Grand Pacific Palisades Resort

Getting outdoors to take advantage of the numerous amenities and spectacular scenery is the focus at this resort. The 12-acre property has lovely, well-maintained grounds that are graced with towering palms and lush landscaping. Stellar views can be had from the numerous chairs around gas fire pits and private nooks with covered tables, ideal for a quiet dinner or drink. You’ll see vacationing families here, but the hotel also draws corporate groups who use it for retreats and other business functions. It’s a somewhat isolated setting, with a relaxed and peaceful vibe.

The property sits on 12 acres perched above the Pacific Ocean, which is separated from the resort by Interstate 5 and the pretty Flower Fields. It’s a relatively quiet setting with little within walking distance, but Legoland is only two minutes away by car or shuttle (it's an 18-minute walk). Sea Life Aquarium and a Costco are a four-minute drive, and the numerous shops and restaurants at Carlsbad Premium Outlets are three minutes away by car. Tamarack State Beach is seven minutes on resort’s free shuttle, and downtown Carlsbad takes roughly 10 minutes to reach. San Diego International Airport is a 40-minute drive.

Accommodations at Grand Pacific Palisades Resort include standard hotel rooms (Kings and Double Queens) and one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos that feature fully equipped kitchens and separate living rooms with sleeper sofas. While spacious and well-maintained, all units have a bland look. Standard amenities include Keurig coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are tidy but rather ho-hum, with standard shower/tub combos framed by beige tiling. Units also feature a small patio with seating, but those on lower floors are surrounded by tall hedges that block the views and light. Guest rooms and condos on upper floors facing west have lovely ocean views. Wi-Fi is included in the daily resort fee.

This resort offers ample amenities that appeal to its mixed clientele -- but there's a daily resort fee attached. The adult Olympic-size pool and whirlpool is a highlight, surrounded by palms, cabanas, loungers, and tables with umbrellas. There's also a family pool that features water slides and other fun diversions for kids. Other activities include outdoor basketball and shuffleboard courts, and a game room with several video and pinball machines, plus pool and air hockey tables.

For dining, Karl Strauss Brewery and Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it has outdoor seating and a huge bar with hand-crafted brews and upscale bar food. Room service is available, and there are outdoor gas grills that are free for guests to use.

The large fitness center is equipped with a good selection of cardio and weight-training equipment, and it has a steam room. While the hotel lacks an on-site spa, in-room massages can be arranged through the nearby Ocean Pearl Spa. There's a business center with four computers and a printer in a dedicated room, and the resort has 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, and the hotel has a guest laundry room on-site. The resort fee covers shuttle service to the spa, beach, and other attractions within a five-mile radius, underground parking, and Wi-Fi throughout.