Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa

The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa has a Mediterranean feel, with sand-toned walls and a terra-cotta tile roof. The manicured grounds are decorated with exotic plants and colorful flowers. In the lobby, large windows and potted plants create an airy vibe. There are roomy brown chairs to relax on, and fruit-infused water is available for guests. The grill and bar on-site has high and low tables and a long booth as well as outdoor seating on cushioned patio furniture. A fireplace and space heaters help create a cozy vibe, and there are distant views of the sea. Most guests are families wanting easy access to the adjacent Legoland, accessible from the resort via a private walkway.

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa sits next to Legoland (and has its own private entrance to the amusement park). It’s also next to the Crossings at Carlsbad golf course, but there’s not much more within walking distance. During the summer, the hotel offers a free shuttle to the nearby beach, a six-minute drive away. It’s a five-minute drive to an outlet mall with some fast food options, and there are plenty of other restaurants within a 10-minute drive. Downtown Carlsbad can be reached within 10 minutes by car, and San Diego International Airport is within an hour’s drive.

Rooms have the classic look typical of this upscale chain, with striped floor-length curtains, light walls and carpeting, and wooden furnishings. Minimal decor includes framed landscape paintings on the walls. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee, and mini-fridges. Microwaves are available for a fee. Bathrooms have tiled floors and shower/tub combos. Rooms with furnished patios or balconies are available, but some balconies are narrow. Note that some rooms are a long walk from the pool area. 

The Sheraton's outdoor lagoon-style pool is especially attractive with towering palm trees, lime-green umbrellas, and an adjacent whirlpool tub. The area is open for swimming 24 hours a day. There's also a 24-hour fitness center with a variety of modern cardio and weight equipment and a game area with ping-pong, billiards, foosball, and shuffleboard. The on-site spa offers beauty and massage treatments. There’s also a restaurant and bar with outdoor seating, but note that while a resort fee is levied, meals (including breakfast) cost extra. Parking also costs extra, though pets can be brought to the hotel for no extra charge. There's also free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and there are meeting rooms that accommodate up to 400 guests. There's also an Internet corner with two computers and a printer.