I LOVE THIS PLACE. In fact, I wrote this review in 10/2012 and (for 4 yrs) I PLANNED trips to Carlsbad just to stay here...
OK, let's get the CONS out of the way first.
1. Wi-Fi. Worked fine in the morning, but not at all past 6pm. If you have important business or that porn just cannot wait, I suggest going wired.
2. The hot tub controls should be easier to locate (they're behind a bush so big I've seen it in an adult film from the 70s). And they need to be easier to read in the dark. It was trial and error, pressing the buttons while my friend sat in the tub. So many buttons, like a blender. I was afraid one of the buttons might be puree. SORRY!
NOW FOR THE NON-CONS (PROS):
#1: The incredible outdoor shower pressure is set to "1965 Watts Riot". You can wipe off sand. You can also shred a head of cabbage, too, if you want to make some cole slaw. I'm pretty sure Michael Jackson used this shower to become white.
#2: Location to the beach. You walk ACROSS THE STREET to the stairs that lead directly to the surf. It's not just "steps to the beach". It is "steps to the steps to the beach." And because it's below the cliffs you don't get the people noise, just the roar of the waves.
#3: Location to the village. Lots of bars and restaurants a short walk away. See my reviews on Norte, Boar's Crossing, Knockout Pizza, Coyote Grill, Naked Cafe, Las Olas, Village Pub, the Compass, Vigilucci's, Casa de Bandini, Pedego Carlsbad & Golden Tee. Do not see my review on Koko Beach (it was taken down for being too mean) or Charlie's Tacos and Tampons. (horrible kotex-mex)
#4: The customer service is incredible. I must assume that the one-star reviewers were exaggerating or lying or mad ex-girlfriends, but our service was great. Tina and Miles and Barry were friendly, informative, and funny. Miles gave me recommendations on pizza places, offered to personally show me how to turn on the hot tub so I wouldn't NutriBullet someone, and lent us boogie boards and chairs without making me sign anything or leave a deposit, license, or room #.
Oh, that reminds me: Write me if you are interested in buying a gently used beach chair and boogie board.
#5: The grounds are super lush, clean, and cool. Plus, the rectangular block-side grounds and properly lit paths make it easy to navigate past the different style rooms with outdoor ceiling fans and outdoor BBQ grills, with secure back gates that lead to parking or the village, and a cozy feel with nothing higher than a two-story. The center has a gas fireplace and fire pits for chilling out (or unchilling out) to the sounds of the waves. And, I'll give you a nickel if you can pet that stray cat that hangs out there.
#6: The pool and hot tub change colors, from pink to red to dark blue, purple, light green, dark green, yellow, orange to pink again. That might not seem monumental, but it was cool. I felt like I was in Puff Daddy's hot tub. And, despite initial concerns, I did not come out looking like an Easter egg.
However, I urinated later that night and my pee was PLAID.
#7: Parking. Two reviewers complained about parking? Sure, there are only 7 or so spots in the lobby area, but the entire perimeter of the rectangular grounds is made up of parking spaces with 24 hour parking and back entrances. I think maybe these whiners were hoping to park IN their room??
#8: The lobby store. OK, no "Tums or milk" like one reviewer said (great party, lady) but everything is easy and rounded off- no crazy resort mark-ups, no tax, no receipts or lines. Bottle of water? A dollar. Sunscreen? 2 dollars. Ice? Free. Nice ice, baby.
#9: Free fruit, danishes, donuts or cookies. All day. Not just in the morning. And they had the good kind out there- you aren't just stuck with Raisin. Stupid raisin.
#10: Free use of boogie boards and chairs. First come, first serve.
#11: Free wi-fi*
#12: Full kitchen, even in cheapest room.
#13: Air conditioning!
#14: No attendants to avoid tipping for towels or pool chairs.
And, most importantly, we like the value. The same price in a place like Santa Barbara puts you in something dirty, further from the beach, with no a/c. (See my Fiesta Inn review)
Whether you get a deluxe room or not, they are roomy, functional, clean, temperature controlled, and quiet, with an ipod dock alarm clock and big comfortable bed.
I'd give it more stars if I could. I don't understand the few bad reviews. The staff is great, and I cannot imagine them not taking care of a broken air conditioner or any thing else, seriously. I mean, I had the feeling they'd help me start peel an orange or help me with my homework. As for "no maid service", some days we see more maids than guests. At one point I thought it was a maid convention. Yes, the shower door was small, but who gives a shit? Maybe that person was pissed that she couldn't get her mobility scooter in. read more