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Our top choices for Lake San Marcos hotels

1. Lakehouse Resort

Lakehouse Resort
4.0 star property
Lake San Marcos
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,959 reviews)
"Loved staying there. It was very relaxing and peaceful."
United States
Maureen
The price is NZ$261
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Lakehouse Resort

2. Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad

Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad
3.5 star property
Vista
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (2,185 reviews)
"It was a great stay! Close to Legoland and the breakfast was great"
United States
Heather
The price is NZ$272
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad

3. Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North San Marcos

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North San Marcos
3.0 star property
San Marcos
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Great accommodations"
United States
Lekeshia
The price is NZ$264
includes taxes & fees
13 Dec - 14 Dec
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North San Marcos

4. Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad

Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad
3.0 star property
Vista
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,204 reviews)
"The breakfast was great parking was great the hot tub was the best , staff was very helpful !"
United States
Sandra
The price is NZ$218
includes taxes & fees
13 Dec - 14 Dec
Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad

5. Holiday Inn Carlsbad by IHG

Holiday Inn Carlsbad by IHG
3.0 star property
Bressi Ranch
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,009 reviews)
"Very Clean easy and great breakfast!"
United States
Patrick
The price is NZ$236
includes taxes & fees
13 Dec - 14 Dec
Holiday Inn Carlsbad by IHG

6. Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos

Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos
3.0 star property
San Marcos
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,001 reviews)
"Clean room friendly staff great breakfast"
United States
Laura
The price is NZ$299
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos

7. TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Vista

TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Vista
3.0 star property
Vista
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (776 reviews)
"Staff were friendly, room was clean and breakfast was good"
United States
Allan
The price is NZ$242
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Vista

8. Extended Stay America Premier Suites - San Diego - San Marcos

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - San Diego - San Marcos
2.5 star property
San Marcos
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,034 reviews)
"Always great staff and clean rooms"
United States
chris
The price is NZ$232
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - San Diego - San Marcos

9. Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA

Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA
2.5 star property
San Marcos
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Great place to stay."
United States
Pedro
The price is NZ$250
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA

10. Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos
2.0 star property
San Marcos
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,000 reviews)
"Property was clean and good for a 1 night stay."
United States
Jennifer
The price is NZ$141
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

11. Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido

Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido
3.5 star property
Escondido
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,003 reviews)
"Loved the last minute availability, close proximity to Safari Park, snacks, & morning buffet, free parking & friendly staff."
United States
Monica
The price is NZ$241
includes taxes & fees
13 Dec - 14 Dec
Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido

12. Staybridge Suites Carlsbad by IHG

Staybridge Suites Carlsbad by IHG
3.0 star property
Bressi Ranch
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,003 reviews)
"This location is great."
United States
Latarsha
The price is NZ$314
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Staybridge Suites Carlsbad by IHG

13. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad
3.0 star property
City Center
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Staff super polite place is nice and very well located"
United States
Rolando
The price is NZ$256
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad

14. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Escondido Downtown

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Escondido Downtown
3.0 star property
Central Escondido
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Clean and great staff. Great value! Would stay again!"
United States
Ian
The price is NZ$255
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Escondido Downtown

15. Best Western Carlsbad by the Sea

Best Western Carlsbad by the Sea
2.5 star property
South Beach
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1,556 reviews)
"Great place to stay, loved it"
United States
Jorge Adrian
The price is NZ$202
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Best Western Carlsbad by the Sea

16. Residence Inn by Marriott Carlsbad

Residence Inn by Marriott Carlsbad
3.0 star property
City Center
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,000 reviews)
"Great breakfast, room clean"
United States
Ling
The price is NZ$354
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Residence Inn by Marriott Carlsbad

17. The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

The Encinitan Hotel & Suites
3.0 star property
Downtown Encinitas
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,756 reviews)
"Very decent hotel, we had a wonderful stay. would love to visit again."
United States
Jason
The price is NZ$257
includes taxes & fees
13 Dec - 14 Dec
The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

18. Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad

Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad
3.0 star property
City Center
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,003 reviews)
"Breakfast is easy being all inclusive and helping you get out the door fast, especially with kids. It’s your standard no frills included buffet breakfast with make your own waffles."
United States
Mandy
The price is NZ$256
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad

19. Hampton Inn Carlsbad-North San Diego County

Hampton Inn Carlsbad-North San Diego County
2.5 star property
Aviara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,000 reviews)
"Great stay"
United States
Heather
The price is NZ$235
includes taxes & fees
13 Dec - 14 Dec
Hampton Inn Carlsbad-North San Diego County

20. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carlsbad Beach by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carlsbad Beach by IHG
2.5 star property
South Beach
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,002 reviews)
"overall great place to stay"
United States
robert
The price is NZ$188
includes taxes & fees
13 Dec - 14 Dec
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carlsbad Beach by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Hotels recommended for families in Lake San Marcos

Stay near popular Lake San Marcos attractions

Learn more about Lake San Marcos

Paddle a kayak across the serene waters of Lake San Marcos, where fishing enthusiasts cast lines for bass and bluegill. Golf lovers can tee off at the St. Mark Golf Club, while nearby Carlsbad offers beautiful beaches and LEGOLAND for family adventures.

A coastal town with a lake, surrounded by mountains and greenery.

Top Lake San Marcos Hotel Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Lake San Marcos?

The best area to stay in Lake San Marcos is around the main lake area, particularly near the Lake San Marcos Executive Golf Course and the Lodge at Lake San Marcos.


This central area is the heart of activity, offering immediate access to the lake itself. You'll find a collection of restaurants, a marina, and various recreational facilities all within a short stroll. The main street running through this area is Lake San Marcos Drive, which connects directly to the local amenities and provides scenic views of the water. It's a cohesive and well-maintained part of town, designed for visitor enjoyment.


Couples looking for a relaxed and convenient escape will find this area particularly appealing. You can easily enjoy a round of golf, hire a paddleboat on the lake, or simply unwind by the water with dinner. The proximity of everything means less travel time and more time to enjoy your holiday together.


For those travelling with family, the area around the lake also offers excellent options. The availability of water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, alongside walking paths and nearby parks, provides plenty of entertainment for all ages.

When is the best time to go to Lake San Marcos?

The best time to go to Lake San Marcos for pleasant weather and outdoor activities is generally from late spring to early autumn, specifically from May to October.


During these months, you'll experience warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall, which is ideal for enjoying the lake itself and the surrounding attractions. The temperatures are comfortable for golfing, exploring the local trails, or simply relaxing by the water.


For those looking to enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply swimming, the summer months of July and August offer the warmest lake temperatures. However, this is also peak season, so the area might be busier.


If you prefer slightly milder temperatures and fewer crowds, May, June, September, and October are excellent choices.

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Lake San Marcos.

How can I save on a hotel booking in Lake San Marcos with Expedia?

One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Lake San Marcos hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Lake San Marcos?

Prices for hotels in Lake San Marcos often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$140 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.

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