West Inn & Suites Review for Families or Couples

Like most parents, my husband and I don’t get as much time as we’d like for romantic pursuits. So, when I was invited by West Inn & Suites to check out their digs, I begged my mom and dad to watch the kids one night so we could duck out for a 24-hour getaway at this boutique hotel in Carlsbad, California — just a short drive from our home in San Diego (33 miles from the San Diego International Airport). Here’s why to book a stay at West Inn & Suites for a romantic getaway or family vacation.

West Inn & Suites, Carlsbad, CA
West Inn & Suites in Carlsbad, California (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

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West Inn & Suites Decor & Amenities

This hotel’s lobby has the feel of a small inn or bed & breakfast with dark wood and cozy decor. Despite its homey feel, the hotel holds 86 guest rooms (including 36 suites). The rooms have a sleek, modern feel with fresh orchid blooms. West features the amenities of an upscale hotel, all with an affordable price tag. The tree-lined heated outdoor pool and whirlpool spa provide a lovely retreat after a day touring the sites or shopping at the nearby outlet stores.

Pool West Inn & Suites
West Inn’s outdoor pool (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

West Inn & Suites Romantic Options

We needed to burn off at least part of our meal to make room for the evening’s food extravaganza yet to come. We walked a couple of short blocks to the Carlsbad Seawall path, which led us along the ocean into Carlsbad’s small downtown to peruse a handful of boutiques and surf shops.

There is a pressure, when kid-free, to make the most of every minute of alone-time. We toyed with the idea of renting jet skis at Carlsbad Lagoon, or renting a bicycle-built-for-two on which to tool around town. If it had been spring, we could have headed to the Carlsbad Flower Fields to wander amongst rows of colorful blooms.

We opted for relaxation instead. Back at our room, we found a bottle of bubbly with two flutes, a plate of fortune cookies and chocolate-covered strawberries. We snuggled up in bed to watch Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds (yummy!) in “The Proposal” while we munched our fruity treats. In the middle of the afternoon. Without interruption. What could be more romantic?

West Steak and Seafood
Macadamia nut-crusted brie with mango chutney at toasted brioche at West Steak and Seafood (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Chef’s Tasting Dinner at West Steak and Seafood

We didn’t go so far as to open the bottle of champagne, but my husband and I did opt for a cocktail at the bar before being seated for dinner in the West Steak and Seafood. Our bartender was just as friendly as the other West staff we encountered. He recommended the Blueberry Heaven Martini, a sweet-tart concoction he proudly invented made with a housemade blueberry-infused simple syrup.

Our five-course meal commenced with a plate of fresh oysters. I am proud to say I tried my first oyster that night. This led to my discovery that oysters are not for me. Apparently, they are for my husband. He gobbled up the rest of the platter.

My favorite part of the meal was a macadamia nut-crusted brie with mango chutney and toasted brioche starter. We also enjoyed risotto with mushroom and truffle pâté (a tad undercooked, but with delicious, earthy flavors) and surf n’ turf of filet mignon with cauliflower purée and port wine reduction plus lobster with tarragon beurre blanc. To top off our heavenly meal, we shared bananas foster with vanilla bean ice cream. (Well, I allowed my husband a bite or two!)

Yes, it was as good as it sounds. No, you cannot order the same thing. Our meal was a tasting menu designed and created just for us that evening by the chef de cuisine. Anyone (not just hotel guests) can arrange for a special tasting menu by contacting the West Inn & Suites concierge. Preferences and allergies can be specified.

West Inn and Suites pet check-in
Dog treats are available for furry guests at check-in (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Kid-Friendly Stuff at West Inn & Suites

It’s no wonder West Inn & Suites is such a popular spot for vacationing families who enjoy the hotel’s proximity and free shuttle to LEGOLAND California and anywhere else within five miles. Other kid-friendly touches? There’s a complimentary full breakfast every morning, with a selection of board games to borrow in the breakfast area. You’ll also find a microwave and refrigerator in every room. And there’s complimentary WI-FI, great for web surfing while children nap. Pet parents will be happy to know Fluffy and Fido are also welcomed at West Inn & Suites (at an additional charge).

Whether traveling with the kids or pets or without, I wholeheartedly recommend West Inn & Suites. Read more reviews and book your stay at West Inn & Suites now!

What would you do with 24 hours free from your kids? Tell us in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: West Inn & Suites hosted our stay and our meals. All opinions are my own. I would never recommend something I don’t truly like, especially wholeheartedly!

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3 Comments

  1. I also completely agree with your recommendation! We stayed at the West Inn & Suites last June and absolutely LOVED it! In fact, we are heading back there for a longer stay this coming June. We can’t wait to be pampered there again!

  2. I concur. I love this place and everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome. I felt there was a sincere ieffort to make us and all their guests feel special. I wholeheartedly recommend.