The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Carlsbad, California

Enjoy a soak and panoramic views under the Southern Californian sun at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort | Courtesy of Park Hyatt Aviara Resort / Expedia

Pierre De Villiers

15 November 2021

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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.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar, for a grand experience

Luxurious oval swimming pool at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Courtesy of Fairmont Grand Del Mar / Expedia

Size certainly matters at Fairmont Grand Del Mar – the heavily landscaped grounds stretch for nearly 400 acres (160ha), while the spa occupies more than 21,000sqft (1,950sqm) and the event space encompasses an impressive 20,000sqft (1,860sqm). Add a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, heated pools, tennis courts and first-rate dining experiences including the Addison – San Diego’s first two-star Michelin restaurant – and this is a Carlsbad luxury hotel that lives up to its big reputation.

Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, for a Spanish-inspired stay

A luxurious guest casita with high exposed-beam ceilings at Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa

Courtesy of Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa / Expedia

Ever wondered what it would be like to live in a hacienda? Rancho Valencia – in Rancho Santa Fe – uses Spanish Colonial homesteads as its inspiration, offering 49 luxurious guest casitas that come with their own patios and fireplaces. Restaurant Veladora mixes coastal ranch cuisine with beautiful valley views, while the Pony Room serves up craft tequilas and cocktails alongside rustic American dishes to make this one of most captivating luxury hotels near Carlsbad.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Spa & Golf Club, for soaking in one of the many pools

The expansive, luxe lobby area with a hanging sculpture at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

Courtesy of Park Hyatt Aviara Resort / Expedia

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.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, for golf lovers

A tranquil suite with separate bedroom and patio area at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

Courtesy of Omni La Costa Resort and Spa / Expedia

Golfers will be in seventh heaven at Omni La Costa, the resort offering 36-holes of championship golf on Champions and Legends courses. Sweetening the deal further are complimentary push carts and carry bags for the easily walkable fairways. For a change of pace, the spa at La Costa is one of the very best in the San Diego area, featuring innovative techniques and organic ingredients – while Bob’s Steak & Chop House serves up slabs of meat as big as your head.

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego, for unique surf lessons

The multi-form pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas at the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

Courtesy of Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara / Expedia

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.

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, for design-led architecture

A deluxe king bedroom with tile floors and large patio with fireplace at the Inn At Rancho Santa Fe

Courtesy of the Inn At Rancho Santa Fe / Expedia

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.

Lakehouse Hotel and Resort, for lakeside vistas

View of the pool area and lake from the guest room balcony at Lakehouse Hotel and Resort

Courtesy of Lakehouse Hotel and Resort / Expedia

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.

Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, for a well-deserved spa day

Luxe California ranch-style room in blue and tan tones at Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa

Courtesy of Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa / Expedia

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.

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, for a family-friendly weekend

Poolside restaurant overlooking palm trees and multi-form pool at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa

Courtesy of Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa / Expedia

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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