Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Carlsbad

We were told about the sandbox and my friend's children had to go exploring. Five minutes into the visit, cars pull up and start unloading dogs. There were probably 10-12 dogs running around, some without a leash. The owners didn't even call them when they approached the children. Needless to say, the dogs left fecal matter everywhere. FIVE stars? Really????...

Whether its the spa, the resort, the landscaping, the live music in the lodge, the concierge, the breakfast cafe, or the pools, the answer is the same -- extraordinary, relaxing, wish we were back there now. The staff is incredibly friendly with impeccable attention to detail. We requested surf lessons as a non-scheduled time -- no problem. My husband needed a sandwich-to-go before we jumped in the car -- no problem. When we checked in they upgraded us to a suite. There is much more to say but the bottom line is if you can make this work for your travel plans, go, stay and enjoy the resort.

Very wonderful location, the rooms are extremely nice. I have a Residence there, I reccommend that, it saves money rather than paying each time, plus it's bigger. People who work there are very friendly, food is spectacular. When you arrive by drive for the Residence Club @ Aviara they give you Strawberry Kiwi juice and hot towels. :) I highly reccommend it!

This is a fantastic Hotel.. so beautiful.. The golf is amazing and so is the view! I highly recommend this hotel when you are in the San Diego area!

Beware of credit card fraud at FS aviara - actually not as serious as to be called fraud. But it may develop to a fraud if it goes further out of bound. For a reputable hotel, it should be strict in their use of customer credit card. It happened on Dec 31 2005 which is two days after I checked out. They secured $1,600 on 31st in addition to ~$2000 on 27th. So they secured ~$7000 including the amount I paid on 29th (~$3300). The $2000 should have been cancelled when I checked out having paid $3300, but FS didn't. I contacted FS aviara (Jan 5 2006) but no response yet (Jan 7 2006). The ~$3600 is not, and will not be, paid, but my card is disabled temporarily because my credit limit of ~$10k was exceeded. It may happen to you in another form, and it is ok if it is a pure mistake and if FS tries to solve it fast once it happens. FS do not seem to. I expected at aviara the same grade of food I experienced a year ago at FS Newport beach (now extinct). The hotel needs a new food and beverage manager. In any circumstances, decent dishes shouldn't be salty as served both in vivace and in cal bistro of FS aviara. Not a good experience. The rooms are just fine, not gorgeous, but dark facing northwest. The location of the hotel isn't great. Neither convenient and cute little town nor a great scenic area. You have to drive for miles to get anywhere.

I love the nice people as you are greeting at the front desk. Upon arriving to our room they had it set up for our daughter with a fresh cookie, decorated bathtub, and little stuffed frog on the bed. Room service is great with lots of great places to eat. The pool staff is great...on top of things. Overall a great family place to stay. V. Anderson

It was so nice to sit around the pool and be served fresh fruit. The staff know your needs after the first day and call you by name. The only negative is the rather steep price.

The location was amazing and conveniently located near San Diego. Fantastic golf course and tropical environment. The sunsets are breathtaking!

Kids For All Seasons has great activities for children! The decor is tasteful and elegant. A great place for couples, and families with children.

This is a super resort/hotel. great rooms and buildings and the prices is most certainly worth it. villas are also great for a family. try other four seasons at jackson hole in wyoming which is also wondeful.