Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad — Hotel in Carlsbad

Yes, this is a newer property and, as a result, it benefits from better/newer design (and I don’t mean to downplay that, these newer Fairfield properties are WAY better), but even beyond that, this hotel gets high marks in virtually every category. First, the staff was well trained, friendly, fast, helpful, engaged, everything you’d want them to be when you’re a weary traveler checking in (as we were that night). Second, the property was clean, as in immaculate clean. Third, technology. The wifi was fast, the TV system was easy to understand, use, and included streaming options. Fourth, the breakfast was definitely better than the average Fairfield. Clearly the cooking staff actually cared about making and serving good food, and they had options that you don’t always find at a Fairfield (e.g. turkey sausage, and salsa with your eggs). Any negatives? Well, if I get REALLY “nitpicky”, there were a few very minor issues. For example, the caulking along the base of the shower in our room was already showing some wear (no visible mold yet, but clearly the installers rushed the job (there was some minor leaking on the bathroom floor by the shower door, and there probably will be a problem eventually). That said, even this issue includes a hat tip to Fairfield (as a brand) for FINALLY abandoning tubs in these rooms (which NO ONE uses and are frankly dangerus) AND for improving the shower floors (the previous version of this shower used in both Marriott and Hilton brands had a floor that was too slippery. These are clearly the same manufacturer, but “version 2.0” in that the non-skid on the shower floor is vastly improved while still comfortable). Any other negatives? Well, the hotel’s pool is far too small for working out and has a “deep” end that is 3.5 feet deep, so it's great for families with small kids, but completely useless for everyone else. Finally, there’s already some minor wear on the chairs in the dining room (but that’s not the hotel’s fault, that’s a QC issue in the selection of the chair manufacturer … but seriously, these are all REALLY minor issues. The "bottom line" here is that I would cheerfully choose to stay in this hotel again (and FWIW, I’m much more of a “Westin” level biz traveler than I am a “Fairfield” one). This hotel is a shining example of what the Fairfield brand should aspire to everywhere, and one of the best Fairfield’s I have ever stayed...

My stay at the Fairfield Inn and suites in Carlsbad was pretty good. When I reserved the room I specifically asked for a quiet area on the highest floor, with extra towels and pillows. Upon arrival I was greeted at the front desk. The check in process was pretty smooth. We went upstairs in our room and I was pretty surprised that our room was adjacent to the roadway. When I specifically asked for a quiet room. My request for extra towels and pillows and was also not in the room. When I called the front desk for the things I needed, I was told that it was available but we had to get it ourselves..????? I was pretty shocked and surprised that they didn't have anybody to bring it to me in my room. This was the very first time I had to get what I needed myself at any hotel I stayed in. Anyway the room looked pretty clean and the bathroom was big. We went downstairs the next morning to eat breakfast and it was nice because it was free. We went to Legoland that day and when we came back to the hotel I saw a few ants in the bathroom. I didn't think of it very much but the next morning I saw more ants. Before leaving to go to Legoland, I stopped by at the front desk and brought this to their attention. I was not very happy with finding ants in the room and the bathroom and also our room was not replenished with all the towels. I spoke to a Mario E. at the front desk for a manager but unfortunately she was not available. Mario E. then listened to my concern and he quickly fixed the issue by allowing us to have another room just a few doors down. Mario E. had also provided us a helper to move all of our things to the new room. We went about our day and when we came back to the room I was surprised that Mario E. had given us a few treats for our inconvenience. I can say that if we ever go to Carlsbad that I will give this hotel another chance. I am a Marriott's member and I do expect the highest service and gratitude to...

I would NOT have booked my family’s 3-night stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites CARLSBAD if I had known the following: NO SPA. Pool is FREEZING cold, despite front desk telling me it was 76 degrees upon check-in. Before realizing the pool water was frigid, tried to go out to it and gate lock wasn’t working, so I couldn’t access pool. Went to front desk and they said “Oh yeah, the card reader is broken. You have to go inside and around the corner and get to the pool a roundabout way.” Would it be too much trouble to post a sign? Why isn’t this fixed? NO pump hand soap at sinks in bathrooms. They give you a teeny tiny miniature doll-size bar of soap to wash your hands with at the bathroom sink. Seriously? My mom even hand pump hand soap in our bathrooms in the early 90s and we were poor. Room AC/Fan unit blows gross-smelling air. My 11-year old had her suitcase near it and said the air coming out of the unit smelled like pee. We thought she was being dramatic until I later had to get something from her suitcase and smelled the air close up. Smelled like urine. Very gross. Do they change the air filters regularly? Do people pee in these things? Drain push plug for bathtub was BROKEN when we arrived (we need to be able to fill a tub bc we have a baby). I went to call the front desk to tell them, and the phone in our room was BROKEN. Had to walk down to front desk to tell them. Was told Maintenance guy was gone for the day. He came and “fixed” it the following day. One day later it stopped working again. Maybe he’s the one who fixed the pool gate card reader too? Buffet breakfast had instant oatmeal packets. Gives you an idea of the level of their complimentary breakfast. I will say the staff was polite, which is always appreciated. But way too many red flags to ever go again or to recommend to anyone. Spend your hard-earned...