The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Carlsbad, California
Known as the Village by the Sea, Carlsbad offers miles of unspoiled California beaches and a relaxed vibe a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of San Diego. Dotted with lakes, lagoons, championship golf courses and kid-friendly sights like Legoland California Resort and the Sea Life Aquarium, it’s a holiday destination where you’re never too far away from a memorable experience. Sprawling and beautifully designed, with world-class eateries, the luxury hotels in Carlsbad will make your stay even more special – bookable on Culture Trip.
1. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, for a grand experience
Resort
2. Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, for a Spanish-inspired stay
Boutique Hotel
3. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Spa & Golf Club, for soaking in one of the many pools
Resort, Spa Hotel, Golf Hotel
Water is a common theme at this mammoth five-star hotel in Carlsbad. Not only does the Park Hyatt Aviara offer sweeping views of Batiquitos Lagoon, but it has a number of palm-tree-lined swimming pools. The Ocean View Pool Deck – recommended for those 18 years old and older – and the Splash Pool Deck are open 24 hours a day, while a waterslide lies like a coiled green snake on the southern end of the resort.
5. Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego, for unique surf lessons
Villa, Luxury
A surf concierge who helps you master the San Diego waves is one of the many nice touches at this Four Seasons outpost. Another is the Kitchen Counter at Seasons Restaurant, giving you a front-row seat to the restaurant’s working kitchen – while tucking into a special five-course menu featuring the day’s freshest seasonal ingredients. You can also travel back in time by hopping in a classic, wood-paneled 1951 Ford Woodie Station Wagon for a tour of the gorgeous coastline.
6. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, for design-led architecture
Hotel
Sink into a heated saltwater pool in a private garden before lolling in a cabana at this charming hotel that acts as a cornerstone of the peaceful Rancho Santa Fe. The building that would become the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe was designed in 1923 by the visionary architect Lilian J. Rice – who called her creation La Morada – an achievement that’s celebrated at the “fiercely seasonal” Morada restaurant.
7. Lakehouse Hotel and Resort, for lakeside vistas
Hotel
Making good use of its perch right on Lake San Marcos, the Lakehouse has a full-service marina offering electric and man-powered boat rentals. Charmingly, the marine theme extends to the suites where fish artwork adorns the walls. For the best views over the lake, book into one of the spacious cottages where you can take in magnificent vistas from a wooden deck next to a fireplace. The hotel is also close to North San Diego’s top attractions and some of San Diego’s best breweries.
8. Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, for a well-deserved spa day
Spa Hotel, Resort
You’ll never run out of things to do at this Carlsbad luxury hotel. Chill in the resort-style pool before grabbing your clubs and hitting the links with ocean views at the Crossings. Get rid of all those stress knots at the Ocean Pearl Spa before hitting the road and driving up the coast past one pristine beach after the other. And if things still aren’t clicking, take a stroll down to the Legoland California Resort with the family.
9. Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, for a family-friendly weekend
Resort
An elegant four-star luxury hotel with contemporary Mediterranean architecture and lush rolling lawns, the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa has a convenient location close to the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch – a glorious carpet of brightly colored ranunculus flowers – plus Legoland and its Sea Life Aquarium. The 24-hour heated outdoor pool and whirlpool and an array of games including billiards, ping-pong, foosball and shuffleboard make this ideal for families.
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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