Days Inn by Wyndham Carlsbad

After hiking at Guadalupe Mountains all day, the room's big bathtub and plenty of hot water were great. The pool was open, but the hot tub wasn't working. We were in a recently renovated room that was otherwise clean, though mold was visible under the bathroom paint, and the door was so thin we could hear everything outside. For a budget motel, the helpful, friendly desk staff and hot breakfast were a plus.

Breakfast had lots of options, including hot food, and the area was kept clean with comfortable chairs. Check-in was easy and the room was clean, though we could hear people outside through the thin exterior wall at 5:30 in the morning. The night staff weren't very helpful, but morning staff member Vanessa went above and beyond: there was no blow dryer in our room, and she tracked one down and had it brought up. I'd stay again.

With other hotels either full or too expensive, we took a chance on this motel because of its good reviews and were pleasantly surprised. The room was clean and updated, staff were friendly, and breakfast was perfectly decent. A good deal for the price.

The room had been remodeled and was clean, and there was an indoor pool and free breakfast. We arrived late, around 9:30 pm, and the kids really wanted to swim, but the pool closed before 10. They waited until morning instead. We were told the pool opens at 7 am and breakfast starts at 5. We enjoyed our family vacation stay, probably one of the nicest Days inn I've stayed at. The mini fridge didn't work, and while remodeling was underway, I cut my leg on one of the sharp pieces of siding left lying around.