Last November I needed 2 more hotel night stays to earn 5,000 points in Hyatt’s Discover New Possibilities promotion. But I only had two weeks and the price had to be right. The Hyatt Place San Diego-Vista/Carlsbad was priced right and a short drive.
I also stayed there in January and February 2013 to pick up a few nights to requalify for Hyatt Diamond status.
gallery
This review will be based on my stays at the Hyatt Place San Diego-Vista/Carlsbad in November 2012, January 2013, and February 2013. The only differences in the stays were the rooms and views.
Hyatt Place San Diego-Vista/Carlsbad
I chose the Hyatt Place San Diego-Vista/Carlsbad because:
- The hotel is a Hyatt property and I would get a stay credit
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Complimentary breakfast buffet
- Driving distance from home
Location:
Hyatt Place San Diego-Vista/Carlsbad lobby
The Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad is in a residential area of North San Diego County.
It’s a short 8-mile drive to the beach, 6 miles to Legoland, the Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall, and Flower Fields.
You can fly into Carlsbad (McClellan-Palomar) airport on United Airlines and rent a car from Hertz or Avis and be at the hotel in 5 minutes (depending on traffic).
Several craft breweries are nearby so the hotel is the perfect base for beer hopping.
Airport Shuttle:
The Hyatt Place San Diego-Vista/Carlsbad does not offer an airport shuttle.
The Carlsbad airport is 2 1/2 miles away. And the San Diego airport is 37 miles.
Accommodations:
Living room with sofa sleeper (sofa sleeper included in all rooms)
Check-in:
The hotel has a firm 3 p.m. check-in unless you’re a Hyatt Diamond member. As a Diamond guest, you can check in as early as noon, if there’s a room available.
The majority of guests at the Hyatt Place San Diego-Vista/Carlsbad are business travelers (Calloway Golf, Taylormade, DJO, and ViaSat are a few miles away)except during the holidays when families stay here because it’s near Legoland and a convenient drive to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Safari Park.
I booked a Standard King room for each stay, but a couple times I was given a Studio King room instead.
Check-in is quick and easy.
The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. You are greeted with a smile. And everyone is happy. Which says a lot because it means they like their jobs and are treated well.
I think it stems from having a great boss. Wes Lavender, General Manager, is friendly and engaging as well.
Hyatt Diamonds are acknowledged and recognized. Since it’s a Hyatt Place, Diamonds have a choice of 500 points or a welcome drink from the bar.
I always choose the points, but I know some Diamonds go for the drink. Since there are 10 craft breweries within 4 miles from the hotel, if you’re a Diamond, you might want to skip the drink.
The desk clerks offer to show you around the hotel, not that you’ll get lost, but it’s part of the great customer service at the Hyatt Place San Diego-Vista/Carlsbad.
November 2012 Stay #1, January 2013 Stay # 5 and February 2103 Stay # 6:
View from the 4th floor during the day – looking South
This is the view from the bedroom window for rooms on the south side of the hotel.
Refrigerator, coffee maker, and work desk
Each room has a small refrigerator, coffee maker, and work desk. I love how the desk, while not very deep, is long enough to work on a laptop and spread out papers. Or eat a meal while working.
There’s a great New York style pizza place, Flippin’ Pizza, down the street, about a 1-minute drive or 5 to 10-minute walk. You can get 2 slices and a drink for $6. They even serve beer.
TV
Every room has a 42-inch flat screen TV. The stand swivels so you can watch from the couch or bed.
Comfortable King bed
The beds are extremely comfortable.
clean, compact bathroom
Having the sink and counter outside the bathroom keeps your mirror from fogging up post-shower.
Kenet MD branded toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion) along with Aquafresh toothpaste are provided.
shower only, no bathtub
If I remember correctly, none of the rooms have a tub.
closet
The closet in the Standard King room is very small. The door is only about 2 feet wide but the closet extends past the opening.
November 2012 Stay # 2:
I was given a Studio King room.
The differences between a Standard King and a Studio King:
- Smaller work desk
- Open floor plan
- Larger closet
work desk in Studio King room
If you need a large workspace, be sure to get a Standard King vs a Studio King.
Studio King rooms have larger closets
You have more closet space in a Studio King room.
January 2013 Stay #3:
west facing view, overlooking the pool
The only difference between this room and the other two rooms I previously stayed in was the view.
January 2013 Stay # 4:
view from a north room, overlooking pool
Another Standard King room but on the north side of the building.
Amenities:
Business Center:
workstations in business center
The Hyatt Place San Dieg0-Vista/Carlsbad has 3 computers and a shared printer for guest use. There’s free wifi throughout the hotel so you can use your wifi enabled laptop.
Pool:
pool and jacuzzi
There’s a decent sized pool and jacuzzi.
Fitness Center:
equipment in fitness center
The fitness center has two treadmills, an elliptical machine, and a bike.
free weights
There’s also free weights and a bench. The fitness center is open 24 hours.
Valet:
There is no valet parking at the Hyatt Place San Diego-Vista/Carlsbad.
There is complimentary self-parking.
Food:
kitchen where complimentary Kitchen Skillet served
The Kitchen Skillet breakfast buffet is included in your room rate.
oatmeal and cereal
You can choose from a selection of dry cereal and oatmeal.
breakfast sandwiches and waffles
The hotel offers two types of breakfast sandwiches and waffles.
yogurt and powdered donuts
A little healthy option and a little sinful option.
canned fruit, cottage cheese, grapefruit slices, and yogurt
A cold plate keeps the fruit, cottage cheese, and yogurt chilled.
fresh fruit
More breakfast options.
milk and juices
There’s a self-serve beverage section.
Bar:
bar
The hotel has a small bar. I didn’t order anything since I only live a few miles away, I could bring my own alcohol.
Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad
2645 S Melrose Drive
Vista, CA 92081
760-814-8879
Check rates & reviews: Expedia | TripAdvisor
Summary:
I enjoyed my stays at the Hyatt Place San Diego-Vista/Carlsbad.
The rooms are clean and comfortable. And the staff is helpful and friendly.
It’s close to the beach and attractions and is a great base for visiting all the craft breweries in the area.
Comment, tweet, or share this post.
Get the best credit card bonuses.
Follow us on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube
Got a question? Or want help, suggestions, travel tips, learn how to travel for free, find out about travel deals, and maximize your miles and points? Use the subscription box below to sign-up and get post updates by email.
Traveling Well For Less has partnered with Your Best Credit Cards for our coverage of credit card products. Traveling Well For Less and YBCC may receive a commission from card issuers.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Learn more about the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card and how to apply
Capital One Venture X Business
Learn more about the Capital One Venture X Business and how to apply
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Money Saving
Wednesday 27th of November 2013
Seems really nice to me. I'd definitely give it a go the next time we're in the San Diego area :-)
Traveling Well For Less
Wednesday 27th of November 2013
Hi Money Saving,
Definitely do - the staff is wonderful. It's not fancy but a great value. Plus it's a Hyatt. :)