Ocean Palms Beach Resort

The Ocean Palms Beach Resort is surrounded by lovely, lush grounds dotted with palm trees, tropical plants, lots of flowers, and plenty of seating skirted in greenery. Stone walkways are flanked by trees and grassy lawns and there's a stone patio with two fire pits. Pastel yellow and blue Adirondack chairs line the pool’s edge, and orange lounge chairs create a semi-circle on a grassy sunning lawn. Inside, the vibrant lobby has a nautical vibe with seashells, a surfboard-shaped coffee table, and a wine cabinet fashioned out of a boat. Colorful abstract art adorns the walls and comfortable couches are topped in bright accent pillows, while fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee by the front desk are a thoughtful touch. The atmosphere is secluded and peaceful, with a homey vibe and a clientele that includes many families with kids and groups, who are attracted by the large suites with full kitchens and beach location.

Located on a quiet street lined with time-shares, hotels, and homes, the hotel is across the street from the beach in Carlsbad Village. There are several restaurants, bars, and shops a short walk away, and Legoland California is about a 12-minute drive. The Carlsbad Village Coaster train station is a seven-minute walk away and gives access to San Diego in under an hour and LA in about two hours. It’s around a 45-minute drive to the airport in San Diego, a little over an hour’s drive to the airport in Long Beach, and a 90-minute drive to Los Angeles International Airport.

Rooms at the Ocean Palms Beach Resort are colorful and charming with bright, beachy decor that includes seascape murals, sea-washed wooden furnishings, and colorful vases and accent pillows. The spacious units come in a variety of sizes, including studios, suites for four people, and the three-bedroom Molokai Suite, which sleeps up to 10 (it's the largest option). All rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi as well as modern kitchens equipped with granite countertops, sinks, full refrigerators, ovens, toasters, coffeemakers, and dining and cookware (some also have microwaves). Larger suites have living rooms furnished with leather seating and wooden coffee tables, plus large flat-screen TVs. Some units also have private, furnished terraces, outdoor hot tubs, or gas grills. Bathrooms vary, but several feature attractive walk-in showers with stylish mosaic or glass tiling in aqua and green tones (one bathroom even has a dolphin-shaped faucet).

Ocean Palms Beach Resort has beautiful landscaping, especially around the pool and hot tub, which are surrounded by colorful Adirondack chairs. There’s also a small sunning lawn with orange lounge chairs. There are fire pits, barbecue grills, and even a putting green on-site for entertainment. The hotel offers beach towels, boogie boards, surf boards, and lounge chairs for guests to borrow. A free continental breakfast is serve daily and includes pastries, fresh fruit, and coffee, plus there’s a gift shop selling souvenirs and snacks. The hotel also has a laundry room and a dated fitness center with free weights and a couple exercise machines. Wi-Fi is free throughout and there is a parking lot, but spaces are limited and street parking can be difficult to find.