The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

I paid for an ocean-view room, but the view was mostly partial. There was a $15.00 nightly amenities fee, yet the hotel had no clean bath or pool towels to give us. The night clerk said housekeeping hadn’t washed towels Saturday evening, and other guests were asking for clean ones too. We also had very poor service and little staff around. The sofa bed was broken at both the head and foot, and my two grandkids nearly got hurt when their heads sank into the broken springs as they lay down. They had to sleep on the floor for two nights. The hotel wouldn’t offer any credit for the trouble. I emailed the General Manager and got no reply, not even an apology. The place is mediocre and the aggravation wasn’t worth it. This was our first and last stay. I plan to contact the BBB and California Consumers Affairs Department.

We came from Texas to California for a graduation, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The staff were helpful and kind to us, and I was glad to get the balcony and view I wanted. There’s a lot to see and do within walking distance, including the gorgeous beach, volleyball, and an outdoor market. The local food was affordable and came with nice views. Our room was roomy and not crowded. I’d recommend it to anyone new to the area, and I’ll definitely be back.

The hotel is fairly clean, the grounds are pretty good, and the location is great for getting to the beach and downtown. But the ocean-view room I requested wasn’t what I expected from the photo of what we got. I was also surprised by extra “amenity fees” for parking, the pool, breakfast, and laundry. They weren’t disclosed until the final booking page, which I missed, and that doesn’t seem right. Trains pass often and sound their horns several times.

The view is hard to beat, and the spacious rooms have nice decor. It’s an older hotel with plenty of charm, along with modern updates. I especially like that there’s no carpet. The wood floors have been in for about four years and still look great. I stay whenever I can.