West Inn & Suites

"Perfect for families"

With LEGOLAND and beautiful beaches nearby, the West Inn & Suites is perfectly located for families looking for a top-notch place to stay while enjoying all that Carlsbad has to offer.  But location, great price, and nice amenities is not all that makes the West Inn & Suites wonderful.  We were amazed at all of the thoughtful complimentary items that made this place really shine and cater to traveling families.  

Complimentary items we enjoyed:
* Cookies and milk in the lobby at bedtime
* Free WiFi with no login requirement
* Free shuttle service to LEGOLAND, beaches and local activities (within 5 miles), including cars seats and boosters.
* Pool toys, swim diapers, magazines, and water poolside
* Water bottles on check-in
* Hot breakfast buffet
* DVD lending library to use with DVD player in room
* Library of books and family games to play in lobby
* Turn-down service (with chocolates)
* Free parking  

BEAUTIFUL ROOMS  Our family of six stayed in a Double King Suite which had 2 king size beds and a separate family room with a pull-out sofa and additional TV and DVD player.  It must be noted that although it is labeled a suite, there is no separating door or wall.  The large bathroom creates a division of the two rooms with a wide hall connecting the two areas.  We were able to open the large door to the bathroom and create a bit of a light and noise barrier so that my husband and I could enjoy a movie after the kids went to bed.  Each room has a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, TV with DVD player, hair dryer, dressers, closets, irons and robes.  Unique features include a beautiful shell on a ribbon to hang on your door to indicate “privacy please” and the painted rocks to place on your bed to request a sheet change.  

SWIMMING POOL  We enjoyed “swimming” in the Jacuzzi both nights in December.  Because the nights were cold, the heated pool was a little too chilly for us but the Jacuzzi was large and not too toasty for our little ones.  I was delighted to find pool toys, including floating noodles, swim vests, beach balls, and a baby float waiting for any guest to use.  I had to make sure we had our room key on us at all times in order to get into the pool area, but more importantly, to get back into the hotel on the cold night!  

SHUTTLE SERVICE While enjoying the cookies and milk before bedtime, we chatted with many of the families we met who were heading to LEGOLAND the next day.  Our kids were so excited in the morning when we headed to the shuttle outside the lobby to take the short 5 minute drive to the park.  With parking upwards of $15 at LEGOLAND, and the long walk from the parking lot to the front entrance of the park, we really appreciated the free ride to the side entrance and a short walk to the front gate.  I arranged the shuttle with the front desk and they kindly set up a booster seat and car seat in the shuttle van for our 3 and 5 year olds.  A quick call to the hotel after our fun-filled day brought a friendly staff member back to pick us up.    

HOT BREAKFAST The staff and food at the breakfast buffet was top-notch.  Breakfast burritos with hot eggs, tortillas, bacon, and salsa was such a pleasant surprise compared to the typical breakfast buffets I’ve had before.  The kids enjoyed the cereals, muffins, and juice.  In the eating area, there were three very nice picnic style tables with long benches that fit our large family and other large families.  High chairs, and plenty of other, smaller tables were also available.    

GREAT LOCATION The ocean was partly visible from our third floor room, but I knew there was a great shuttle service that could take us to Tamarack State Beach in about two minutes.  It’s most likely too far for families to walk to the beach, and beach access is tricky in Carlsbad with it’s many miles of shoreline cliffs.  Right next door is Bistro West, an upscale, family-friendly restaurant specializing in American food and fine wine.  We enjoyed delicious filet mignon, swordfish, and wine.  Our kids, mesmerized by the bubble wall and big-screen TVs, enjoyed pizza, spaghetti, mac and cheese, and cheeseburgers from the extensive kid's menu.  LEGOLAND, Sea Life Aquarium, the Flower Fields, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, Carlsbad Strawberry Company (u-pick strawberries), Museum of Making Music, and several state beaches are all within close proximity to the West Inn & Suites.  

COOKIES AND MILK
We came downstairs in our PJs after our swim in the pool to enjoy our bedtime snack of cookies and milk.  Our kids played Chutes and Ladders from the game cabinet and my husband and I perused the library shelves for a book to read.    

With the friendly staff, clean and beautiful rooms, great location, and extra special complimentary items, it is clear why the West Inn & Suites is an excellent place for families to stay.  It is also pet friendly with an on-site dog park and patio dining.  I highly recommend staying here while visiting LEGOLAND, beaches, San Diego attractions, on a road trip, or just for a weekend getaway.  

This review is based on a complimentary stay at West Inn & Suites.  I received no other compensation and the business owner did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view. The opinions I express are my own.