Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carlsbad Beach by IHG

Reviews

• JB

  Jacquelyn Butteris

  2 days ago
  5.0
  The staff were super friendly, fast service. The breakfast was wonderful and hot. The room was very quiet for as centrally located as the hotel is.
• AM

  Anna M

  3 days ago
  4.0
  I grew up in SD, but now live in SC. Visited three times the past 2 years and last time stayed in Pt. Loma, MB, PB areas which were fine. I read a ton of different reviews of North County San Diego hotels - Marriott, Hilton, Best Western and landed on this Holiday Inn Express Carlsbad Beach for the location and value. Not the most expensive, but not the cheapest either. It was the great mid-cost option for our 4 night stay. The room was fine, quiet end of the hall and there was some wear and tear in bathroom tile and shower, but otherwise, comfortable beds, strong newer AC unit and a good place to sleep if you're not planning to hang out in the room all day. We chose this hotel because of location and walking access to the beach. When we called for more pillows or blankets, service came right away and there were kind staff everywhere from Peter at the front desk sharing his area recommendations to the ladies keeping the breakfast area clean and plentiful with food, everyone was nice. Ran into maintenance and janitorial staff and they were also very friendly and kind. Were some receptionists nicer than others, yes. Did some smile and others didn't, yes. Does the hotel need some updates - sure. Are the elevators kinda scary making noises going up and down - sure (there's only 3 flights of this hotel - we took the stairs most of the time). But if you're here for the location and don't mind these things, you'll enjoy staying here. Walked every morning to South Carlsbad beach with my family. We ate at nearby restaurants across the street and down the road. We walked down the stairs on the bluff to the smooth sand and ocean waves. Residential home and neighborhood area. Locals in the area walking their dogs and biking up and down the 101. Peaceful and quiet local vibe if that is your preference. If you want more outdoor patio eats, bars, shops, charm, go to Solana, Del Mar, or Encinitas. You will also pay more for that type of scene. I will stay here again visiting San Diego from SC. It's our type of neighborhood and beach area. When we went to the other beaches I mentioned above, it was fine to visit, but just not our preferred scene.
• FH

  Fernando Hernandez

  Aug 15, 2026
  1.0
  Every year we stay with my family at this hotel but this year is the last. When we arrived the first day the room and bathroom had a horrible smell it was not clean at all. Stayed for 2 days I asked for room service never came, until the second day the room service lady showed up at 9pm. Front desk personnel was not helpful not even a smile or friendly attitude. Breakfast was good but the rest on this hotel horrible. I would not recommend staying here. I will not come back to this hotel again next year.
• WW

  W W

  Aug 6, 2026
  2.0
  I've been to a lot of Express hotels because I know exactly what to expect. However, this specific express is more of a Motel 6 or below experience. Everything is old, dirty and just "Off." Little things like the two elevators having separate and different buttons so you have to press both to get the fastest one. Then when you are inside you are praying that you don't die due to the screeching noises as well as the missing elevator inspection certificate (replaced with a "certificate in manager's office" note). When you get to the room, you have brown carpet from 30 years ago that you know hasn't been washed in 30 years. Every white towel, sheet and cover in our room had some sort of stain on it (I don't think these guys know what bleach is.) Overall, it will be my first and last visit to this place.
• SS

  Shelley Santschi

  Jul 30, 2026
  5.0
  All the employees at the Holiday InnExpress are extremely helpful not to mention exemplify superior customer service The employees have gone above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and seamless The location is great .5 miles from the state beach walked to and from without any hitches The breakfast is simple and great coffee available all day Rooms well maintained and clean I highly recommend the holiday Inn Express without hesitation

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carlsbad Beach by IHG