Name: Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa
Address: 1 Ponto Rd, South Beach, Carlsbad, California, United States of America, Carlsbad, San Diego County, US
Price range: US$176–US$439 per night
Rating: 8.27

What guests think

At Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa, travelers praise the friendly staff, ocean-facing setting, and family-friendly pool, while noting extra fees, occasional check-in delays, and rooms that feel dated or face traffic noise and RV park views.

Many enjoy the heated saltwater pool, spa treatments, and convenient beach shuttle with chairs and umbrellas, though towels, poolside service, and bicycle upkeep can fall short or the pool feels crowded. Housekeeping is usually solid, but reports of worn furnishings, musty smells, dirty windows, or maintenance quirks appear alongside compliments about spacious, comfortable rooms and sunsets. Expect scenic, easy beach access with resort-style perks, plus added fees and occasional service or maintenance hiccups.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Popular features include the large heated saltwater pool, spa, and a beach shuttle with chairs and umbrellas; guests also like the free bike loans. Downsides mentioned are paid parking and resort fees, occasional towel shortages, crowded pool days, limited poolside service, and some bikes needing maintenance.

Related guest reviews

10

Peter

29 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We loved the pool but think they sell a few too many day passes as it was really crowded. The reception was fantastic and the music and restaurant were great.

4

Kelly

22 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

It's a charming property that could use a refresh in a few areas, notably some of the infrastructure--screens, vanity, electrical outlets--and less nickel and diming b.c $40/day to valet a car plus $35/day resort fee is ridiculous even if one had the means to pay, but particularly egregious when the pool is closed for maintenance. Five stars to the spa staff who are excellent. Treatments are thoughtful and therapists are top tier. The spa is definitely something to enjoy. Onsite restaurant is solid and the staff are well trained and attentive.

8

xia

14 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 19,366 nights

Good, but no EV

10

David

9 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great pool area and fantastic restaurant on site, beach access across street, bikes to use ,,,, great place to stay

10

Anne

20 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is the first time that I have been charged a resort fee and really felt the benefits. Beach bikes, beach toys, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, beach towels and concierge to set up and take down beach day. And free shuttle all over Carlsbad! We absolutely loved our stay. Definitely recommend.

10

Kathleen

16 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

love the pool and beach butler service! Staff was very friendly and helpful. Great location

6

Megan

13 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Pool The pool itself was awesome but there were no towels and the pool bathroom didn’t have toilet paper. There was also no waiter service at the pool which would have been nice, especially with kids.

10

Patricia

5 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amenities were great. Large salt water pool awesome. Got early check in. Shuttle to beach very convenient.

8

Kalani

29 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Can’t give 5 stars because no laundry facilities on site. Everything else was great. Not having self service laundry was inconvenient.

8

Bobbi

29 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice location. Parking is a little walk. Restaurant/bar was great - loved the bartenders. Nice view and pool. Walk across the street to the beach. Nice perk was free bike rentals at the hotel however many of the bikes were in disrepair and not many were available for the size of hotel. Overall a nice stay.

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Cleanliness

Many guests found rooms and common areas clean, but cleanliness is inconsistent. Reports include musty odors, stained or worn carpets, dirty windows or glass doors, occasional pests, and bathrooms needing a deeper clean.

Related guest reviews

8

Lawrence

25 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

It smelled a bit musty, but overall happy

10

Caroline

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel was clean, customer service was excellent. The pool was clean and kids friendly. Food was pricey but excellent. The beach is walking distance from the hotel and they give rides on 5 miles radius. I would definitely go back.

2

Justin

23 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

When we got into the room the Bathroom smelled. Some employee walked into our room unannounced at 3am Sawdust was all over the hallway for the whole stay.

8

roberta

15 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 7 nights

Staff super nice, comfortable bed but a little noisey after 10pm (until 11ish)from conferences under my window(pool view) and I stayed for 7 days. the housekeeper left 2 glasses from the first day in my bedroom, so needs attention to those details, room was a little dusty, towels a bit old. Chromcast on tv was turning off all the time. Food is very good and honest, pool and beach are super pretty, wonderful sunsets! Cool people hanging out. Cleaningness around the hotel was good, beautiful lobby at night, with candles.

10

Victoria Kathleen

20 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

I liked the skill level of the maintenance and cleaning staff. They took care of things effectively and efficiently. Common areas were keep clean and tidy through both light and heavy use. Fountains, for pots, pool and spa were clean and in good working order. No broken furniture on the pool deck (this is very common and makes me mad). Room was clean with all lights, lamps, appliances, and draperies in good working condition.

6

Angela

3 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was very nice being an ocean front property. Expect a very late check-in as the rooms are not ready even passed check-in time. There were hand prints and lip prints all over the sliding glass door leading to the balcony. The room refrigerator is not really a refrigerator for food or beverages but for medications, so it is not very cold at all.

4

Fabielle

12 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was very friendly and helpful , but everything else was disappointing considered they charge almost $600 dollars for a night , the bathroom shower had mold that is just dangerous to some people

6

Puja

27 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Dirty rooms

4

Deborah

20 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

So, first night I slept on dirty sheets. Met another couple who slept on dirty sheets their first night. My credit card was charged hundreds of dollars not authorized, which the resort, and VISA took care of. Was NOT the relaxing trip I had hoped for due to multiple hotel fraudulent charges.

10

David

27 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This is our first stay at this property. It is exactly what it advertised its self to be. The check-in was easy and quick, the room large and comfortable, and check-out easy. The only complaint I can find is that the windows were quite dirty.

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Rooms

Rooms are often comfortable and some are spacious with balconies and ocean views, but decor feels dated and maintenance can be finicky (humid rooms, tricky showers, older mattresses or TV issues). Views may face the road, RV park, or noisy AC units, and traffic noise can affect ocean-view rooms.

Related guest reviews

10

Margaret

18 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms were very comfortable, although we were overlooking the A/C units on the roof. - Not a great view, but we were there to just spend the night, so it didn’t matter to us.

8

Carole

3 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

We had a nice time.. Hotel grounds were smaller than the picture showed. Our room with ocean view had busy traffic just below so it wasn’t pleasant noise wise with balcony or leaving room patio door open. The staff .. for pool grounds and restaurant were a 5 star!! Happy hour from 4-6:00each day was great.

8

Pedro

30 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything was great except the beds, they felt old and were very uncomfortable. Also the lack of towels near the pool constantly was a bit of a let down

8

Robert

7 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great room and location. A little noisy from Hwy 101. Was ambushed with a bill for about $75 a night ( $225 for 3 nights) in misc. "resort fees" fees and parking charges in addition to the room rate listed on the web site. Feel this was intentionally left off by the hotel listing. Ad that to the rate I paid could have gone to a much better place.

8

Stephen

23 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I found a live Silverfish in the sink late at night. The wardrobe closet door would not close. Shower very difficult to operate. TV wwould not work some of the time. Parking to high at $40 per night.room needed painted especially baseboards

8

Kelly

23 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was very humid, I sweat all night long.

8

Brent

13 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Really cool hotel across the street from the beach. Restaurant is amazing! Room was a good size just slightly dated and the noise from other doors started at 4:45am and shook the walls. Hence 4/5

8

Gina

17 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property has an amazing ocean view from the pool and restaurant area. The room was a little dated and the shower was difficult to utilize. You also get charged resort fee and parking which seem so extra.

6

Doreen

1 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room dated. Pillows old and lumpy. Furniture dated.

6

Matthew

12 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This property bills itself as a beach location, and sells rooms with a so-called beach view. Upon my arrival, I discovered that my beach view was blocked by a major highway and utility poles and cables. Rather than allowing me to downgrade my room to a pool view and provide a refund, the hotel credited me my resort fee, which of course was another unwelcome surprise

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Service

Service is frequently praised as friendly and accommodating across the hotel and spa. However, several reviews cite check-in delays, billing or credit issues, and occasional rude or slow service.

Related guest reviews

10

Lyndsy

11 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff at this hotel are incredible. We arrived and checked in for early arrival and they were able to find us a room and then proceeded to arrange an uber to Legoland for us. I also dropped my phone and a kind guest returned it to the front desk who provided it to me. The hotel smelled wonderful, fresh water everyday, delicious lobby coffee and the rooms were nice and clean. We will definitely stay here again.

2

Raquel

17 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in was terrible! It wasn’t ready by 4pm. I called by 4pm and they said my oceanfront room was not ready. They said they would call me once it’s ready. Close to 6pm, they have not called me so I called them. The room was ready but they said they were busy this the reason they were not able to call me about my room! This check in gave me a migraine. As soon as I got to it room, I took my medicine and slept the night. Checked out at 8am. Don’t even get to enjoy the property because of the bad service.

8

Hooman

14 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall an enjoyable stay. 4 stars. Would’ve been 5 if room was a bit more updated and there wasn’t a long wait for valet. Friendly staff and great location. Complimentary bicycles were awesome!

10

Derik

27 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel and grounds were absolutely beautiful. Everything was so clean and the service was impeccable.

2

Jenelle

25 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk staff was extremely rude. I interacted with at least three different staff at the front desk to ask basic questions. The language that they used, their tone of voice and their lack of caring to resolve my concerns was disappointing. One of the front desk staff even hung up on me on the phone. And I was not being rude at all. I spent a lot of money to stay there, plus they charged me $150 a night of hidden fees. I’m a resident of Carlsbad, I live just miles from the property and I’m ashamed that this is happening in my community. However, I would like to add that the restaurant/bar staff and housekeeping were all kind and professional. It is unfortunate because I frequent the restaurant for date nights. However, I will never be going back to the hotel or the restaurant. Very discouraging.

4

Hans

1 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel provided wheelchair was horrible, no proper feet support/not adjustable. Bed was leaning a lot on the right side gave me more neck pain than the day before. The man w moustash very not helpful, had attitude when arriving/parking and also when we left. He misunderstood everything we said and looked like he wasn't even there and his mind gone. Not co-operative. .The shuttle service stopped working at 10 and we were not told about that and we had to take an Uber to get back to hotel. The hostess did not give us a table despite many available Jan 1 at 11am, we waited 20 min and I was in a wheelchair with pain and totally ignored.

2

Martha

13 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Be aware of extra charges!!! we arrived well after check in time around 5:20 pm. I had booked two rooms one of our rooms (which had a balcony) wasn’t cleaned and the other had a toilet that didn’t work. We called about both. It took a very long time to correct the toilet situation, over an hour. The uncleaned room situation we were given the option to either wait for the room to be “quickly” cleaned (who wants that?) or to be moved to a different room without a balcony. We were tired and accepted the option of moving to a room without a balcony. Manager said that room was actually more expensive, which is untrue based on advertised prices. I told him as much and he agreed to give us a nightly credit for the inconvenience as well as an additional 50 dollar resort credit. As Hilton Honors Gold members we were also told at check in that we had a daily $30 credit that would be available during our stay and to be sure to use it or we would lose it. We then had other setbacks that forced us to move rooms once more during our stay, manager accommodated a suite for us, but that meant that we didn’t have a room for almost one whole day as we had to check out of the previous room. I checked out via phone from our room and when we finally left and checked the bill I received via email, I was floored. Not only did they not apply the daily $30 credit as promised, they tacked on other fees and never even applied any of the credits that the manager promised.

8

Angela

19 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Staff was friendly and helpful. Book an ocean view room on the 3rd floor if you can.

10

Maggie

2 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

My day was fabulous. Staff was friendly and helpful. Bartender and servers were great. Food was really good. Everything from the front check-in staff to them ballet was great.

10

susan

16 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

From the first moment we got to the property we agreed it with a smile and kindness and the excellent customer service skills that their crew had throughout the whole weekend was amazing! From checking in to checking out, there was a moment that we were not graded with a smile and asked if we needed anything. The property is absolutely beautiful and the rooms were top-notch! You did not feel crammed in them! The property and pool is beautiful and you have a beautiful view that ocean as you’re sitting by the fire pit and from a lot of of the rooms! I highly recommend this property as I believe you will enjoy your experience here. This is by far one of our favorite places to stay due to our experience this weekend.

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Location

Across the street from the beach with ocean views from the pool and restaurant, and convenient for Legoland and coastal drives. Some note you must cross a busy road, Carlsbad Village is a drive away, and traffic noise can carry.

Related guest reviews

10

Amrita

17 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful oceanfront property in quiet and safe neighborhood. The downtown Carlsbad is only 15 minutes drive north.

8

larry

16 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location, older facilitie that could use some update. Would be nice if they didn't charge to park. Great access to the beach across the road, I recommend getting a room with a balcony facing the water

10

Lisa

24 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location across the street from the beach. Ocean views from the pool area and outdoor dining.

8

Jesus

11 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Photo of the beach is misleading, I had to cross a highway for the beach.

10

Roger

1 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very appealing location.

8

Reva

10 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

close to ocean access . . .

10

Camrron

15 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Awesome location!

8

Gracie

20 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location. Loud street noise if you have an ocean view room. Very pet friendly which is why we stayed.

10

Randy

15 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a great hotel that feels more like a resort. It’s great and we will stay here again. Carlsbad Village is not very close, would need to drive if you want to go there. Great parking garage and valet and the staff were all very nice and accommodating

10

Candice

11 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay, quieter than Carlsbad Village area. Extended bike lanes access. Great view of the water.

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Dining

Chandler’s and the bar earn many compliments for tasty food, ocean views, and a good brunch or happy hour. Others found prices high, breakfast or room service limited, and service slow at times.

Related guest reviews

10

Kimberly

26 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Cape Rey was the perfect location to beach, restaurants and shopping! Chandler’s restaurant located in the hotel is a plus with excellent food, drinks and service. Their patio is the perfect spot to view sunset or walk across the street to be on the beach!

8

Robert

20 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Quiet: Menu: Too expensive for me:

10

Jan

23 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We like the location and overall quality of the hotel. It offers an all-inclusive set of services in a great beach front location where we can escape to the beach for a few days of rest and relaxation away from the crowds and traffic of the city yet within easy access to restaurants and attractions nearby. The only complaint would be that the food in the restaurant is average at best, especially the breakfast offerings. That could be improved.

4

Marcus

14 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Sadly th service at the restaurant was extremely slow. Once we were seated, there was no waiter to be found. We sat for breakfast and just waited 20 mins. Waiters would walk by and seemed to avoid eye contact. I got up and went to one of the waiters and asked who would be assigned to our table. He said oh sorry. We ll get right on it. He came over to ask for drinks and food. We ordered. Another 20 mins later no where to be found. Had to get up again and ask where all the waiters were. Finally came over with coffee then vanished again. The restaurant was pretty empty. If it were full I would understand waiters being busy. Not sure if understaffed. I went to tell the manager and explained we had the same experience the prev morning at breakfast. She said they were fully booked I said, I understand that. I asked her to walk over with me to the restaurant so she could see it was really empty, maybe just a few tables. She said she would speak to whoever was in charge. For the price of the hotel and how they promote 4 diamonds, service was truly lacking sadly. I asked front desk manager for a late check out since breakfast too so long, but they said no. Response was “ if delay your room it will delay a paying customer”. I thought, wait? Do I not matter anymore because I had already paid and my stay was nearly over? I had to leave breakfast before food was served to go finish packing and left my family to eat once food arrived. I hope they get better.

10

Eliza

29 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful location, clean, delicious brunch at Chandler’s, the on site restaurant

8

Michael Ann

6 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice beachfront property. Wonderful bar and dining, although prices exude the Hilton name. Convenient to the beach and beautiful sunsets from our room.

10

Maura

10 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Had a corner room with balcony overlooking the ocean, it was a wonderful getaway! Sunset views were unobstructed and magnificent. Chandler restaurant was very good, had breakfast and lunch there, my only complaint is no room service for breakfast..

8

Erin

3 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

We liked this hotel and would definitely consider going back. Something to keep in mind is that the resort fee and self parking equates to about $70 per night on top of the price you pay for your stay. Seemed extremely high. The restaurant food was also pretty terrible and overpriced. We did like how close we were to the beach though and the pool was nice.

10

Taylor

15 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our accommodations were great! Chandler’s has excellent food and pool service. I would suggest renting a cabana on a Saturday, if possible.

10

Michael

3 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

LOVELY stay! The balcony rooms are great with amazing sunset views and the heated pool is ACTUALLY heated. Great temperature and we didn't need to adjust to the heated pool at all. The restaurant had great brunch and dinner options--delicious!

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Month	Average price
January	US$198
February	US$225
March	US$267
April	US$229
May	US$251
June	US$285
July	US$389
August	US$251
September	US$251
October	US$240
November	US$203
December	US$177

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16 $266	17 $439	18	19 $334
20 $193	21 $223	22 $216	23 $242	24 $247	25 $316	26 $316
27 $178	28 $176	29 $204	30 $198

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $256	2 $294	3 $289
4 $178	5 $207	6 $226	7 $226	8	9 $295	10 $295
11 $192	12	13	14 $249	15 $243	16 $295	17 $295
18 $193	19 $222	20 $249	21 $242	22 $249	23 $286	24 $295
25 $185	26 $248	27 $224	28 $206	29 $199	30 $239	31 $256

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Ocean View (No Balcony)

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Pool View

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Bathtub (Mobility & Hearing)

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Pool View

Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (No Balcony)

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Ocean View

Room, 1 King Bed, Pool View

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Balcony, Ocean View

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible, Bathtub (Mobility & Hearing)

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Mobility & Hearing, Roll-In Shower)

Room, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Ocean View (First Floor)

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (First Floor)

Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (First Floor)

Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View

Suite, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Mobility & Hearing, Roll-In Shower)

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa

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Prices for upcoming dates