From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed at the adorable SpringHill Suites Oceanside by Marriott. This hotel—just two blocks from the beach and two blocks from the train station in Oceanside, California—invites families to make themselves comfortable.
FAMILY WEEKEND: 3 Great Days in Oceanside, California
With an extensive breakfast buffet, beach accessory and activities available to borrow, and a rooftop pool, my family had everything it needed for a fun visit to this Southern California beach town.
Things to Know About SpringHill Suites Oceanside by Marriott
- A car-free getaway to Oceanside is totally do-able here. Roll your bag around the corner from the train station where the charming COASTER commuter rail stops and you’re ready to start your vacation.
- In addition to walkability from the train, you’ll find the beach just two blocks out the door, and Oceanside’s pier a stone’s throw from there.
- If you’re keen to explore the region in a car, LEGOLAND is just a 15-minute drive down Highway 5, and you can be at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo in under an hour.
- A wide variety of breakfast options are available across two buffet lines, so even the pickiest eaters in my family found something to start their day.
- My family loved the rooftop pool and hot tub as a place to relax and refresh after a day of salt and sand.
- The now-common Destination Amenity Fee is part of your stay, and you get more than your money’s worth with beach rentals (wagon, surfboard, towels, spikeball, chairs, etc.) for up to three hours, as well as a welcome drink and $35 credit towards Hello Betty, the adorable restaurant next door.
What Families Need to Know About SpringHill Suites Oceanside
Rooms include either two queens + trundle or one king + trundle, with the trundle as part of a couch that is offset from the main room with a room-dividing desk set up. Though not entirely a separate room, your family members will feel like they have their own space, and a swiveling television allows for you to share or do your own thing. You may want to choose a partial ocean view or deluxe suite to make sure your room isn’t train track-adjacent; however city view rooms include white noise machines if the already noise-quieting windows don’t do the trick.
DREAMY CALIFORNIA: 7 California Getaway Ideas for Couples
On the food front, guests start each day with an awesome and robust breakfast buffet. The prime location of SpringHill Suites means that lots of dining choices are within walking distance. You’ll have $35 credit at Hello Betty, and its festive atmosphere and extensive lunch and dinner menus make it a great stop for families. The delicious Craft Coast Beer and Tacos is just a block away, and Blade 1936’s gourmet Italian menu has something for everyone in your family.
What stood out to our family at this particular SpringHill Suites is the awesome and well-stocked Board House. It boasts all sorts of rentals which are included in your Amenity Fee; we borrowed a wagon, towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, kadima (paddleball), and spikeball (it’s likely they limit what you can borrow during more peak travel times) after enjoying our free beverages. On our non-beach/exploration day, we took bikes around town. These options, paired with the rooftop pool and hot tub, make this SpringHill Suites feel like a mini, in-city resort, perfect for families.
SpringHill Suites Oceanside Reviews
SpringHill Suites Oceanside/Downtown earns a rating of 8.5 out of 10 on Kayak, 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, and 8.5 out of 10 on Booking.com. Reviewers praise the awesome location, the approachable and helpful staff, and the convenience of a rooftop pool and hot tub.
Important Details About SpringHill Suites Oceanside/Downtown
Location
Because of Oceanside’s central location on the Southern California coast, this quaint beach town is easily accessible from throughout the region. We flew into San Diego, hopped a free shuttle to the train, and took the inexpensive COASTER double-decker train straight there; from airplane seat to hotel lobby was about 1.5 hours (yes, we did get lucky on the shuttle arrival and train link).
BEST TRIP EVER: 50 Best Family Vacation Ideas for All Ages
Also easy is a less than one-hour drive from both John Wayne (Orange County) and San Diego airports. If driving the coast, Oceanside is a quick jaunt off the Highway 5.
Centrally located near the beach and downtown’s shops, restaurants, and Surf Museum, the hotel positions you to easily explore the town you on foot or bike. And, Oceanside has its very own in-city door-to-door, open air minibus called the gO’side Shuttle—it’s easy and the drivers are super friendly and informative.
The Property
The SpringHill Suites’ spacious lobby has places to sit, relax, enjoy a meal or drink. In the lobby, the Board Room (where you go to borrow beach gear) is to the left and the breakfast buffet is to the right. Rooms are accessible by a key-entry elevator and take guests to both rooms and the rooftop fitness center, pool, and hot tub.
With its center city location, the hotel has food, shopping, and sightseeing in every direction. If you’re bringing a car, the hotel offers a valet parking package through the end of the year.
Rooms
SpringHill Suites is reliable in its room set up: every room shares the same set-up of a sleeping area separated from a sitting area with a trundle bed and desk. At this location, you can choose from city view (facing east), deluxe (facing west, north or south) or partial ocean view (corner suites). Choose a balcony room for a bit of extra space. Bathrooms include shower and bath, and the hotel has ADA accessible rooms.
Activities
In addition to its fitness, pool, and hot tub, SpringHill Suites Oceanside/Downtown has a great outdoor dining/event space on the second floor for gatherings. Keep an eye out for movie nights and yoga on the patio, and packages such as “To All a Free Night” (3rd night free) or “Beach and Snow Winter Package”.
Dining
Hello Betty and the included breakfast buffet are right on property, but if you’re looking for other dining options, Oceanside has plenty of options. Our favorites were Craft Coast Tacos and The Switchboard.
