Rodeway Inn Encinitas North

We only stayed one night, but we’re already planning to come back. The beds were really comfortable, and the renovated rooms are some of the cutest and most comfortable hotel rooms we’ve had. The owners put a lot of thought into the updates, from the marble showers to the backlit cubbies and mirrors. A few rooms still looked like they might be in progress. There’s also a handy kitchenette with a two-burner stove, fridge, microwave, and sink, which would be useful for a longer visit. Nearby Leucadia is a fun place to walk around, with a relaxed, artsy feel that seemed safe to us. It’s a great little gem.

I stayed in renovated room 201 for one night while the property appears to be undergoing updates. It was spacious and nicely equipped, with a kitchen area that had a stove, microwave, fridge, and sink, useful if staying longer. I liked the window shutters and the different lighting, especially the motion-activated light under the bed. The beds and pillows were firmer than I prefer, though still comfortable. A hair dryer and a shower shelf for soap and shampoo would be useful additions. The location is convenient, and I’d stay again, but I’d request one of the renovated rooms.

There are plenty of hip restaurants and the beach within walking distance, and the people here were friendly. The freshly updated room had a modern feel and kitchen amenities, which was a pleasant surprise. I also appreciated how bright the LED lighting was. Hotel rooms are often too dim for the focused office work I do, and I usually have to bring extra lights, but that wasn’t a problem here. Great value for the price.

My stay was February 18-20, and I wouldn’t come back. There was no hot water, no closet or place to fold clothes, and the small dorm-style fridge didn’t work. There were no coffee cups or pot for heating water. A stove was there, but it didn’t seem usable without a pot on it. Construction was going on, with no consideration for guest parking. On both Thursday and Friday, there was yelling and screaming from 1:30 to 3 a.m., which made it seem like drugs and alcohol were being abused. For nearby food, Leucadia Donuts and Fish 101 were both good.