Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms

The chain hotel has a California look outside: a beige cement and stacked-stone building lined by palm trees. A covered entranceway area is decorated with potted tropical plants and feels fresh and clean. Inside the lobby, light-wood floors and soft overhead lighting create a calm atmosphere, which extends outside to a spacious patio that was added during 2016 renovations. Combining wood flooring and stone walls with an elegant stone fire pit, the patio space is not something you'd necessarily expect to find at a budget property. Guests can eat breakfast outside at small tables underneath umbrellas in a space surrounded by low stone railings. The property is well kept and clean throughout, and is a good option for business travelers working in North County, as well as for tourist families and couples looking to explore southern California.

The hotel is located near downtown Oceanside, about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. The area offers easy access to the freeways that lead to San Diego (50-minute drive), as well as to Vista (15-minute drive), home to many tasting rooms and breweries of North County. The area can get congested, especially on freeways, so guests should be aware of traffic when planning travel during rush hour. Oceanside Beach is about a 20-minute walk or a six-minute drive from the hotel and many guests choose to get there on foot. The pier is about 17 minutes away on foot, while the harbor area, with restaurants and bars, is a 23-minute walk or seven-minute drive. The hotel is within walking distance of a high concentration of restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Legoland California is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The Amtrak Station is a 15-minute walk or four-minute drive from the hotel. San Diego is about 80 to 90 minutes away by train. Los Angeles is about two hours and 10 minutes by train or an hour and 45 minutes by car. Los Angeles International Airport is about one hour and 40 minutes' drive. San Diego International Airport is a 50-minute drive. 

Rooms at the hotel were expanded during 2016 renovations and are clean and well kept. Rooms feature contemporary decor in light colors. Beds are made with Best Western Green Collection 250-thread-count sheets and have wood and leather headboards. Patterned carpet, curtains, and armchairs look a little dated, but framed ocean photography on the walls is a nice touch. All rooms have wood desks with desk lamps and office chairs. Standard amenities also include air-conditioning, coffee-and-tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Premium Rooms with kitchenettes that include full-size refrigerators and two-burner stovetops are available. All rooms have 38- or 42-inch high-definition flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms have light wood floors and updated shower/tub combos. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Some rooms have partial ocean views, available only on request. 

Features here add value to a stay. The hotel serves free hot breakfast that includes sausage, Canadian bacon, eggs, waffle and oatmeal stations, cereals, muffins, danishes, bagels, and fresh fruit. Guests can eat outside on the patio that has umbrella-shaded tables and a fire pit. Lunch and dinner are not served. A good-size heated outdoor pool and a separate hot tub are available, along with gas grills for guest use. The gym has several modern cardio and weight machines. The business center includes a few desktop computers and a printer. A 1700-square-foot meeting room with conference tables is available. Guests have access to coin-operated laundry facilities and there are vending machines for snacks and drinks. A guest lounge area offers snacks, candy, and beverages for sale. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Outdoor parking is free.