Taco Bell, and Wetzel's Pretzels within 0.5 miles.

Pros

Complimentary shuttle to LEGOLAND, beach, and village destinations

Garden courtyards with gazebos provide outdoor gathering spaces

Pet-friendly rooms available without additional deposit requirement

On-site self-service laundry facilities

Cons

Cash payments not accepted

Mandatory $75 incidental hold per night required at check-in

“Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel strikes me as a practical choice for families visiting LEGOLAND, offering a free shuttle and proximity to Carlsbad's attractions. While some rooms show their age, the heated pool and on-site laundry add real value. I see it as a solid base for exploring the area, especially given the range of dining options nearby.”
Hotel logo
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
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Select your room type

Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
King Room Disability Access
2 persons
33 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
King Room
2 persons
33 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Queen Room Pool View
2 persons
33 m² 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Coffee machine
Deluxe Double Room Balcony
2 persons
33 m² 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Coffee machine
Click button to see more rooms
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Price and room availability calendar

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Facilities

Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet

General

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

Sports & Fitness

  • Snorkelling
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Shops/Commercial services

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables

Business

  • Business centre
  • 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

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Windmill Food Hall invites guests to explore a delightful medley of culinary styles, featuring American comfort food alongside vibrant Korean, Mexican, and Asian dishes. This family-friendly venue combines modern ambiance with an inclusive menu that caters to various dietary needs, ensuring all can savor the tastes of the region.
Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel Restaurant photo

Windmill Food Hall

American, Korean, Mexican, Asian
Ambiance
Modern, family-friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages
Key Offerings
Enjoy a diverse selection featuring everything from vegetarian options to succulent seafood, with special highlights like sushi and Thai dishes. Guest can relish breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with themed cocktail hours.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner; hours vary.

Location

850 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, California, United States, 92011
Map view
850 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, California, United States, 92011
Nearby
Windmill Banquet and Catering
380 m
Restaurants
Blaze
680 m
5620 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad Premium Outlets
Panda Express
780 m
5630 Paseo Del Norte
Wetzel's Pretzels
970 m
5620 Paseo Del Norte C#122
San Sai
860 m
5600 Paseo Del Norte Ste 115A
In-N-Out Burger
1.2 km
5950 Avenida Encinas
Taco Bell
590 m
6017 Paseo Del Norte
Carl's Jr
670 m
925 Palomar Airport Rd
Subway
570 m
5620 Paseo Del Norte Ste 127
Corner Bakery Cafe
750 m
5617 Paseo Del Norte Ste 110
Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
760 m
5617 Paseo Del Norte
Explore Carlsbad
Experience Carlsbad
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
9-minute walk
Vibrant fields of ranunculus flowers bloom each spring, offering stunning views and seasonal events.
Legoland Theme Park
10-minute walk
Family-friendly amusement park featuring rides and attractions themed around Lego, ideal for kids and the young at heart.
Museum of Making Music
Museum of Making Music
5-minute drive
Interactive exhibits showcasing the history of music-making devices; offers guided tours and fun workshops.
Carlsbad Village
Carlsbad Village
10-minute drive
Charming downtown area with shops, cafes, and beachfront access, perfect for a leisurely stroll and local dining.
Carlsbad State Beach
10-minute drive
Beautiful sandy beach with surf access, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports.
Poinsettia Park
5-minute drive
Community park featuring sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas; ideal for family outings and relaxation.
Blaze
Blaze
9-minute walk
Casual eatery specializing in custom-built, artisanal pizzas with fresh toppings and a lively atmosphere.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger
15-minute walk
Iconic California burger chain known for its fresh ingredients; must-try signature burgers and shakes.
Car Country Park
5-minute drive
Family-friendly park with themed attractions, mini-golf, and carousels, perfect for a fun day out.
Carlsbad Village Theater
10-minute drive
Historic theater hosting film screenings and community events, offering a cozy atmosphere for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Carlsbad24 min  ·  2.0 km
Airports
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)8 min  ·  4.8 km
San Diego International Airport (SAN)78 min  ·  51.4 km
Train
Coaster Carlsbad Poinsettia Station20 min  ·  1.6 km
Coaster Carlsbad Village Station8 min  ·  5.1 km
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  200 m

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 1 review
7.5
7.5/10 based on 1206 reviews
Robert
United States, December  2024
6.8/10

I had a decent stay at this hotel, which offered a clean environment and a convenient location near the beach and Legoland. The rooms were spacious and had a nice balcony view of the pool, but I encountered issues with cleanliness upon check-in. While the staff was generally friendly, the service could be improved, especially regarding housekeeping. Overall, the price is reasonable, but be prepared for some drawbacks that may impact your experience.

Rooms
6.0
The rooms were spacious, and I loved the balcony view of the pool, but they were super dirty upon check-in, with dusty floors that turned my feet black.
Service
5.0
The staff were friendly, but the service was lacking as housekeeping didn't attend to our needs during our stay.
Location
9.0
The hotel is perfectly located near the beach and Legoland, making it easy to get to local attractions.
Dining
Facilities
7.0
The pool area was nice and clean, which added to the enjoyment of my stay.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site at USD 12 per day.
Internet
is available in for additional charge.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2011
Number of rooms:
15
Former name
Holiday Inn Carlsbad by the Sea
FAQs
About Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel from LEGOLAND California Resort?
The hotel is 3 km from LEGOLAND California Resort.
What outdoor recreational activities does Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel offer?
Guests can enjoy hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing, snorkeling, horseback riding, and access to a golf course.
Which nearby attractions can guests visit from Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel?
Nearby attractions include the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch (0.5 km), Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve (4 km), and the Museum of Making Music (2 km).
What are the dining options available at Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel?
Guests can dine at the On-site Seafire Restaurant + Bar and also find King's Fish House and P.F. Chang's within 0.5 km.
Does Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel have a fitness center?
The hotel features a fitness center equipped for guests to use.
Is there parking available at Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel?
Public parking is available on-site for 12 USD per day, and no reservation is needed.
What amenities are available in the guest rooms at Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a private balcony or patio.
How close is Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel to McClellan-Palomar Airport?
The hotel is approximately 5 km from McClellan-Palomar Airport.
Are there any pools at Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel?
The hotel features an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub for guest use.
Can I find family-friendly accommodations at Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel?
The hotel offers family suites that can accommodate up to 8 guests.
What languages do the staff at Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel speak?
The staff is multilingual and ready to assist non-English speaking guests.
What business facilities does Carlsbad By The Sea Hotel provide?
The hotel offers a business center with computers and work desks for guests' use.

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