Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

With numerous on-site features geared towards families, it's no surprise that families can often be found checking-in at the front desk, swimming in the pool, or dining in the numerous restaurants. However, an adults-only pool and several fine-dining restaurants cater towards couples, and numerous business travelers stay here as well. At the front entrance, a white planter is filled with red flowers and a sign with the hotel's name. Trimmed hedges, native plants, and tall palm trees make for lush landscaping. A bubbling water fountain adds a little drama. The lobby is mostly classic with some Spanish-style touches like an iron chandelier and arched doorways. A well-lit living room area has comfy couches and armchairs. There's also a wooden deck for outdoor relaxing.

The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort is in a quiet part of already sleepy Carlsbad, surrounded by private residences and the Aviara Golf Course. There's very little nightlife in the area, and off-site dining and the closest beach is anywhere from five to ten minutes away by car. Legoland amusement park is just 11-minutes away. It's a 40-minute drive to San Diego International Airport.

The 329 rooms and suites at this Park Hyatt are spacious. Not only do even the most basic rooms have plenty of square footage, but they also all have marble bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs, sitting areas with work desks and sofas, and balconies overlooking the golf course, lagoon, or other areas of the property. Large flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, extra amenities like razors, deodorant, and toothpaste, safes, and slippers and robes all come standard. Room decor is upscale, and extra touches like orchids and baskets of fruit add to the tranquil vibe. However, some find the classic look -- picture two-poster beds, calm colors of beige and blue, and blonde-wood furniture -- not as stylish as one may expect at this price point. Upgrade to a suite for even more square footage and double balconies.

The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort property offers plenty for families and couples to do. Standout features include a golf course and a ultra-luxe spa. Adults also appreciate the well-equipped fitness center, spa boutique, business center and meeting rooms. There's an adults-only pool and whirlpool plus a family pool, which shows movies on a projection screen in the evening. Outdoor activities include a basketball court or tennis courts. Kids can attend a daily camp with supervised activities.

There's a good variety of restaurants and bars for guests at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, though breakfast isn't included with the price of a room and prices are on the higher side. Vivace serves good quality Italian food on a seasonal terrace. Argyle Steakhouse overlooks the 18th hole on the golf course for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. California Bistro is a bit more casual. The emphasis here is on seasonal and local ingredients. The poolside Ocean Pool Bar & Grille is the most casual, serving with fresh salads, fish tacos, and a children's menu. Tea, cocktails, and light bites are served in the lobby lounge, where live music is presented in the summer months. 24-hour room service is available.