Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach

A large chandelier adds sophistication to the otherwise cozy and comfortable lobby, which includes a rustic front desk in red and gray tile. The TV seating area, with a huge brown leather wraparound couch, colored decorative pillows, and two-sided fireplace, looks as if it was taken from someone’s home. Black leather and woven chairs provide seating throughout the hotel, and there’s coffee and tea available in the lobby. Dark-wood chairs with red leather seats and brown striped carpet cover the restaurant in Hilton fashion, with large flat-screen TVs overhead. A garden terrace has lovely plants in addition to comfortable chairs, and a nice outdoor fireplace.

The Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach is across a busy street from the beach, and the beach is about all that's within walking distance. Restaurants and shops that surround Legoland and the Carlsbad Premium Outlets are less than a 10-minute drive, as are the Carlsbad Flower Fields, Sea Life Aquarium, and the Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Course. Del Mar Racetrack is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. There's a free shuttle within a five-mile radius, but parking costs extra. 

Rooms have striped tan carpets, red armchairs, and wood furniture, along with some generic artwork. Red dust ruffles accent tan curtains, and some rooms have outstanding ocean views. Rooms include Ergonomic Mirra desk chairs in black, and adjustable Garden Sleep System beds, which receive mixed reviews. Pacific Coast down comforters and pillows are in simple white. The 32-inch flat screen TVs include free HBO. All rooms come with mini-fridges, microwaves, iPod docking stations, Keurig coffeemakers, and free newspapers on weekdays. Bathrooms have spacious speckled tan granite countertops, shower/tub combos with modern tan tile, Waterpik showerheads, and Neutrogena toiletries. Suites include such bathroom bonuses as large walk-in showers, deep soaking tubs, and double sinks. 

The hotel's Carlsbad Beach Bistro, with its Southern California fare, is a standout feature. The outdoor pool with white lounge chairs and red umbrellas is pleasant, but the hot tub is small. There's a ping-pong table with area seating available, and the business center, fitness center, pool area, and pantry are open 24 hours. The hotel also has several large meeting rooms, concierge service, and room service. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.