Weekend Getaway in Carlsbad, California: Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa
Curated By
Clifford Seymour
Curator’s statement
During my son’s spring break, we decided to take a short drive from the Los Angeles area to Carlsbad. Our family frequents Hilton properties, and we were excited to try a location offering a coastal escape with a focus on relaxation and convenience.
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Overall impression
We were pleased to see how close the property was to the ocean. Cape Rey is directly across from Carlsbad State Beach. We walked across to the beach and took a morning walk on our second day.
View
Key highlight
Location: Guests love being steps away from the beach, with many rooms offering ocean views. It is also conveniently located near popular attractions like LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld, and the San Diego Zoo.
Walk to beach
Key amenities
Pool & hot tub: A popular feature, with a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and comfortable lounge areas. Cabanas are available for an extra fee.
Beach access & services: The resort offers complimentary beach packs (chairs, umbrellas, towels) and even free beach cruiser bicycle rentals for 90 minutes, making beach excursions easy. There is also a free beach shuttle (Beach Butler service) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. We visited during the off season and plan to come back to experience this service.
Ocean Crest Spa: An award-winning, environmentally mindful spa offering a range of treatments inspired by the sea. Guests often receive discounts on select spa services. It has seven ocean-themed treatment rooms, a couples' area, and indoor/outdoor relaxation lounges. The CBD massage was great. Book your treatments ahead of time because they fill up fast.
Dining: Chandler's Oceanfront Dining is the on-site restaurant, serving California coastal cuisine with fresh, local ingredients and ocean views for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have Chandler's Lounge for craft cocktails and a bar menu. In-room and poolside dining are available. We took advantage of happy hour a few times during our visit. A local musician usually plays from 4 to 7 pm.
Rooms: Spacious and well-appointed, with modern decor, plush bedding, and often ocean views or balconies.
Service: Helpful nature of the staff, from valet to restaurant servers.
Spa
Points to consider
Resort fee: A nightly resort charge (currently $35 USD) covers many of the amenities listed above. Hilton Honors members may have this fee waived.
Parking fees: Both self-parking ($30 per night) and valet parking ($40 per night) incur additional charges. We took advantage of the valet service.
Dining cost: The restaurant has tasty food and views of the ocean, but some guests find the prices to be on the higher side. It is worth the experience. Spoil yourself.
Spa
Need to know
Overall recommendation
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa, is an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxing, upscale beach vacation in Carlsbad. Its prime location, comprehensive amenities (especially the spa and beach services), and guest experiences make it a desirable destination. Be sure to factor in the resort and parking fees when budgeting for your stay.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our California page.
Travel Advisor
Clifford Seymour
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