Grand Pacific Palisades Resort

Review of Grand Pacific Palisade Resort 10/08

In early October 2008, we spent a week at the Grand Pacific Palisades in Carlsbad, CA. The front entrance and lobby present a very grand and congenial appearance, although the ‘gift shop kiosk” is very minimal. It’s not possible to get a quart of milk or loaf of bread there; only a case with the standard cold drinks and instant coffee, plus some children’s gift items are available.

The check-in included the requirement to sign up for the marketing presentation in order to get an ocean-view room. We actually down-graded to a 1- bedroom suite as there were only two of us, but still had to follow this marketing procedure. Otherwise, ocean view rooms go to owners only.

We did find the marketing interview painless. The person interviewing us could tell from our history and current ownerships that we would not be interested in their new property being developed several miles away. When I suggested we hurry things along, she said we were required to spend the full 90 minutes, and she would try to make it as pleasant as possible. She took us through the model of the new development ( the model is in the current resort) and it had some nice decorating features.

Our biggest surprise, even though the resort is located right next to Legoland, was that even in early October, the resort was filled with families with young children through elementary school age. Two reasons for this: Schools in the area are on a year round plan with vacations at odd times, and we apparently hit a week when many children were on school break, and Owners have day access to the resort public areas: family pool and small water park, and restaurant on the premises. As this pool area is in a central court surrounded by units, many units hear the voices of children through their front doors til well after dark. Thankfully, there is an ‘adults only’ pool and a small spa located some distance from the Children’s area.

We do recommend that those who are trading into this resort request the “C” wing, which has the best outlook to the ocean. As noted above, it will require listening to the marketing presentation. There is a $9 daily fee for parking (underground) wireless internet access and daily local newpaper. The properety is very well maintained with outdoors falling in the category of excelent.

We found the one bedroom unit spacious and adequate, other than a rather small balcony, that accommodated a small table, two chairs and a lounge chair, with not much room left over. However, it worked well for breakfast and for watching the sunset over the ocean. It’s true that the ocean is about a mile away, as this resort is located on a ridge above the town. In the late spring (April/May) the famous ‘flower fields’ are immediately below the resort, and would be a lovely setting; we have previously seen this display while travelinig through.

Area activities abound, especially for those who like the ocean environment. We had a lovely lunch on the pier at nearby Oceanside, sat on the beach at Del Mar, drove to La Jolla, spent a day at the Wild Animal Park ( the resort offers slight discount as part of the marketing package, plus $50 food discount at the resort restaurant), and walked through Legoland during the last hour of operation ( free at this time of day). We visited one of the nearby California Missions, and spent some time relaxing near the adult pool.

We would have preferred more on-site food amenities and a nearby place to get small food items. There is a large Costco ( with gas station) just down the hill from the resort. The resort programs were not well advertised, and poorly attended. The scheduled “Bar-B-Q” night featured hamburgers and hot dogs, with the listed salads not available, and ‘bring your own drinks”. The ‘happy hour’ and jazz night earlier in the week was held in the lobby, and while food was adequate, it was poorly attended due to lack of promotion. The elevator to underground parking is notoriously slow.

This resort is focused on families with young children and those without should take note and plan their days around the ramifications of this.

Definitely one of the Best Resorts in the Area! The views and location just cannot be beat. My whole family loves the pools and Being So close to Legoland is a Major Plus. Literally a couple minutes walk. My family and friends back home are always so jealous and intrigued by our stays here. Perfect base for visiting anything in San Diego and Orange County.