The whole service with a smile applies to this hotel. When I checked in, the receptionist (didn't catch her name) was very friendly and outgoing. I was immediately comfortable in the lobby. Our room was a king bed on first floor (room 153). It was clean and spacious which is what we required with a toddler in tow. Although the hotel buildings seemed a little old, they kept the landscaping and rooms looking as fresh as possible.
We also received coupons for TGIFridays. One was for a free meal for our toddler and the other was for one free breakfast meal for only one of us. We did not go there though. We opted to go to Carlsbad Village and eat dinner and breakfast by the beach. I would stay here again if I'm in the area.

From the outside, this hotel looked more like a motel - small reception area, two floors of rooms spread out, no elevator (I think), and entrance to each room from the outside common walkway. BUT more positives - our room (166) was very clean, spacious, vanity sink outside of toilet/tub & shower room, small microwave, and small refrigerator. Our ground floor room had a sliding door that led out to the pool and gazebo area. Our patio area had a small table and two chairs.

The location of this hotel was great. Lots of restaurant options, especially King's Fishhouse next door (fantastic seafood & etc. and we ate there 3 times). Only 10 minutes drive to Legoland. Directly across from the outlet stores and this mall had some dining options as well. Very easy access to the Freeway I-5. TGIF on site of the hotel (serves breakfast, lunch & dinner).

The staff at this hotel were very friendly and helpful. We received coupons for our kids to eat for FREE at TGIF (any meal). We also received coupons (special booking) for free breakfast for the adults too. They provide free shuttle (in a minivan) to and from Legoland for hotel guest.

Only real negative - the walls of the room were a little thin and you can hear next room's TV and upstairs hotel guest walking (or the kid jumping)!

Overall, we were quite satisfied with our stay and would not mind staying at this location.

I guess you pay for location. For the price I expected somewhat better but it is very centraly located in Carlsbad CA. Near the beach and LegoLand. Kids ate free (with vouchers) at the TGI Fridays adjacent to the hotel which was nice. TGI Fridays happy hour was 5-7 so we enjoyed cheap drinks and free kids meals after a long day at LegoLand which was great. Hotel needs some maintenance. Many of the gate security locks were broken, some were removed entirely. Pool was nice temperature and hot tub was toasty. If you visit in April to May you will get to see the awsome flower gardens right next to the Hotel. The entire hillside was covered with various colored flowers. Seems like you will pay at least $150/night for something halfway decent in Carlsbad.

I had to do business in Carlsbad or we would not have chosen it. It was an older Holiday Inn with a good location and nice pool. The TGI Friday's was good and close to the rooms. The hotel needs updating but for the price and the area, it was pretty good. The pool was nice and not crowded. There is a nice outlet mall right across the street. Other than that, I would not stay in Carlsbad again if I had a choice, there is nothing there. But our stay and the service was good.