Best Pool Hotels in Carlsbad

Guests routinely testify to the charm of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa: the property is manicured to perfection, its sizable rooms allow guests plenty of space to breathe and unwind and its pools are numerous and intimate. Located near San Diego – between downtown Carlsbad and Encinitas, California – the resort is a short drive from the shore. This Omni hotel wows guests with its guest rooms, which are decorated in a neutral color palette and feature splashes of blue accents, marble bathrooms and spacious terraces accessible via sweeping French doors. Families especially love this resort thanks to its pool area with several pools; a waterslide and a splash pad; and Kidtopia Kids Club, which frees parents up to enjoy an afternoon at the spa, on the tennis courts or the fairways. Keep in mind there is a daily resort fee, and it covers Wi-Fi, fitness center acess and more, though there are fees for other on-site activities, including the kids club. Groups can reconvene at one of several eateries come dinnertime – Bob's Steak & Chop House dishes out steak and seafood, while Bistro 65's casual menu will suit taste buds of all ages.

South of downtown Carlsbad, California, on the Batiquitos Lagoon, the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa wows guests with its palatial size and romantic ambiance. The Spanish colonial architecture houses spacious rooms, all dressed in plush furniture, marble bathrooms and separate living areas. The property also houses four eateries and the 15,000-square-foot Aviara Spa. Golfers are particularly smitten with the esteemed Kip Puterbaugh's Aviara Golf Academy and Club. But what epitomizes this Park Hyatt's commitment to providing luxury is everything extra it offers guests. Need umbrellas, towels and chairs to take to the beach? The hotel has you covered. Want to learn how to hang 10? Schedule a session with the hotel's Surf Concierge for lessons on how to navigate waves on a surfboard. Need another reason to stay here? Members of the World of Hyatt program can use or accrue reward points for additional perks, like free nights.

With private access to LEGOLAND, the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa (located about 35 miles north of San Diego) is geared toward family travelers. Recent guests praise the family-oriented packages and the accommodating staff who make traveling in numbers hassle free (the hotel is even pet-friendly). Previous visitors said that they felt like they never had (or wanted) to leave the premises, except to head to nearby theme parks. The on-site restaurant, TWENTY/20, earns praise for its tasty Californian cuisine and the Ocean Pearl pool/spa combo keeps both kids and adults satisfied. However, some do warn that room prices at this Sheraton resort can be quite high. Book as far in advance as possible and take advantage of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program to earn points and perks.

Overlooking the Pacific from its seat about 5 miles south of Carlsbad, the Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach provides a great home base for beach-going families. Recent travelers say that the Hilton's pool area was large enough to keep the kids occupied for hours, and the free shuttle service to LEGOLAND saves visitors the hassle of finding (and paying for) theme park parking. After a long day at the park, refuel at Chandler's Restaurant, which offers coastal cuisine that suits taste buds of all ages. As for accommodations, visitors will find guest rooms here are spacious and come equipped with flat-screen TVs, cozy beds and complimentary wireless internet access, though several recent guests thought the rooms should be updated. Guests who leave the kids at home can take advantage of the spa and a number of nearby world-class golf courses. Because of its Hilton connection, this resort takes part in the Hilton Honors loyalty program.