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Grand Pacific Palisades Resort

5805 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, 92008, CA

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1 Room / 2 Adults

1 rooms,
2 adults

  • Rooms:

    1

  • Adults:

    2
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TripAdvisor Rating

4.5


Editor's Rating

3/5

Overview

Mere steps from LEGOLAND, the Grand Pacific Palisades is a popular resort for families looking for convenience and comfort near the theme park, located in Carlsbad. Located off the I-5, guests also enjoy close proximity to SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, approximately a 30-minute drive. As a “coastal” resort, the Grand Pacific Palisades is not actually convenient to the beach, but its garden pool hosts a fabulous scenic view of the Pacific Ocean in the distance, and the family pool and picnic area makes a relaxing oasis after touring the theme parks.

Our Editor Loves

  • Bed & Brick: LEGOLAND partner hotel
  • One- to three-bedroom villas with full kitchens
  • Microwaves and mini fridges in all standard rooms

Family Interests

  • Beach
  • Golf
  • Museum/Cultural
  • Theme Park
  • Water Parks

Family Amenities

  • Children Programs
  • DVD
  • Family Room 5+
  • Game Room
  • Kids' Pool
  • Kitchenettes
  • Laundry
  • Meal Plan
  • Onsite Dining
  • Pool
  • Refrigerator

Room Information

Find the Best Price for Your Stay

The resort is divided by standard hotel rooms and vacation villas with ocean or park views. Rooms in the hotel include Carlsbad Rooms on the second floor and Palisades Rooms on the third, both with either two doubles or a king with a sofa bed. All rooms come with mini refrigerators, microwaves, and Keurig coffee machines. Small balconies have two chairs.

Ocean View Vacation Views vary in size from one to three bedrooms, while Park View Villas are available in one or two bedrooms. Suites feature full kitchens, living and dining rooms, and full-size sleeper sofas.

Reviews

Really average/disappointing Better options with a more responsive staff are out there in San Diego area in my opinion)

by Robert N

Loud and less insulated rooms- Till almost midnight. Begged Staff for help. And then after being kept up requested simply a one hour extension, just to have it denied. Only given 30 minutes.(10:30) What’s really sad is that while here you will be given the opportunity to be given a sales pitch which can cost thousands.
Well I’ve made my decision now, I’m not buying anything here. In my opinion -If they don’t have the decency to respond with a slight request, they’re not going to respond to your need as a customer when you buy here.
I’ve invested thousands into the Hilton grand vacation club. I won’t consider here at all. The location is nice, and the units are spacious, but this definitely has been a one off.
Not looking forward towards any stock responses on this review. It just would seem disingenuous after calling the office twice to not get any attempt toward customer satisfaction.
Better options in both the hotel world, and the Timeshare world. I mean this from the bottom of my heart

Fitness Center Not Ready but Great Place

by Harold H

We arrived on last Tuesday of October 2019. Checking in was fast and easy since one of our two rooms was ready. There is a resort fee that includes the $20 parking. However, Hilton timeshare owners using points are covered for the resort fee. The lobby staff is friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, the tour presentation personnel was unable to offer the Legoland gift as discussed prior to arrival. It was disappointing to my co-travelers. At least they were informed before the tour. (They took advantage of the SoCal resident $60 special online.)

Another disappointment but expected was the closure of fitness center. Although website before trip states fitness center would be ready by 10/22/19, it was not. Lobby personnel confirmed closure before we arrived. Since I am still in physical therapy, I had to bring my own weights. We are allowed to use the fitness center at Marbrisa but the 4 minute drive is less convenient. Although the site has shuttle service within 5 mile radius, there is added time for drop off and pickup.

My co-travelers are as happy as last year with the Sangria Social late Wednesday afternoon at Adult Pool. This year a three year old enjoyed the children’s play area.

We had ocean view again but in a refurbished unit. The walls are still not totally sound proof. We could hear the baby crying on 3rd floor as well as a child running. However, those parents kept the children’s noise to a minimum. The parents of my 3 year traveler reminded her to not stomp on floor as well.

Next time, I should return during the flower field blooming season. Ocean view with the flowers in foreground should be beautiful.
Note: In room is standalone water boiler but not washer/dryer.

Family Activities

The Olympic-size pool and spa overlooking the ocean is actually an adult-only pool area off of the lobby. Families can enjoy the Family Water Park, located between the villas and featuring picnic areas and grills. The Family Pool is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Adult Pool is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

In the Ocean View Villas, an activity center and video game room keep kids entertained. The Activity Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Family Dining

The only on-site restaurant is Karl Strauss Brewery & Restaurant, which features a breakfast buffet from 7 to 10 a.m. with made-to-order omelets, and all-day dining through the afternoon and evening. A daily Happy Hour provides appetizer specials between 4 and 6:30 p.m.

The resort's sister property is the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, where a free shuttle takes guests to its Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar. The restaurant has sweeping views of the ocean and outdoor dining on the patio with fire pits. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Planning & Tips

All about the Extras
The resort charges a resort fee of $16 per day to cover parking, Internet, towel and trash service, and a 15 percent discount at the Gift Kiosk at the front desk.

A free shuttle is provided to LEGOLAND.

Coin-operated laundry facilities are located on premises.

The Art of Smart Timing
Carlsbad and San Diego is renowned for its temperate and sunny year-round weather, making it a popular destination for family travelers during summers and school vacations. Located on a property with a Convention Center, there is also a lot of business travel to the resort. Watch for specials to find opportune times to visit.

Getting There
The San Diego International Airport is about 45 minutes from the resort. Families visiting from Anaheim and L.A. will find the drive from I-5 a pleasant two-hour drive. A rental car will be needed to get to the resort and around the very spread out San Diego area.

For Mom and Dad
The resort's sister property, the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, operates the Ocean Pearl Spa. Board a free shuttle to the property, where massages, body treatments, skin and body care services are provided for both men and women.

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