When visiting Southern California, hotel location is key, and the Cape Rey Carlsbad, formerly the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa, definitely has a fantastic spot overlooking the beach. The resort is on the smaller side and displays a décor that is reminiscent of a New England island getaway, which makes it a nice place to visit. There are not a lot of bells and whistles at this property, allowing the beach to be its main feature. Families will find comfortable seaside accommodations, an onsite restaurant and a nice-sized pool on the property.

The hotel features 215 rooms with either two queen beds or one king bed. King rooms offer a small sitting area and larger flat-screen TVs. The hotel also features six suites with one king bed and a sofa bed in the living room. Standard in-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Cribs are available upon request.

Ocean View Suites With Balcony
The most sought-after rooms are the Ocean View Suites, corner one-bedrooms with a one king bed and a living room with one queen sofa bed. The room features two 46-inch TVs, one dining table for four, and a wet bar with a mini-fridge, microwave and coffeemaker. Some suites can be connected to a standard room to create a two-bedroom suite.

Ocean View Rooms
Ocean View Rooms feature one king or two queen beds or one king bed with a sofa bed. Some have balconies, too. Rooms without balconies are available with ocean or pool views and are outfitted with one king or two queen beds.

Traditional Rooms
The most budget-friendly of the room types, Traditional Rooms provide one king bed, two queen beds, or one king bed with one sofa bed, with no views or balconies.

Carlsbad State Beach
The main draw of a visit to the Cape Rey Carlsbad is its location directly across the street from the beach. The hotel provides rentals for beach chairs, umbrellas and towels.

Pools
The hotel also features a heated, outdoor saltwater swimming pool and a small kiddie wading pool. Beside the pool is a fire pit and lounge often featuring live entertainment in the evenings, on weekends.

Golf
The hotel partners with the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort for golf.

Nearby Attractions
The Cape Rey Carlsbad is just a few miles from LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Enjoy a free shuttle to and from the resort and the attractions.

Chandler's Restaurant and Lounge
Chandler's Restaurant and Lounge is the hotel's onsite restaurant, and it's a popular place for locals for its windows and outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. The restaurant is open for breakfast from 6:30 to 11 a.m., Monday through Sunday, offering a breakfast buffet beginning at 7 a.m. Lunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with a brunch menu on Sunday. Light bites are available in the afternoons, and dinner begins at 5 p.m. daily, ending at 10:30 p.m. daily.

The restaurant offers special afternoon teas, holiday meals and room service as well.

All About the Extras
Daily Resort Fee
The resort charges a $20 daily resort fee that includes Internet access, shuttle service within 10 miles, discounts on beach rentals, the spa and drinks.

Pet Policy
The hotel is dog friendly and dogs 25 pounds or less are welcome at a one-time fee of $75.

Parking
Onsite parking is $19 per night for self-parking or $24 per night for valet.

Check-In/Out
Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at noon.

The Art of Smart Timing
Due to Southern California's sunny and temperate climates, Carlsbad remains a year-round vacation destination. However, the hotel's peak season is during the summer and around the Christmas season, making rooms harder to come by and prices higher than if your family visits during the spring or fall.

Getting There
The hotel is located just 30 minutes from the San Diego International Airport. However, it does not provide shuttle service. If driving yourself from the airport, take I-5 to get to the hotel.

Getting Around
The hotel offers a free shuttle within 10 miles of the hotel, which can get your family to LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Carlsbad's shops and restaurants. To get to the hotel and enjoy attractions in nearby San Diego, it's best to rent a car.

For Mom and Dad
The Ocean Crest Spa is a small onsite spa with seven treatment rooms, a couples' room, spa baths and saunas, and an outdoor private patio for relaxation.