Best Western Carlsbad By The Sea

United States , San Diego - CA
Carlsbad By The Sea, 751 Macadamia Drive
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100 reviews shown

2/10

Poor

28 Mar 2026

Amanda

The hotel cleaning staff stole an iPad we left.

8/10

Excellent

28 Mar 2026

AnnaLeah

We booked a two bedroom suite lower floor facing the pool. It was a good, clean room for one night and large family. We didn't go to the pool but the gate to the pool is loud and the pool was full of people. So it is a bit noisy. If you want a quiet room, be sure to ask for a room away from the pool. The furniture is old but adequate with a kitchen and two bathrooms. Free breakfast. Very friendly staff. Will come again.

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

27 Mar 2026

Luci

2 Stars for motel, 5 stars for the staff. The staff was very welcoming and very friendly, but from there everything else was very underwhelming. Small dark room, cheap wobbly furniture, sticky carpet, sloppy paint job. Thin cheap towels, looked clean, but didn’t smell freshly laundered. They do provide decent body wash, shampoo & conditioner, and body lotion. And thankfully the bedding was clean, and smelled laundered. The property itself was dirty and poorly kept. The complementary breakfast had plenty of food, However if you have any dietary restrictions, there were no non-diary options of milk or yogurt, and no healthy oatmeal toppings like nuts/seeds, fresh berries, cinnamon, etc. There was some fresh whole fruits available, so that was nice. And the location is within walking distance to the beach, which was also nice. Bottom line, if you’re only staying a night or two on your way somewhere else, and don’t want to pay a fortune, this would be an ok choice. I would not recommend this motel for vacations or an extended stay. But just to end on a good note, the staff was great!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2026

Michelle

None

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

25 Mar 2026

timothy

The sofa was ni better than a bus stop . Made of vinyl. No arms . Just a bench. I was 1 hr early . Asked for a early check-in. Didn't bother to tell me there wS a $25 charge. Till he had my paperwork ready . I would have waited the hour . Never been charged for early check-in in my life

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2026

Brett

Great location, pool area, breakfast, and room! Will definitely look to stay here again.

Partner

4/10

Poor

25 Mar 2026

carol

There was no hot water. Room was not ready, and it was very noisy. The plus was breakfast was very good.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2026

Heidi

Clean and pet friendly

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Sandra Andrea

Staff was spectacular!! The room itself was clean. The facilities were awesome.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Erika

There's 2 waffle irons and waffle batter dispenser at the free breakfast!!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Mar 2026

Alison

The room was a good size but maybe a bit rundown. The carpet was a bit stained and the bathrooms looked a bit dirty. Overall it was ok and very convenient. The breakfast was good and it was very nicely maintained in there. The lady in charge at breakfast was super helpful and nice.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2026

Miranda

My room was perfect. a little small but I was out and about and not living in it. Bed was so comfortable and the microwave and fridge were just what I needed. Breakfast was amazing and well stocked. Staff was so kind -everyone from the front desk to the maintenance people. The hot tub was great and I literally walked to the beach. Lots of eating places around and easy access to the interstate.

Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2026

Charlene

Room was clean, wifi works. Had a little trouble with the AC but the front desk came to help with it. Beds were a tad on the smaller size, felt more like two full beds instead of queens or king.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

22 Mar 2026

Gokulan

The property is below average with pretty shabby floors and hallway. Stains and dirt on stairs and hallway floors. Rooms near to the freeway will have loud noise from the road. We had booked 3 nights , but checked out after first night and remaining 2 nights we booked another hotel. Sadly not even receive refund for those 2 nights , but still that was a good decision. Expedia rating for this hotel should not be ‘Very Good’ in my experience.

8/10

Excellent

20 Mar 2026

Erin

The staff was so friendly, the location was walkable to food and the beach.
Our room was ok - we were near the expressway so very noisy but you get use to it! Smoke free property but the AC unit had an odor. Free breakfast was nice , but the same items all 5 days! For the price we paid I would recommend and probably stay again if jn the area.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2026

Racine

Free internet access, free breakfast which is actually good, and the rooms were nice !

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2026

Sabrina

Clean room stuff was a very, very kind. We’ll stay here again.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2026

Phong

The kids enjoyed the breakfast and the close proximity to Legoland. The area was clean and safe.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2026

Alejandro

Nice room with microwave, fridge and even a mini stove.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

19 Mar 2026

Kwai Wah

Clean room, staff friendly!

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2026

Jerry

Staff was great room was clean, my only complaint is window glass very thin can be kind of noisy.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Jenny

Room was clean, great hot breakfast, friendly staff, provided extra towels, pet friendly, Will stay again.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Madeline

Excellent and delicious (love the waffles)

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Mar 2026

wes

This hotel is located in a very convenient spot. Walkable to beach, easy drive to San Diego, Camp Pendleton. Also close to shopping and many varied dining options. Room was adequate and they are pet friendly. Breakfast was ok, but same everyday and tired of eggs and sausage 5 days in a row. Staff are very nice. Wifi is good. Pool and sauna I did not use but appeared to by good sized with nice lounging options.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Mar 2026

Naina

Breakfast was okay.
Wi-Fi was good. No issues

8/10

Excellent

15 Mar 2026

Laura

The only issues I had was the fitted sheets on the bed kept coming off they seemed too small and I could smell bad cigarette smoke in the corner of the room. Not sure if someone was smoking next door or if some of the furniture were just permeated with the smell.

2/10

Poor

14 Mar 2026

jaime

I booked a three-night stay at Best
Western Carlsbad by the Sea through Expedia but checked out after two nights because the bed and pillows were in terrible condition. The mattress had no cushioning left and sank straight to the bottom, and the pillows were lumpy and misshapen. I had to buy my own pillows and materials just to make the bed usable, and still barely slept.
I reported this to the front desk, but the only response was, \"I will let them know.\" No apology, no room change, and no assistance. I ended up leaving a day early because the room was not usable.
Very disappointing stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2026

Rene

The only complaint I have is that the room smelled moldy

8/10

Excellent

13 Mar 2026

Chris

Asked for Ada accessible and king size bed. Pre registered. When I got to hotel room not ready,. Didn’t wait long. Only got queen size bed, and bed room only Ada on one side of bed. Otherwise good. Staff really nice.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2026

Nicholas

We had a great time and the staff were great!!!

8/10

Excellent

12 Mar 2026

Andrea

Couldn’t tell if sheets and towels where clean

6/10

Pleasant

12 Mar 2026

Mike

It was adequate, the location was nice

Self

8/10

Excellent

11 Mar 2026

Kylee

The breakfast was excellent with a full spread. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Mar 2026

Ashley

Staff very nice. Heated pool very nice! Room was alright. They didn't have enough towels

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2026

claudia

I was very happy with my stay. The staff was very friendly, the food was delicious, and everything was accessible. The pool and jacuzzi were clean. I would definitely stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2026

Robert

Our stay here for 5 nights was absolutely great. When we entered our room, we quickly learned that the AC unit wasn’t working properly. We alerted the front desk, and while we were out for a couple of hours, we returned to our room and found that the entire unit has been replaced with a new one — both the panel and the vents!! Phenomenal and quick solution. A couple of days later, we asked about room service and they said we just needed to give them a day’s notice. Totally understand that nowadays, so we just asked for a couple of fresh towels. They said they’d drop them by the room for us. When we returned, we had the towels — and the entire room had been cleaned and serviced. A total surprise and GREAT customer service. We didn’t run into a single unfriendly staff member the entire stay — from the front desk to housekeeping to the breakfast staff. The rates were great for being a block or so from the Pacific Ocean and overall it was a great, great experience. Kudos to all of this hotel.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2026

Lexa

Outdoor pool, could have more and better towels, good breakfast buffet, friendly

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2026

Carissa

For the price point and what we needed- this was ab

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2026

Jonathan

Nice pool, nice staff, surprisingly good room for the price.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2026

Thomas

The staff are outstanding. Especially Shawn and Noah. They have no problem going out of their way to make your stay safe, fun and enjoyable..

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2026

Thomas

I received outside service and positive caring interaction from the staff, especially Shawn. Shawn is an outstanding employee who always goes above and beyond to make one’s stay exemplary.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2026

Joseph

My stay was awesome, quiet the staff was very helpful did my laundry and it was cheap $1.75 to wash and $1.75 to dry. Plus breakfast was a verity of delicious food. Would definitely recommend this Best Western Breakfast & hotel to you

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2026

Lianne

Room was clean and comfortable. Freeway noise a little loud so we kept fan on. Breakfast was above average; several choices. Sergio at the front desk was extremely polite and helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2026

Madeline

Excellent location! Awesome, comfortable bed and very clean room. Delicious breakfast.

Partner

2/10

Poor

27 Feb 2026

Hansell Ricardo Dinorin

First day We had to move rooms due to an electrical issue, noise and they claim initially to my wife

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2026

Sumi

The staff is great here. Very friendly and helpful. The breakfast lady always makes sure everything is stocked and fresh. Great breakfast and very comfortable beds.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2026

Kevin

Friendly and courteous staff, comfortable bed, nice room, great spa/pool, great breakfast, great location near the state beach

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Feb 2026

Tracey

The staff were friendly. The hotel was a little run down but we found a great price there. Biggest gripe is the maid service. Day 1 they didnt bring extra towels as requested and the ones they brought were thrown near the sink, not put away on the shelves. Day 2 no maid service at all. No trash pick up, no bed made etc. called the office and was told they were either short staffed or the maid had no time. We had to go down to get our own new towels. I felt they were very unapologetic. The man said they’d get it cleaned the next day. Well I was checking out so…..

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

larissa

Clean great staff

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

22 Feb 2026

Katy

We had no hot water, the curtains don’t close so the light from the parking lot was shinning all night, and they ran out of clean towels. the hotel staff was very nice, but the hotel itself is lacking in its basic necessities.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

22 Feb 2026

Brianna

The staff was friendly but other than that it was the worst hotel experience I’ve ever had. It did not feel safe. It was dirty and the elevator was beyond gross. Smelled like weed and it was very loud, very late.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2026

Elida

Room was very clean and staff was nice and courteous. Very helpful too.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Roger

Great room

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Joseph

Yes

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Robert

Great staff, clean rooms, good breakfast

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2026

Carley

The staff were all very kind. A walkable distance from the beautiful Carlsbad beach

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2026

Michael

Yes

2/10

Poor

18 Feb 2026

StephenToth

Noise from outside of our room as well as banging and footsteps from above us made our belated Valentines night ruined! No return call from Tim the manager or any other kind of accommodations to us

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2026

Nayeli

Breakfast is best part love the room and the pool

Partner

4/10

Poor

17 Feb 2026

William Scott

The property really has potential as the two room suites that included two bathrooms were ideal for our family with two younger kids. However, there was one morning that we had no, absolutely zero, hot water. We took cold showers and notified the fronk desk. The next three mornings required us to run the water for 15 minutes before we could even get warm water. I am not sure that is a very sustainable practice, especially in a state that doesn't have a plethora of fresh water. Then there was the curious case of the reduction of towels in the bathrooms. We started with three towels, wash cloths, and hand towels in each bathroom. By the fourth day of service we had three towels total, no hand towels or wash cloths. We had to request more towels. Unfortunately, the front desk didn't seem to care or want to support us. When I book a hotel, I expect to have hot water and adequate towels. This hotel could be great for families, but need to address those concerns. I dont plan to book any Best Westerns in the future due to the poor experience.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

Eric

Location is great, rooms are clean and friendly staff

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

Josephine

Clean great place

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2026

Oyuky

Front desk was so friendly and clean well maintained room. The only bad thing was the loud noise of the freeway.

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

16 Feb 2026

Susan

My recent stay was unfortunately disappointing. The room did not feel well maintained — the doors were rickety, the carpet did not appear clean, and the shower was extremely slippery, which felt unsafe. Shower matts were available but they did not look clean.
One of the biggest issues was the smoke detector; the light was so bright that it lit up the entire room at night and made it very difficult to sleep.
Breakfast was also underwhelming. There was only one person working the area, and as a result, the stations were not well maintained or restocked. Overall, the experience did not meet expectations, and I hope improvements are made for future guests.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

16 Feb 2026

Emma

Staff was great but room was neglected and sheets didn’t fit king bed

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2026

Dr. William

The physical property was well maintained — with a Beachie Vibe — reflecting the close proximity to some of the best surfing destinations in So California! Yet, I can state unequivocally, that the hotel’s Staff & Management — from the Front Desk personnel, to the Groundskeepers — they are all so very warm and helpful!

One small caveat, yet not a demerit; with their breakfast offerings, yet along with their Coffee & Teas, I do wish that they had Cappuccinos, followed by Espresso. Yet not to worry, there’s a Starbucks located within a few blocks!

Business

8/10

Excellent

13 Feb 2026

Mark

Have not stayed at a Best Wesern for over 30 years. Room was clean shower was hot and saved me 250.00 a night over the hotel I ckecked out of

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Feb 2026

Laura

The room smelled a little musty but the pool and hot tub were amazing. Heated pool!!’ Nice staff cheap to stay at. I would stay there again. Needs better lighting by pool.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2026

Pamela

Room was bigger than expected and had two bathrooms, so nice!

2/10

Poor

09 Feb 2026

Enoc

It was an awful experience I could hear the people upstairs making noise late at night. You could hear everything I was not able to sleep.

8/10

Excellent

07 Feb 2026

Roger

Room Clean Breakfast Good

Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2026

Thomas

Great staff

Self

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2026

Alicia Dawn

Room was very nice and above our expectations for the price. Would definitely stay there again.

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2026

Tim

Great location, good layout, friendly staff, wonderful breakfast options, but dated room.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

05 Feb 2026

Linda

The General Manager Tim is the best! Made checking in a breeze!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 Feb 2026

Rosanna

Rooms are clean and staff is really helpful

8/10

Excellent

05 Feb 2026

Room was good but thought my room was going to be away from Freeway on website it Clearly Shows option to book Away From Freeway It was so noisy I turn air to drown out noise

10/10

Exceptional

05 Feb 2026

Sarah

Amazing staff at check in! Clean room. Relaxing hot tub. Delicious breakfast buffet

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2026

Edward

Excellent front desk staff

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2026

William

Fire alarm activated twice do to shower steam

Business

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2026

Hindi

Beautiful room, lovely breakfast, location was perfect.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

kathryn

The room was great and the staff was very accommodating to our needs.

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2026

Claudia

Amenities

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

Pedro Coombs

One of the best places I’ve stayed at

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2026

Raul

Room was clean great staff and amenities but they could used better pillows also breakfast was good.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2026

ALAN

Average

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2026

Valarie

The hot tub and pool area were wonderful. Breakfast was really good and filling, and having a full kitchen in the suite was incredibly handy.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2026

Juraj

Staff was very respectful and helpful while the room was clean and comfortable.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

30 Jan 2026

Mareda

Staff and breakfast

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2026

Tasmin Leigh

We were very happy with this hotel and they put us right beside the pool which the kids loved even more! We were able to borrow a set of kitchen equipment and used the cooktop to make food which was a nice option not usually available when staying in a hotel. I would also say that the breakfast was better than some, lots of options and they were very actively keeping it stocked and clean.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2026

Lezette

Veronica from housekeeping went out of her way to help us and consistently went above and beyond the call of duty. She changed our sheets and made sure our place was always clean, verified that we had towels and toiletries, and was incredibly patient and kind-hearted. Everything she did was quick and efficient, and it was truly a pleasure to be around her. Thank you for everything—your help was always noticed and greatly appreciated.

Business Family

2/10

Poor

28 Jan 2026

Jodi

Worn down, Ants around bathroom sink on both days.

Leisure Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

28 Jan 2026

Jessika

Staff was amazing and breakfast area was very clean and organized however the hotel is just not the best.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jan 2026

Jeff

Perfect spot to unwind. And they have a hot tub!

8/10

Excellent

26 Jan 2026

cristofer

Staff and jacuzzi were awesome. Room was clean with a nice fridge and microwave. Breakfast was awesome with a lot of choices. It’s not a 4-star but was definitely worth the money…in a good way.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

Angel

Love the room and the breakfast was delicious! Plenty of options.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

Leslie

Everything was great, front desk staff was very knowledgeable. Very impressed with the breakfast, there were two wonderful employee ladies who were running it and they were so attentive and friendly. The pool was very clean which is always something nice to see.

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

25 Jan 2026

Artemis

The staff was extremely friendly and helpful

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2026

Lindsey

Clean rooms, friendly service, and the breakfast area was really nice :)
We especially enjoyed the hot tub and pool temps, even during Cali Winter time—thank you!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2026

Roger

Yes great room and service