2775 Ocean St, Carlsbad, California, United States | (888) 252-0567
Right on a private stretch of beach
Spacious, modern rooms with flat-screen TVs
Some rooms have balconies with ocean views
Heated outdoor pool, with hot tub, overlooks the ocean
Free continental breakfast
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Some rooms have no elevator access
No on-site restaurant
No fitness center
The Beach Terrace Inn is a boutique-style hotel whose stated mission is to create a climate of relaxation for its guests, which the family-owned establishment calls getting "slow." It's only a few minutes off Interstate 5, providing easy access to popular attractions in the area, such as the inimitable Legoland. The rooms are large by any standard, and many have excellent ocean views. The hotel accommodates families, including young children, but is much more suited to couples seeking a relaxing holiday.
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Scene
Its Zen, surfer-like ambiance attracts mostly couples
In the heart of Carlsbad but on a relatively quiet street, the Beach Terrace Inn evokes a sense of calm upon entering the lobby, where rounded corners give way to gently curving walls and stained-glass windows. Tucked between high-rent beach cottages, the hotel maintains an upscale resort aesthetic without feeling stuffy. Lounging older couples, kids enjoying the beach, and young couples hitting the Southern California waves all can be found here.
Location
Right on the beach in Carlsbad
The Beach Terrace Inn is located right on the beach in the heart of Carlsbad. Plenty of restaurants and shops are within walking distance, and although it's two blocks from a commuter rail line, which connects to San Diego's Gas Lamp Quarter and the Del Mar Racetrack, a car is needed to get to most of the attractions in the area. This seaside community came into the spotlight when Legoland California (10 minutes from the hotel) opened, but it is still a fairly quiet place close to several great beaches, golf courses, and lagoons. It is a 40-minute drive to downtown San Diego, and 95 minutes to Los Angeles International Airport.
Rooms
Large rooms with wet bars; some with private balconies
Some of the rooms with ocean views are situated right over the sand, with private balconies. All the large rooms feature custom pillows, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and wet bars. There are also full work desks in every room, a nice perk for business travelers. Some rooms receive noise from the hot tub and beach, its volume varying by the number of children present. Modern bathrooms are decked out in stone tile and walk-in glass showers. But they lack the designer toiletries expected in boutique hotels and offer the bulk shampoo, conditioner, and bath gel dispensers found in many large chains. Because of the hotel's layout, some rooms can be reached only by climbing flights of stairs, which may pose a problem for some travelers. Only rooms in the Pool Terrace building have elevator access.
Features
Free parking, a private beach
The continental breakfast is free but limited to such selections as fruit and oatmeal, so those who need a hot breakfast will have to walk to nearby cafes. The hotel's section of beach is private, and the outdoor heated pool and whirlpool are surrounded by a deck with plush lounge seating. The Wi-Fi is free, as is the parking in an adjacent lot. Beach chairs and umbrellas are also free for guests to take out at will.
