Just spent 3 nights with my 2 kids and wife and had a great time. This hotel is a solid 3 star property in a 5 star location, the rooms were very clean and the property was in good shape ( which is a hugh task for older ocean front properties), you will always see rust, corrosion and wear and tear. The layout is unconventional, almost weird. Many rooms are ocean front with balcony, very large with fridge and microwave, make sure to request ocean front at the time of booking (well worth a few extra bucks), the breakfast was done just right with cereal, sweet rolls, muffins, bananas or apples, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, coffee, juice and milk, not to mention a newspaper. Swimming pool and jacuzzi were great for the kids, clean and well maintained. The beach was just steps away and was great for surfing and boogie boarding. This property is perfect for kids, because you can sit on your deck and watch them play in the ocean. There are 2 surf shops within easy walking distance. Several good restaurants also with-in walking distance. Staff was very efficient and helpful. Parking is across a not so busy road, not a problem. Overheard a few people from other hotels in the area wanting to make a switch, however the hotel was full. My only complaint would be the rooms keys, they are the older credit card style with magnetic strips that make you have to try a few times to open locked doors. We could drive to San Diego in about 30 minutes ( avoid rush hour), the train takes exactly 1 hour and goes to old town or downtown. Like the gov once said " I'll be back"

This not the "Four Seasons" but nor are you staying in a roach motel. If you are disappointed by this hotle it is because you walked in with 5 star accomodation expectations. The room is basic(not low grade at all) but clean. The location beats any high end hotel that you can find in the area- hands down! My girlfriend and I always wandered what it would be like to watch a sunset overlooking the ocean from a balcony. We also wanted to go to sleep with the patio dooor open to the sounds of the crashing waves, Finally, we wanted to way up and have a cup of coffee out on the balcony, breating in the fresh morning sea air- We got to experience all three of these and they were FANTASTIC. Here's some good advice that I'll share with you since I did all of the work: Stay in the sunset building on the lowerer beach(in all of the pictures from websites in the one in the front). We stayed in #11 which is on the lower floor- The only two complaint that I had is it is a suite and the bedroom is located in the back(away from the ocean view and sound of the waves) We resolved this by carrying the mattress into the leaving in front of the fireplace and patio. The 2nd is that because it was the ground floor, my girlfriend was freaked about keeping the patio door open all night. I asked the lady when I was leaving what the best room was and she said that any ocean front(the building that we were in) and the corner units because you can see the water from both sides. Use your AAA discount we paid $175 a night w/ it(compared to $190 off peak). The rooms over the pool are alse very nice, if you what an incredible, unobstructed view but don't necessarily have been directly on the sand. They have a complimentary continental breakfast each morning till 10am. Also the main blvd. is a short 2 block walk away. Although there were restaurants available, we opted to order pizza from the place around the corner and have it delivered to our room. On Sunday we ignored the 11am checkout time and left at 1pm- They weren't upset (too much) considering that they ha a full 2 hours to clean up the room before the next folks checked in at 3pm. On the way out we had lunch at a place called "Las Olas's". We had a Puerto Nuevo style half lobster w/ beans and rice for $18!!! It was good....I am just a regular guy that took the time out to write anyone who is interested in reading this, what I hope will be some very useful information. I always read Tripadvisor before I go anywhere to see what real people have to say. If this was helpful to you, I would love to see your reply and if you happen to visit thids place or somewhere, please share with a review and give back to the "TA" community...Good Luck- Diesel

2004 was our first time at Beach Terrance and we are returning October 2005 and can't wait to get there. The room we had faced the ocean (yes you pay alttle more, but worth it)!!!! Clean rooms, great people. If we didn't want to swim in the ocean we could in the pool at Beach Terrance. In fact we are making plans to return each year.

Carlsbad is a great place to stay; this motel is the only one on the sand from San Clemente to San Diego and is desirable for that alone. I had many of the same problems as previous reviewers. My reservation was not the room available to me once I got here. Plus side is that the 2 queen & sleeper sofa rooms are huge. No kitchenette when that's what I reserved. Front desk help couldn't think her way out of a paper bag, but subsequent personnel were competent and very helpful (brought a microwave to our room to alleviate the lack of kitchenette). The buffet is lacking and coffee, juice, milk and bread are all behind a counter with trays and plates and must be served to you by hotel personnel.
The accomodations are not pristinely clean or luxurious, but are basic and great for a family - there are lots of families with kids here during the summer. If you have the budget and/or want a more adult, upgraded experience, try the Seashore on the Sand rentals next door. Same great beach with more quiet and better accomodations.
Pricing for this motel is deceiving; it is quoted for single occupancy. As soon as you tell them you have a spouse or teen children, the price goes up astronomically for each person.
My children loved our vacation - I guess that is the final review.