Surf Motel Carlsbad

This little motel was unpretentious, very old school Carlsbad laid back, and just a real gem for a local «staycation»… sadly it is no more. Closed to make way for another more expensive hoity-​toity hotel, all I can say is I am glad I was able to stay there on several occasions to enjoy the community I have lived in and around for more than 43 years. The motel was perfect for those who just needed a place to hang their hats while spending most of the time out enjoying the beach, shops and restaurants, or to not drive home after enjoying the bi-​annual street fair and local nightlife.
The service was friendly, rooms clean, and they were always willing to answer questions or suggest things to do in town. They always had items you could borrow to take to the beach and just were good people. Staying in the back rooms with balconies facing the local neighborhood reminded me of when Carlsbad was just a small coastal community, not the place it is becoming.
Very sad to have lost a local gem… this city is no longer the village it was :(Change is not always good.

The only place in the area where you can get a room on the beach for under $ 100. Rooms are basic, but roomy, clean with microwave and coffee maker. Sparse and basic breakfast is advertised, but you are much better off going next door to the Armenian Café.

Our third stay here in a year, and so we know what to expect-​an older place with easy access to the beach right across the street, a short walk to shops and restaurants, a quiet clean room, and a small pool.
We get rooms at the back away from the street, which are quieter and have a large balcony. The rooms have a micro, fridge, free Wifi, patio chairs, and a table.
Our last two visits, we combined our stay with dinner and breakfast at the tasty Armenian restaurant next door. The hotel provides coffee, tea, and a pastry in the lobby, but if you want a real breakfast with potatoes and eggs, head across the parking lot. Ample parking is available for the hotel and restaurant, which is a rarity on this part of the coast.
And the price-​amazingly inexpensive at $ 89 even on weekend nights off season.

Nothing screams FANCY or NICE with the Surf Motel, but I’m shocked at any review under 4 stars because of the value. It’s a great location in the village across the street from the beach with sunset views, and has clean rooms, working air conditioning, continental breakfast, actual keys, free wi-​fi, free beach stuff to borrow, ample parking, multiple decks, and friendly staff. The three-​star reviews say the same thing as me, but they seem to ding them a star for being so AVERAGE and PLAIN… but if they did update it, the price would go up. Come on, this room is the girl from the 90s movies in the glasses and overalls who doesn’t wear make-​up but she’s beautiful on the inside. She IS all that.

Second time we stayed at this location. It’s definitely not anything to write home about but it’s RIGHT AT THE WATER and for the price you can’t beat it. It’s not ritzy but if you’re like us and just want a clean bed and access to the coast and town area it’s perfection.

Great location. Friendly service. Got 2 nights on a weekend in November for $ 95 a night. If you are looking to hang out in your hotel, I would recommend spending a little more and getting a room at one of the nicer surrounding hotels. If you are looking for a cheap, clean place with a good location, this place will do.
The hotel is definitely outdated and could use a facelift, but the room was clean, the bed was comfortable, and did I mention the location? Book this place then go out and enjoy the awesome, cute little village that is Carlsbad.

Beautiful setting for a reasonable price. All the employees were very nice and helpful. Rooms were clean and spacious. The hotel lent the necessary equipment like ironing board, beach towels and more. If you are looking for a luxurious room, this might not be the place. However, if youre looking for a fun time by the beach and want to save some money this is definitely the place. I will be staying here soon again!

Location is everything, the motel is just OK. Paid $ 149 on a Sunday night in July. Sheets kept coming off bed (I think they are old and elastic was gone). Place was older and in need of updates, I doubt I’ll stay there again. But… great location.

I can’t give it 4 stars because it’s not a 4 star motel. It was very clean.
We were looking for somewhere close to beach and this was the only room available. It’s literally right across the street.
Room was cheap! $ 90. Obviously a «classic» motel. LOL. No flat screen. Old furnishings. But again… clean clean clean

We stayed a night here while visiting Carlsbad last week. We booked a 2 queen room and it was quite spacious. The room is dated but the upkeep is pretty good. Clean room, clean sheets, and plenty of clean towels in the bathroom.
Pros:
+ Walking distance to the beach and many shops
+ Clean rooms
+ Has a refrigerator and microwave in the room
+ Free parking
+ Free breakfast
Cons:
–Slightly dated (but I suppose it adds to the charm!)
Also, the guy working at the front desk was very friendly. He showed us nearby touristy places that we could go and gave us a huge list of restaurant recommendations. Definitely would recommend this place for anyone looking for a reasonably priced room!

Don’t come here if you are expecting anything fancy… but for the price, location, and what they offer, this place is great. It has 90’s beach charm, and the room has a mini fridge and microwave, plus little coffee maker and cups. Also the bed has two little pillows, so you may need to supplement with your own or ask for the motel to give you extras. Everyone who works here is incredibly nice. We even got a call before we arrived late Friday from someone at the desk making sure we were ok and not lost. I would stay here again if I am in the area. You are blocks from a little shopping area and tons of restaurants, plus you cross the street and the beach is right there. Which is the best part.

We loved it! Great location right across from beach. Walkable to tons of food and shops (even with our two kids 8 yrs and 4 yrs). Super nice staff! Room was big and clean. Microwave Mini fridge stove top coffee pot and nice TV. Free (to borrow) beach toys and chairs and towels. Can’t beat the price! We will totally return here.

My new favorite place to stay in Carlsbad! Great location and incredibly friendly employees. Rooms are spacious and clean! Will definitely be back!

When your only objective is to find a quaint hotel that is less than 200 feet away from the beachfront under $ 100. Book a spot at the Surf Motel Carlsbad. The motel offers turn-​key stay (literally, you use a key to open the door), complimentary beach gear, and healthy choices for the morning continental breakfast.
For a motel, that has yet to have an update, the management has kept the bathrooms mold-​free. The shower head was clean. The bed was very firm, along with the pillows– it could have been worse. I was happy that there weren’t any strange smells in the blankets.
I appreciate that they have quite a few on-​premise workers, in addition to, an on-​premise laundry for house keeping. There is also a guest laundry room in a separate building.
I stayed in room 128 (second floor, rear) that featured a private balcony with a garden view. I was satisfied with my little peace of quiet. And, even more thrilled about the 3 minute walk from room to sand.
The staff was chatty and helpful. I was even able to get a complimentary toothbrush.
I recommended this motel for 1 or 2 night stay maximum.
And, want to suggest to the ownership to invest in updated carpeting, as a first re-​modeling phase).
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This is our new favorite place! For the price, location and staff, it is perfect but for some of you I’ll be clear that it’s quirky and older. You get everything you need and they even let you borrow the rest”) They really try to make your stay as good as possible.
Rufino and Anthony were great. We stayed in King room 122 back by lil garden, nice oasis. Then moved to double queen 106 just off sun deck overlooking Carlsbad boulevard and beach.
Everything is within walking distance, so pour yourself a drink, kick back and enjoy your stay:)

9÷29÷14
Location, location, location!!! Found this motel online checked the reviews, called and made a reservation… so glad we did, the staff is very nice and it’s directly across from the beach and a great little sea food place.
Can’t wait to go again and stay longer… Oh and did I mention the price was great, room is not fancy but there is a refer, and microwave… :)

One should have no reservations about staying here but one might want to make one!
Like other reviewers, my opinion of this place is mediocre to good.
Is the hotel; Outdated? Yes? Musty? At first! Clean? Very! Location? Awesome! Staff? Awesome!
The Armenian restaurant next door has great breakfast, lunch, and dinner too! Frau seafood across the street and plenty of dining options and a farmers market within walking distance.
I’d stay again!

We found the Surf Motel by luck. It’s not fancy, but it’s quiet and clean. Carlsbad is a classic Southern California beach town and the Surf has old school charm. No frills, but extremely clean and quiet. Bob and his wife were gracious and hospitable, providing 5 star service in this humble small motel.
The purpose of our brief trip was family business — and we pretty much dreaded it. The Surf Motel staff made a bad trip bearable with their kindness and quality service. The coffee at their breakfast bar was pretty darned good, too.
If you are looking for a bargain spot with family-​friendly amenities, try the Surf Motel in Carlsbad.

I saw this place while exploring the beaches of Carlsbad. I vowed to stay here knowing it would be economical and location is awesome! We arrived a couple hours before the designated check in and we were allowed to check in! So great… spent the afternoon on the beach. It is beautiful here in Carlsbad. And the value of the room made it possible for me and my kids to experience North County beaches. Rooms are much better than other pics… we also had a refrigerator and microwave. Good to know for next time. Accommodations are clean. Beds comfortable. A good place if you intend to lay on the beach and not expect 5 star hotel room décor. I’ll be back for sure.

I’ve stayed here once a year for the past three years, and have yet to be disappointed. Stones throw from the OCEAN and easy stroll into «downtown» Carlsbad (State Street) and tons of other awesome restaurants around, most that are a good deal!
I’ve only stayed here late fall /​winter and at 79 bux a night it’s an incredible bargain.
Did I mention the LOCATION? See you next year Surf Motel – if not sooner!