Rediscovering Cassara Carlsbad

Some people are developing a sleep-work-eat-sleep-work cycle while staying #saferathome due to COVID-19. Those leery to travel by plane are discovering freedom driving their car to explore a nearby staycation destinations. Car travel offers a chance to renew, recharge and enhance mental well being. This opportunity to drive during the warm, summer months has created a boost in leisure travel.

In Northern San Diego County, The Cassara Carlsbad, part of The Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is a newly renovated hotel attached to the 12-acre Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel. The boutique hotel re-opened on June 19, 2020 offering 90 guest rooms on three levels, as well as a restaurant and bar in the lobby and heated swimming pool offering 180 degree ocean and The Flower Fields views. Due to state regulations, the fitness center, hot whirlpools, indoor dining, and private access to LEGOLAND are closed.

Stepping into the elegant lobby at check-in, one notices sand and ocean colors as well as the hotel’s use of flower shapes, a homage to the seasonal ranunculus flower fields below. Throughout the hotel arches, light fixtures, wallpaper and tile reflect century old Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian architecture and decor.

On July 1, The Cassara Carlsbad debuted 29 brand new spacious two room family suites. The design offers open outdoor corridors, the rage right now for social distancing travelers. This new hotel wing blends seamlessly with the existing hotel, yet on this side, guests can park their car and use stairs or an elevator to enter their suite, instead of passing through a packed lobby and closed interior corridor to reach their front door. Elevators have a hand sanitizer dispenser inside for guests to use after entering and pushing their floor number.

Suites offer beautiful Mediterranean inspired wallpaper in bedrooms and en suite area. One bedroom offers twin beds and a flat screen 42-inch television, as does the King bedroom area. In between these two rooms is a relaxing sitting area with another flat screen television. The en suite bath area offers a shower and bath combination, and separate water closet. There is a work desk with a chair, mini-refrigerator and in room safe. Some of the family suites have sliding doors leading out to an outdoor patio or balcony with two wicker-style chairs and a table.

Each suite has free Free WiFi, mini refrigerator, Keurig coffeemaker (ask at the lobby for coffee capsules and coffee enhancement packets), phone and computer charging outlets.

Socially distanced BBQ grills are available for guests who prefer to make their own meals to enjoy back at their room, and the resort offers fire pits in the evening for s’mores.

Other outdoor activities include onsite bicycles and e-bike available to rent by the hour or day, and Karl Strauss Brewing Company offering lunch, freshly brewed beer and dinner on the outdoor, socially distanced beer garden.

Carlsbad offers cool coastal breezes, an array of striking street art, 7 miles of local beaches, shopping, and dining venues. It’s an ideal Covid-cation for Southern California residents.