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.
Usually 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 an Athletic Club 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: The hotel is currently undergoing a major upgrade and renovation that will be fully unveiled in early Summer 2024. The sophisticated update will include the revitalization of all guest accommodations, luxury new additions and changes to its already award-winning spa (see below for details), and a dramatic resign of its Championship golf course. So, some of what you see and what we mention below may change.
Note from Katie: We independently choose all featured hotels. Booking methods mentioned are popular with our readers or ones we think offer the best value. If you book through select links, we may earn a commission and appreciate you supporting our business. Prices and amenities are subject to change. Our editorial guidelines.
How to Book Omni La Costa
I find that readers either book sale rates through Omni La Costa or use a discounter like hotels.com.
WHAT I LOVE
- A myriad of family-friendly activities and world-class amenities
- Spa, tee times, and dinner while kids are at Kidtopia
- Teen lounge for ages 10+
- Award-winning spa with excellent lounging facilities
- Sizeable Villas with designer kitchens for large families and longer stays
- Fantastic spa lounging facilities
GOOD TO KNOW
- Pool hours are seasonal and subject to change
- Family pool cafe is open in peak season only
- Inland location from the beach
- Rooms and buildings can use some TLC (renovation is currently underway, though)
- Use the resort map to help choose a room type
- Some guests report inconsistent service (especially at the pools)
- Special requests (room location requests, etc.) are difficult to achieve
- 7 minutes from McClellan–Palomar Airport/35 minutes from San Diego International Airport
- The hotel’s renovation project will be unveiled in May 2024
Omni La Costa Resort Rooms and Suites
The 600+ guestrooms and suites at Omni La Costa Resort, housed in pretty white stucco buildings, feature a Spanish-colonial style and 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.
2024 renovation information for accommodations
More than 500 guest rooms are being transformed to reflect the hotel’s history and unique architecture while fusing modern tastes. Neutral tones and causal textures will feature wrought ironwork, handcrafted painted tiles, and abstract art throughout the guest accommodations. Refreshed rooms, suites, and villas will all benefit from a lighter, airy look while staying true to the hotel’s Spanish colonial architecture.
Important current 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. There is currently a huge renovation in progress, so watch this space for more information on updates.
You must book 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 because people booked in without understanding the resort’s layout. 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).
resort Rooms
The Resort Rooms can overlook the golf course, the hotel courtyard or gardens, or tennis courts. 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.
All rooms include luxury bedding, a mini fridge, two robes, and a coffee machine.
Plaza and Signature Rooms Are Now Just Resort Rooms
There used to be two other room types: Signature and Plaza. Now, all rooms close to the golf course, spa, and lobby are merely called Resort Rooms. I applaud this because it was hard to explain the exact locations of the other two to people.
With this in mind, I would just make location requests when you make a reservation, such as near the lobby, quiet room, etc., and let them place you accordingly (which is always subject to availability).
La Costa Rooms
The most spacious and luxurious guest rooms, La Costa Rooms, are 600 square feet and offer 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.
One Bedroom 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 and two separate bedrooms. One bedroom has two queen beds, and the other has one king bed.
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.
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 large 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. Pet-friendly villas are also an option.
Tip: Villas Are Individually Owned
Villas rented directly through the resort are being renovated. In the past, our clients have complained that villa quality varied because of ownership, so some were nice while others were not of the same quality.
You will see some villas within the resort listed on sites like VRBO. When you rent through these sites, you’ll pay less and usually still check in at the resort’s front desk and be able to enjoy the resort’s facilities. However, you may notice that these villas have different decor than the ones rented through the resort, so please be aware. Some also have additional housekeeping charges.
Villa Bedroom
Though it may be the smallest villa, the Villa Bedroom still has 625 square feet of space. You can choose either two queen beds or one king bed. French doors 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, a large dresser, a small dining alcove, a 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.
Villa Petite 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.
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.)
Bar Traza
Bar Traza is the reimagined lobby lounge and bar, 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, which guests can choose based on their preferred flavor profiles (fruit, botanical, earth).
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. Stance 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. Its satisfying and healthy menu features light, tropical dishes. Treat yourself to 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.
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 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 and Hours Vary
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.
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 the 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.
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 the 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 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 the 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.
Tip: Pool Break Policy
The resort mandates 10-minute Family Pool breaks at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. so that families can reapply sunscreen and hydrate.
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.
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. They also offer pickleball lessons and play time.
There are 17 hard and clay tennis courts, seven of which are lighted for weekly tennis nights. Tennis programs are available for all ages.
Golf at Omni La Costa
The golf resort offers 36 holes of golf at their Champions Course and Legends Course, and 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.
Note: The hotel’s golf facilities are getting a significant redesign led by famed designer Gil Hanse as part of the hotel’s current renovations. The Champions Course will host three consecutive NCAA Division I Women’s and Men’s Golf Championships in May 2024.
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. There is also a Pilate studio with reformer machines and guests can also use the gym’s TRX suspension systems.
Guests can also participate in a large 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 has quite the history thanks to famous former clients, including Jackie Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Today it is a popular choice for those looking for a San Diego spa getaway, with its eclectic array of skincare, bodywork, massage, and aromatherapy treatments using organic ingredients, sustainable products, and innovative techniques.
It has several unique features like 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.
Note: The Spa is getting a sophisticated new look as part of the 2024 hotel renovations. This includes the addition of three luxurious new salt rooms where guests can unwind and relax in style. New steam rooms with aromatherapy features are another upgrade, as is vintage art adorning the walls, and new state-of-the-art equipment in both the locker rooms and select treatment rooms including the Vichy showers.
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: Parents must stay on the property while their kids are enjoying Kidtopia. Hours can change so be sure to check them 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.
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, although Uber works well in San Diego, too.
Hotel Policies and Resort Fee
The Omni La Costa resort fee is currently $45/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, Athletic Club access, and priority access to tennis, golf, cabana, and Kidtopia reservations.
Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m.
Omni La Costa parking is $40 per night plus tax for self-parking or $58 per night for valet parking.
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 hotel runs a ton of sale rates throughout the year.
- Omni La Costa Resort & Spa often has sale rates available directly through Omni.
- Use a discounter like hotels.com, expedia.com, or booking.com.
- If Omni’s Flexible Rate is the best rate that you see (meaning, there are not sale rates that are more beneficial), then contact us for our VIP rate. The price is Omni’s Flexible Rate, plus it includes:
- Complimentary full breakfast for two at VUE (currently a $78/day value)
- Early check-in (subject to availability)
- Late check-out one hour past hotel policy
- Room upgrade at time of check-in (subject to availability)
- Breakfast for Two Daily
- Welcome Amenity (hotel’s choice),
- WiFi
If you book through me, I ask that you have already checked Omni’s website and are sure that their Flexible Rate is the rate you’d like because that’s the rate we can add the above benefits to. Request a VIP rate.
Overall, if you’re looking for a casual family resort with lots on offer for all ages, consider Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).
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