Best Value Hotels in Carlsbad, California

The Carlsbad Seapointe Resort's large, modern condos are convenient for families, with full kitchens and (in most) ocean views. It's across the street from the beach and has lots of kid-friendly activities, including a family pool with a water play area, a playground, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, and miniature golf. But it's a 10-minute drive to the restaurants and shops in downtown Carlsbad, and the beach could be nicer.

The 52-room Ocean Palms Beach Resort offers suites and studios with tropical style and sea-washed furnishings. This mid-range hotel in the Carlsbad Village is situated across the street from the beach and provides beach towels, boogie boards, surf boards, and lounge chairs for guests to borrow. Guests typically appreciate the beautiful, peaceful grounds -- including a lovely outdoor pool and hot tub area, putting green, fire pits, and barbecue grills. There’s no restaurant on-site, but all rooms are equipped with dining areas and full kitchens for in-room cooking, plus a free continental breakfast is served daily. Other conveniences include laundry facilities, a small (but dated) fitness center, and a snack and gift shop. Wi-Fi is free throughout but parking can be an issue as the lot is small. Travelers might also want to consider the comparable Tamarack Beach Resort.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Carlsbad-North San Diego County is a mid-range, 145-all-suite hotel located across from the McClellan-Palomar Airport. All suites feature full kitchens, and separate sleeping and living quarters. Free services include a hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, dinner buffet (this can get quite crowded) and drinks during the week, and grocery shopping. There’s a small fitness center with a handful of equipment, a small outdoor pool and hot tub, and a business center with meeting rooms.

The Hampton Inn Carlsbad-North San Diego County offers tourists and business travelers alike a comfortable budget stay in a convenient location next to the McClellan-Palomar Airport. While nothing of note is within walking distance, the hotel is only a 10-minute drive to Legoland and several other popular attractions. The hotel offers Hampton’s popular amenities, including a free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, small fitness center, coin-operated laundry machines, convenience store, and free parking and Wi-Fi. The 94 guest rooms are clean and bright, they come with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. But, rooms facing the busy airport can hear ambient noise. As an alternative, compare rates with the neighboring Homewood Suites by Hilton Carlsbad-North San Diego County, which features suites with full kitchens and a free area shuttle. 

Priced considerably lower than most hotels in Carlsbad, this small, two-pearl hotel is situated just east of the I-5. The 39 rooms are clean and spacious, with comfortable beds, microwaves, and mini-fridges, but all are subject to considerable traffic noise. With a free continental buffet breakfast, a small outdoor pool, and free parking, this hotel is best-suited to budget-conscious families staying for a night or two, as it's only a five-minute drive from LEGOLAND and the beach. For a bit more cash, the Holiday Inn Express Carlsbad Beach has more stylish rooms and a fitness center.

This Holiday Inn Express is a bright, simple, budget-friendly chain hotel within walking distance of South Carlsbad State Beach. Mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers are standard for budget hotels in this area, but the 120 rooms are far more stylish than the competition. Other value-adding features include an outdoor pool and hot tub, plus freebies like breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. The property is a clean and affordable option for families visiting LEGOLAND or for travelers conducting business in Carlsbad. For rooms that are larger and include kitchens, travelers could consider the Homewood Suites by Hilton Carlsbad, though it's a bit more expensive and farther from the beach.

The 110-room La Quinta Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad is a budget hotel conveniently located just off Interstate 5, about a 10-minute drive from Legoland and a 15-minute walk from South Carlsbad State Beach. Rooms are basic but clean and come with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. The free breakfast buffet consists of hot and cold selections, including a make-your-own waffle station. The outdoor pool is small, but it's refreshing on a hot day, and there's an adjacent patio that's a popular hangout spot. There's also a small fitness center and business center. Non-fussy travelers who'd like to save a few more dollars but stay in the same area could check out the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Near Legoland, a barebones motel-style property. 

Exuding more of a motel feel than a resort vibe, the three-pearl Carlsbad by the Sea Resort may still be a good pick for families looking for affordable lodging. The hotel has 150 rooms with mini-fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, but decor is dated and rusty hinges and chipped vanities signal that bathrooms are in need of an update. On the plus side, the property has a fitness center, a whirlpool, free parking, and a free shuttle, so families will be encouraged to get out of their rooms, anyway. There's a resort fee that covers Wi-Fi and the daily buffet breakfast, but the food earns mixed reviews, the breakfast room can get crowded, and only paper plates are available. Guests wanting to be even closer to the ocean should compare rates with Ocean Palms Beach Resort, a tropical-themed, mid-range hotel across the street from the beach.