Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad: Detailed Review & How to Book

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is a 400-acre, Spanish-Colonial resort located in North San Diego County. Families gravitate toward the resort’s casual nature and trove of kid-centric activities, including one of San Diego’s most robust hotel kids’ clubs.

Reasonably-priced suites and larger villas provide much-needed space for stays of all lengths. Two 18-hole championship golf courses, an award-winning spa, eight pools, 17 tennis courts, and Athletic Center, also make this a nice getaway for travel-savvy adults, too. In this Omni La Costa review, I will tell you how to select the right room, suite, or villa and how to maximize your stay.

Note from Katie: We independently select all hotels featured and mention booking methods that are either popular with readers or offer the best value. We may earn an affiliate commission if you book something through our links. Prices and amenities mentioned are subject to change.

Omni La Costa Resort Rooms and Suites

Housed in pretty white stucco buildings, the over 600 guestrooms and suites at Omni La Costa Resort feature a Spanish-Colonial style with a diverse color palette.

Some rooms were inspired by the nearby lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, while others were influenced by the golf course and immaculate grounds. Though they have subtle differences in layout and décor, they all share the same furniture, spacious marble-tile bathrooms, and modern in-room amenities.

Guest rooms and suites are between 425 and 1150 square feet and outfitted with plush bedding, a custom-built desk, an entertainment center with a flat-screen TV, a coffeemaker with premium coffee, and a fully stocked mini-fridge.

Also included are an in-room safe, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, two cozy robes, and an iPod docking station. High-speed Wi-Fi (can be slower in some rooms), cable, and on-demand movies are available.

Important Guest Room Selection Advice

If there is one section that you read in this Omni La Costa review, make it this one. A majority of the guest rooms and suites were updated in 2011. Still, the popularity of this family-friendly resort means some wear here and there.

You must book in knowing that rooms and buildings show signs of age, especially because it is a popular resort and can price higher during peak season.

Which room category to pick largely depends on your preferred location on the resort. Plaza Rooms are near the Clubhouse and swimming pools. Signature Rooms are on both sides of the Plaza Rooms, but mostly along the golf course. La Costa Rooms are toward the bottom of the map near the Villas. They’re bigger but the walk to the main areas is longer.

If you read negative reviews about long walks and room location, it’s likely due to people booking in without understanding the layout of the resort. You won’t make that mistake because here is the resort map. Take a look, but you can download a copy here.

Some guest rooms are near the entrance road. If you are very sensitive to noise, request a quiet room (no guarantees, but it is worth mentioning at the time of your reservation).

Plaza Rooms

Located near several of the resort’s most popular amenities, including the restaurants, Clubhouse, and Splash Landing Pool, Plaza Rooms provide 425 square feet of space.

Surrounding a serene courtyard with a large outdoor Jacuzzi, rooms feature either a king bed or two queen beds. A small seating area with a chair, ottoman, and side table is included in king bed rooms.

These rooms are typically preferred by families with young kids who aren’t keen to walk very far to hotel amenities.

Signature Rooms

Mostly overlooking the resort’s legendary golf course, some Signature Rooms offer scenic green views. The same in-room furnishings and amenities of the Plaza Rooms are featured in these guest rooms.

This room style also offers you the choice of one king bed with a small seating area or two queen beds without a seating area.

La Costa Rooms

The most spacious and luxurious of the guest rooms, La Costa Rooms provide 600 square feet of space, also with the option of one king bed or two queen beds.

Both rooms offer a queen-sized sofa bed. It doubles as a comfortable seating area during the day with a round coffee table. These rooms also have larger marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and separate showers.

Plaza Suites

Situated near the Plaza, the aptly named Plaza Suites are one-bedroom accommodations with anywhere from 850 to 1,100 square feet of space. The bedroom is equipped with either one king bed or two queen beds, and an expansive marble en suite.

The spacious living/dining room has a comfortable couch, coffee table, large dining table, and a custom-built desk. French doors open onto a private patio with picturesque views. Plaza Suites are centrally located, providing easy access to many resort amenities and activities.

La Costa Suites

On the smaller end for a suite, but no less well-appointed, La Costa Suites offer 650 square feet of space, including a separate bedroom with a king bed. The bedroom has a spacious marble en-suite bathroom with dual-sink vanities, a deep soaking tub, and a separate shower.

There is a queen sofa bed in the living area, an oversized chair, a handcrafted desk with a chair, and a round marble coffee table. French doors open onto a charming courtyard.

These suites are extremely popular with families who want a living area completely closed off from the bedroom as they are also some of the most reasonably-priced suites in town. Some of these are located near the family pool.

Family Suites

Explicitly designed with families in mind, these oversized Family Suites feature a whopping 1,150 square feet of space with two separate bedrooms. There are two queen beds in one bedroom and one king bed in the other bedroom.

The two en-suites have dual-sink vanities, an oversized soaking tub, and a separate shower. The living room has a spacious seating area and French doors that open onto a private furnished patio. (These are basically guaranteed adjoining rooms.)

The Presidential Suite

The most lavish accommodation at Omni La Costa Resort is the Presidential Suite. This one-of-a-kind suite has 3,011 square feet of space. An arched floor-to-ceiling window provides panoramic views of the golf course.

The suite includes four balconies, a sitting area with fireplace, an oversized sofa lounger, two oversized chairs, a coffee table, a six-person dining area with a wet bar, a small kitchen, and coastal décor.

Two well-appointed bedrooms have private seating areas and expansive marble en suites. A third bedroom can be added for even more space.

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Villas

Villas at Omni La Costa can be summed up in one word – more. They feature more comfort, more space, and more value. These hacienda-style villas come in four designs with craftsman furnishings, stylish décor, and curated landscape artwork.

Villa amenities include well-appointed bedrooms with luxurious linens, large marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, and fully-stocked kitchens with stainless steel Viking appliances. You’ll find dishware, glassware, silverware, cooking utensils, and a Keurig coffee/tea maker with complimentary K-cups in the kitchen. Villas are also outfitted with large flat-screen TVs in each room, gas fireplaces, and private balconies or patios. Unlimited high-speed Internet is included.

If you are a luxury traveler who is keen to stay at the resort, I would choose the Presidential Suite or one of the Villas below. (Please make sure their location suits you.) Note that villa housekeeping occurs on every third day of your stay.

Villa Bedroom

Though it may be the smallest villa of the bunch, the Villa Bedroom still has 625 square feet of space. You can choose either two queen beds or one king bed. It has French doors that open onto a private patio or balcony overlooking lush gardens.

This is the only villa option that does not include a living room or kitchen. It’s a good option for families who want a little more space and privacy but aren’t necessarily looking for a home away from home.

Villa Studio

Slightly larger with 700 square feet of space, Villa Studios feature an open concept with one king bed and a petite kitchen with a two-burner stove, dishwasher, and microwave.

It also includes a sofa bed, large dresser, small dining alcove, walk-in shower in the bathroom, and a washer and dryer. It’s an ideal home away from home for a small family of four.

Junior Villa Suite

These Omni La Costa suites come in two sizes. One-bedroom villas have 850 square feet of living space, and two-bedroom villas have 1,475. The parlor has a sofa bed, and each bedroom has one king bed and a spacious marble bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Kitchens in Junior Villa Suites are the same as Villa Studios and include a washer and dryer. (You’ll see these villas sometimes referred to as Executive Villas.)

Villa Suite

Available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom designs, Villa Suites are the resort’s largest accommodations.

They offer between 1,200 and 1,800 square feet of space and include fully-equipped kitchens, a spacious dining table for six, and an expansive living room with a sofa bed. Each bedroom is equipped with one king bed, a marble en-suite, and a balcony or patio. Living rooms also have a patio or balcony.

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Omni La Costa Restaurants

From cool and casual to elegant and upscale, you have choices. There are six dining options at Omni La Costa Resort – Bob’s Steak & Chop House, VUE, Bar Traza, Marketplace, Spa Café, and Splash Café.

Some ingredients are from the onsite gardens and beehives. Of course, you may also always opt for room service.

Bob’s Steak & Chop House

A classic American prime steakhouse, Bob’s is known for its stiff drinks, savvy wine list, tender filets, and legendary, large glazed carrot. Bob’s is the best choice for a romantic dinner for two or a fancy family night out.

VUE

Known for its panoramic views of the resort’s championship golf courses, VUE is a modern eatery with creative dishes, craft brews, signature cocktails, and al fresco dining. It’s the ideal option for breakfast at sunrise or a scenic afternoon bite after a round of golf.

(If you book through me, breakfast for two at VUE is included, buffet or a la carte. Details are below.)

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Bar Traza

Bar Traza the reimagined lobby lounge and bar, which is now a warm and open space with lovely rolling hill views. The menu specializes in Mediterranean-inspired shared plates and its Flavor Origins series of cocktails where guests can choose based on flavor profiles (fruit, botanical, earth) that they prefer.

Marketplace

The Marketplace is a to-go and coffee shop for all your necessities, including food, gifts, and travel essentials. They offer an assortment of grab-and-go wraps, sandwiches, and homemade pizzas, as well as sweet treats like chocolate and ice cream. Peet’s Coffee is also served here.

Spa Café

Located in the resort’s award-winning spa, Spa Café offers al fresco dining in a private garden courtyard with a satisfying and healthy menu of light, tropical dishes. Treat yourself to a Crab & Papaya Salad and their famous Blood Orange Bellini.

Splash Café (Seasonal Hours)

Adjacent to the Splash Landing pool area, Splash Café is a casual and convenient eatery featuring scenic views of the golf course and offering an assortment of fresh, light, and delicious fare. Menu selections include a medley of salads, sandwiches, sweet treats, and cocktails. This is the perfect choice when the kids refuse to leave the pool. Splash Café is open seasonally.

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The Eight Omni La Costa Pools

There are eight outdoor pools at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa that range from Splash Landing pools for the kids to Edge Adult Pool and Terrace for the over 21 crowd. If staying close to the right pool is important to your vacation, the resort map shows the location of each outdoor swimming pool on the property.

Cabanas may be rented at Edge Adult Pool & Terrace that include two chaise lounge chairs, an outdoor living room with ceiling fan and flat-screen TV, a seasonal fruit and berry plate, and chilled bottled water.

Gazebos may be rented at the Family Pool and the Splash Pools. They include chilled bottled water and whole fruit, two chaise lounge chairs, a table and chairs for four, and a ceiling fan. Find pricing for cabanas and gazebos here.

Note that no outside food and beverage is allowed at any of the pools unless purchased at the unless purchased from the Marketplace or VUE to Go. You may also not save seats for more than 15 minutes so that all guests have an opportunity to enjoy one.

TIP: THE POOLS ARE BUSY

Consider budgeting for a cabana to be sure that you get pool time. Some guests report not being able to use the family pool during their stay because they did not know to make reservations. Make cabana reservations.

Please note: I’ve had readers turned away from the Sandy Beach family pool and Splash Landing pools/water slide areas due to early afternoon closures in off-peak season. The staff onsite has advised me personally that the best way to find out pool hours in the off-season is to call the resort a week or so before your stay. Omni La Costa’s website also states that pool hours are seasonal and subject to change.

Lifeguards, water slides, and Splash Cafe have seasonal hours at the Omni La Costa pools.

Edge Adult Pool & Terrace

This lively pool and terrace are exclusively for guests who are 21 and up. Backed by the palm-lined Valley Promenade with gorgeous golf course views, the adult pool and Jacuzzis are set apart from the pools’ main complex.

It’s a great gathering place for soaking up some rays poolside with adult beverages or relaxing in a private cabana. During the evening, fire pits, fountains, and views create a romantic setting.

Two Splash Landing Pools

SPLASH LANDING RESERVATIONS

Please make them via OpenTable. Reservations are free. The pool sessions are from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 2:30–7:00 p.m.

Splash Landing has a fun water play patio and toddler water slide for little guests, and two 100-foot waterslides where kids 48” or taller plunge into a separate pool. Both are adjacent to the Resort/Family Pool. Adults can ride with toddlers on the toddler slide.

Splash Café is open seasonally and serves family-friendly light fare, treats, drinks, and cocktails. If it is closed during your stay, poolside cocktails and food need to be ordered elsewhere on the resort or brought in from Marketplace.

Sandy Beach Family Pool

Sandy Beach Family Pool is located next to Splash Landing. This zero-entry pool with a sand beach is the perfect choice for families with young children. There’s enough beach to play in the sand and build sandcastles. There are also private gazebos at this pool and access to Splash Café during high season.

Note: A 10-minute family pool break is enforced at the end of every hour to reapply sunscreen, rehydrate, and use the restroom.

Two Garden Pools

At the other end of the resort, surrounded by Villa and La Costa Rooms, are two garden pools and two hot tubs. These two pools with their respective Jacuzzis are separated by a patio, large shade trees, palm trees, and tropical foliage that create a serene garden setting. There are numerous comfy, blue chaise lounge chairs and a few umbrellas around both pools.

Villa Pool & Jacuzzi

Villa guests in Building 7310 have a large separate outdoor pool with a hot tub surrounded by a large fenced in patio. Tropical foliage and palms, fountains, and a fireplace give this space a relaxed atmosphere.

There are numerous blue chaise lounge chairs for sunning, a few wide umbrellas for shade, and some tables and chairs for dining, drinking, or conversation.

Spa Courtyard Pool

The Spa Courtyard Pool is the most luxurious pool on the property but is for the exclusive use of guests who schedule spa treatments. Guests walk through an arch of bougainvilleas to a serene garden courtyard overlooking the pool.

Spa Café offers guests a menu of delicious and nutritious fare. Chaise lounge chairs and umbrellas encircle the pool and Jacuzzi. Roman waterfall showers and a reflexology pathway complete the experience.

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Omni La Costa Resort Activities

In addition to the multiple pools, other world class amenities for sports, health, and wellness include the below.

Tennis at Omni La Costa

Omni La Costa Resort offers a world-class tennis program overseen by Tennis Hall of Famer, Cliff Drysdale. They provide daily tennis instruction, clinics, and camps as well as private or group lessons.

There are 17 hard and clay tennis courts, seven of which are lighted for weekly tennis nights. Tennis programs are available for all ages from Tennis Tots to Tennis for Teens.

Golf at Omni La Costa

The golf resort offers 36 holes of golf at their Champions course and Legends course. The Champions course has won awards from both Golf Digest and Golfweek magazines.

Both courses cater to family golf outings and offer resort perks like free play, lessons, and complimentary TaylorMade club rentals for children 15 and younger with paying adults.

For 16- and 17-year-olds, 50% discounts apply with paying adults. Promotions are limited to twilight tee times. A Family Golf Program includes tee-off for four and a personal attendant for the day.

Athletic Club at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

The Athletic Club at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa provides state-of-the-art workout equipment including stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, and treadmills, as well as strength training machines and free weights.

Guests can also participate in a variety of group fitness classes throughout the day at the fitness center ranging from spin to Zumba. Personal training sessions are available for an additional cost and they also offer yoga and pilates.

Omni La Costa Spa

The Spa at Omni La Costa offers an eclectic array of skincare, bodywork, massage, and aromatherapy treatments using organic ingredients, sustainable products, and innovative techniques.

The Spa has several unique features including a reflexology pathway and Roman waterfall showers. Guests can refresh in the steam room, sauna or private outdoor spa pool, sip a cocktail on a poolside chaise lounge, or dine al fresco at Spa Café. If you are looking for a spa getaway, this San Diego resort is a very popular choice.

Note: The Chopra Center for Wellbeing is no longer located at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.

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Kids Club and Family Amenities

Omni La Costa Resort puts a premium on family activities that appeal to kids and parents alike. It begins at check-in with an Omni Kids Crew activity backpack and doesn’t let up until check-out.

There are numerous programs for all ages and an action-packed activities schedule that updates weekly and includes seasonal festivities. Here are a few of the regularly scheduled activities you’ll find at this resort:

• Scavenger Hunts
• Nighttime S’more Roasting Sessions
• Dive-in Movies (poolside movies)
• Arts & Crafts Classes
• Ceramics Classes
• Limbo & Hula Hoop Competitions
• The Radical Reptile Show
• Croquet
• Bocce Ball
• Kids Fitness Boot Camp
• Surf Camp

In addition to their ever-changing activities, kid-focused amenities include Kidstopia Kids Club, Vibz Game Lounge, and golf and tennis programs, activities, and clinics.

Kidtopia Kids Club

Kidtopia is a 6,000 square-foot, counselor-supervised nursery and kids’ club for kids six months to three years, and a play center for kids ages four to 12. The play area features soft climbable furniture, small slides, and several activity stations.

There is a 600-gallon saltwater aquarium of exotic fish, computer stations, a light floor, a seven-foot treehouse, and a movie lounge. Their Wednesday through Saturday Night Camp program (bathroom independent ages 3 and up) is ideal for parents looking for a romantic evening for two.

Kidtopia’s generous hours and age allowances are often a reason why families book into Omni La Costa.

Important: It’s important to note that parents must stay on the property while their kids are enjoying Kidtopia. Hours can change so be sure to check them here and make your Kidtopia reservation right after booking in if your stay depends on kids’ club availability.

Babysitting can be arranged in the rooms, suites and villas as well.

Vibz Game Lounge

The Vibz Game Lounge is a fun activity center and game room for pre-teens and teenagers featuring an array of classic arcade and video games. This includes five Xbox 360 stations, two billiards tables, a foosball table, an air hockey table, and a basketball shot game. The space also features a TV lounge area with Skee Ball, a PGA pay-per-play challenge game, and a ping pong table.

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The La Costa Carlsbad Neighborhood & Map

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is located in Carlsbad, an upscale coastal Southern California community about 40 miles north of downtown San Diego. If you’d like to explore the neighborhood, Carlsbad Village is a good place to start with its mix of restaurants, cafés, bars, and boutique shops. The concierge desk is always happy to help.

The most well-known Carlsbad attraction is LEGOLAND California, a LEGO-themed amusement park and waterpark that’s also home to SEA LIFE Aquarium. (I have advice for finding discount LEGOLAND California tickets.)

You can also go shopping at Carlsbad Premium Outlets for high-end brand outlets like Nike, Gymboree, and Barneys New York at discounted prices.

Another noteworthy attraction is California Watersports on Aqua Hedionda Lagoon where you can rent everything from SUP boards to wave runners. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park explores the Hollywood star’s life, career, and former ranch. Carlsbad beaches are typically less crowded than others, and most are family-friendly. There are plenty of things to do in Carlsbad with kids or as a couple.

Most guests arriving via air will opt for a rental car to explore the area though Uber works well in San Diego, too.

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Hotel Policies and Resort Fee

The Omni La Costa resort fee is currently $35/night plus tax. It includes free WiFi in the room and around the resort, Athletic Club use, a welcome drink, in-room coffee and tea, business center access, and complimentary driving range balls in the afternoon.

Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m.

Omni La Costa parking is $39/night plus tax whether you use valet parking or self-parking (Travel Leader Select guests enjoy a waived parking fee). Only self-parking is currently available, however.

Dogs are allowed with some restrictions on the breed (you’ll want to check pet policies). No cats or other animals. A $75 nonrefundable pet fee applies for up to two dogs ($200 in suites and villas).

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Reservations

There are three ways to book Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. I find that most people use options one and two because the price of the room is more important than extra benefits.

1. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa often has sale rates available directly through Omni.
2. Use a discounter like hotels.com.
3. Book through me to get Travel Leaders Select benefits that include:

• $100 Resort credit per stay
• Complimentary full breakfast for two at VUE (this temporarily is grab-and-go at Marketplace)
• Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
• Room upgrade at time of check-in (subject to availability)

If you will book through me, I ask that you have already checked Omni’s website and are sure that their best available rate is the rate you’d like. I receive many emails asking for prices, but the price is Omni’s Best Available Rate for the room you like, which you can see online already. Through me, you just get the benefits on top of that. Request a Travel Leader Select rate.

Overall, if you’re looking for a casual family resort with lots on offer for all ages, consider Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.

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More Carlsbad Hotels that Readers Love to Book

• Park Hyatt Aviara
• Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego
• Cape Rey Carlsbad