For families visiting the popular LEGOLAND California resort theme park, an overnight stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel can extend their vacation in an awesome way! If you’re curious about what to expect at the LEGOLAND Hotel California, this review includes tips for enjoying the kid’s programming, room options, dining and what not to miss.
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I received complimentary admission to the LEGOLAND theme park but purchased my own overnight hotel accommodations. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What to Expect at the LEGOLAND Hotel in California
The LEGOLAND Hotel is touted as one of the top themed hotels in the United States. From LEGO-themed play areas, dance parties, a disco elevator and nightly children’s entertainment, the LEGOLAND California Hotel brings the LEGO experience to all guests.
Moving into the guest rooms, families can choose from pirate, adventure, wizard or princess themed rooms that are full of LEGO surprises.
This is my honest review of an overnight stay of the resort hotel. Keep reading to get more details on what to expect at the LEGOLAND Hotel including where to eat, what to do with kids and how to choose the right room for your family.
Where Is the LEGOLAND Hotel?
The LEGOLAND Hotel is conveniently located within just a few steps from the front entrance of the LEGOLAND California theme park, Sea Life Aquarium and LEGOLAND water park.
The LEGOLAND Hotel is in Carlsbad, California. This vibrant city in north San Diego is known for miles of beaches, a wide variety of restaurants and a popular shopping outlet. The nearest beach is a short 10 minute drive from LEGOLAND.
The newer LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is equally distanced, just across a walkway from the original hotel. The LEGOLAND Hotel in California and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel are a spirited extension of the theme park experience.
Read more about the best family things to do in Carlsbad California. I mention many of the fun things to do in the area including the Carlsbad Flower Fields, Water sports on Aqua Hedionda Lagoon, Carlsbad Premium Outlets and the Museum of Making Music.
Southern California Discount Travel
My travel partners at Get Away Today offer both discounted theme park tickets and SoCal-area hotels to fit any budget! Many hotels include exclusive discounts like free parking, complimentary breakfast or even free nights, just for booking through Get Away Today.
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LEGOLAND Resort Hotel Check In Process
Check-in takes place remotely, via your smart device or through email. I received a message to check in. Within a few hours, receive another text that my room was ready. Once at the hotel, I was able to scan the QR code in my text link to complete the process.
The self-serve kiosk in the lobby quickly assigned me a key and room number (after scanning my credit card for possible incidentals). There is still a host at the front desk area for assistance, if you need it.
Kid-Friendly Activities at the LEGOLAND Hotel in California
The awesome family fun starts before you even step foot inside! A LEGO dragon roars and snorts smoke from above the carport as you approach the hotel front entrance.
Once inside the lobby there are with several LEGO-themed places to play. While parents check in at the kiosk, kids can build with LEGO bricks in the nearby pit. There is also a massive mini figure display across the entire lobby wall.
Follow the ramp to the upper level where a LEGO pirate play ship continues the entertainment. Parents can grab at a snack or drink at Mini’s Lounge. Then sit in nearby chairs while kids enjoy the play area.
Want to meet actual LEGO characters? Throughout the day in the lobby look for the various character meet ‘n greets!
More Kid’s Fun at the LEGOLAND Hotel
When heading upstairs to the hotel rooms, kids and adults will enjoy the disco elevators that play different music on each ride.
The hallways on each floor are themed to that section, including photo ops with LEGO figures.
Check in with the LEGOLAND app for the details on nightly kids entertainment. Offerings for kid’s activities and programming may include a dance party, interactive story time, LEGO building challenge or additional games run by LEGO staff members.
Other than that there is also a gaming arcade, interactive LEGO features in the hallways, and fitness center (for adults). At the Castle Hotel, guests of either hotel can take part in outdoor movies and a play yard for kids.
Check out my LEGOLAND Instagram highlight for more of our LEGOLAND Hotel adventures including the disco elevator and treasure hunt!
LEGOLAND Hotel Treasure Hunt
The treasure hunt within the LEGOLAND Hotel is a really fun (and free) addition to your overnight stay. Access the LEGOLAND hotel portal on your smart phone to get started. There’s a section for the treasure hunt under “Entertainment”.
Simply answer a few questions about common areas in the hotel lobby during the scavenger hunt. Guests who answer correctly are sent a code that unlocks the treasure chest inside their hotel room.
What’s inside the treasure box? Each guest may receive a different prize but it will be LEGO themed! Kids are be able to take the prize home with them. *Spoiler* Our box included two LEGO bagged kit sets and a copy of the LEGO magazine.
Themed Rooms at the LEGOLAND Hotel
Theming at the LEGOLAND Hotel in California is exciting, both for kids and grown ups alike! The vacation fun starts with the planning process. Guests may choose their room’s theme when booking the hotel.
- Pirate
- LEGO Friends
- Kingdom
- LEGO Ninjago
- Adventure
What is a LEGOLAND Hotel Fully Themed Room? – When booking on the LEGOLAND website, there’s an option to choose a “fully themed” room. This means the LEGO theming has been plussed up a few notches. Entry doors of fully themed room are decorated, there’s more detail in the rooms and there are more LEGO master builder models.
Our LEGOLAND Hotel room theme was Adventure. As you’ll see in the images, the space was filled with “Indiana Jones” type inspiration. For reference, our Adventure room was fully themed, as shown in the photos throughout this article.
What’s In the Rooms at LEGOLAND Hotel?
Every room at the LEGOLAND Hotel in California is styled like a family suite. Expect to find larger-than-usual rooms with lots of space for guests to spread out. Small touches here make a LEGOLAND Hotel vacation great for all ages.
The separate kid’s sleeping area is impressive with several sleeping configurations. Multiple televisions are a plus. Even the bathroom with a shower tub, step stool and adjustable toilet seat make the space great for younger guests.
The main bedroom space has a comfortable king sized bed. There’s also a desk and lounge space. Some rooms offer a balcony. Each room has a mini-fridge and coffee maker with both coffee and hot cocoa pods.
We found the room at the LEGOLAND Hotel to be extremely clean, with lots of room and storage space. Decorative wallpapers add creative character throughout the space. LEGO models on shelves and walls are a creative touch that delighted my kids.
Kid-Friendly Touches in LEGOLAND Hotel Rooms
Standard rooms sleep up to 5, while suites sleep up to 7 guests. Each room has a king bed, bunk bed and trundle. The suites offer the addition of a queen sized sofa sleeper.
The kid’s sleeping space is ideal for parents and kids who enjoy a separate area. My kids loved the separate themed room just for them, including the bunk beds and television set.
There is a bin of LEGOS to enjoy during your stay at the hotel. The kids pulled out the trundle bed (stored under the bottom bunk) and played together with LEGOS for hours!
Dining in the LEGOLAND Hotel
Each of the LEGOLAND Hotels has on-site full-service dining. Important note: Reservations are required for all hotel dining! Make a reservation through the LEGOLAND app, under the “Hotel Dining” tab.
Bricks Family Buffet Restaurant
Breakfast buffet at Bricks is included in the cost of your overnight stay. Yes, the rare complimentary breakfast is offered at the LEGOLAND Hotel! LEGOLAND hotel guests must make a dining reservation in the app to access the free buffet breakfast.
Look for breakfast staples like pancakes, sausage and bacon, fresh fruit, omelet station and self-serve beverages. The buffet offers kid-friendly options at a child height island. Non-hotel guests may pay to dine at the Bricks breakfast buffet. Bricks also offers a dinner buffet.
Skyline Lounge
The lounge offers a vast a la carte menu and full bar. Kids can enjoy the play area while parents eat leisurely. Look for appetizers, soups & salads, flatbreads, burgers and sandwiches. The kid’s menu has the usual burgers, quesadilla, macaroni and cheese or chicken tenders, with fries.
Mini’s Lounge
Located in the LEGOLAND Hotel lobby, no reservations needed for this walk-up location. There are morning coffee and breakfast options, all-day drinks and snacks, and an evening happy hour.
LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
The LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is a short few minute walk across the entrance pathway. Cross the drawbridge and enter the Castle Hotel.
Just like at the original LEGOLAND Hotel, there’s a LEGO play moat in the lobby. This area is decorated with in a castle theme (naturally) with lots of wizards and dragons.
Dragon’s Den Restaurant & Bar
The Dragon’s Den restaurant and bar are on the second floor, accessed by the staircase in the lobby. There’s a kid-friendly slide that runs parallel to the first set of stairs, which most children will enjoy a few times as parents ascend.
Guests of the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel eat at Dragon’s Den for the free breakfast buffet. Dragon’s Den is a full-service restaurant with kid’s menu options and a bar.
The kids and I dined from the a la carte menu for dinner during our stay. Expect to find similar items to what is served at the Skyline Lounge at the LEGOLAND Hotel across the walkway. There are some upscale entrees and an expanded kid’s menu that includes salmon and steak.
While waiting to be seated, we enjoyed watching the restaurant host a fun LEGO building contest. Participating children described their creations over the microphone, an adorable experience which was worth the cost of dinner alone!
Castle Hotel Outdoor Movies
Guests at either of the LEGOLAND Hotels may take part in this activity.
Castle Hotel Outdoor Play Structure
Children staying at either of the LEGOLAND Hotels in California may access this playground space. There’s a traditional play structure as well as a fenced-in toddler play area encompassing the castle play area.
Rooms at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
Just like at the LEGOLAND Hotel, the Castle Hotel also offers rooms and suites themed around popular LEGO lines. Standard rooms sleep 5, while suites sleep up to 7.
- Knights and Dragons
- Royal Princess
- Magic Wizard
Swimming Pools at LEGOLAND Hotels in California
For swimming, there is an outdoor pool area at both the LEGOLAND Hotel and Castle Hotel. Both offer basic pools with floating pool toys (ie: LEGO bricks) and shaded lounge chairs around the deck. Guests of each hotel are welcome to “pool hop” and swim at the hotel next door.
The LEGOLAND Hotel pool isn’t extensive or fancy. There aren’t any water slides or a hot tub. The swimming area at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is a little more entertaining, with a few themed in-pool water features.
Poolside Cabana – Reserve a private area next to the pool with seating, shade covering and food service. Cabanas can be rented at both of the hotel pools using the online reservation system. Each cabana rental comes with lounge, chairs, table, two souvenir LEGOLAND beach towels, tote bag and bottled waters.
LEGOLAND Water Park – The water park inside of the LEGOLAND theme park is a must-do for families visiting during warm weather. The cost of the water park option is extra, but the extensive waterslides and water play areas are a bonus to the theme park day.
Guests looking for an expanded water play day should purchase a LEGOLAND ticket with water park access. The LEGOLAND water park is open seasonally.
What to Expect at the LEGOLAND Hotel – Pros & Cons
For anyone on the fence about booking a stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel California, these are the pros and cons to help you weigh the decision.
CONS of the LEGOLAND Hotel
- Wi-fi – Internet wi-fi was poor, at least in the room my family stayed in. Perhaps it was the location, which was at the farthest end away from the lobby. Unfortunately I could only get a brief connection before it would cut off. Since I usually work on my laptop on trips like this after my kids go to bed, this was disappointing to say the least.
- Limited theme park calendar – The LEGOLAND theme park is not open every day. During the off-peak season, the parks may only be open on select days during the week. Be sure to check the LEGOLAND park calendar before booking your hotel overnight.
- Cost – Higher cost than other hotels in the area.
- Could be overwhelming – There is nothing relaxing about this colorful destination hotel. Every inch is themed and there’s no escaping the LEGO awesomeness. The constant intensity could prove to be overwhelming for some children (and adults).
PROS to Staying at the LEGOLAND Hotel
- Proximity to the LEGOLAND park entrance – The hotels are literally within a few steps from the main entrance of LEGOLAND California, making it the ideal accommodations for families that like to return to their room during the day. For guests with young children that need to nap, the ability to access their hotel room within minutes is a highlight.
- Free breakfast – The complimentary hot breakfast buffet is a rarity in the hotel business. This hearty meal is a cost saver for families.
- LEGOLAND Early Entry – Hotel guests receive early access to the LEGOLAND theme park. Check the LEGOLAND California app to verify exactly when you’ll be permitted to enter.
- Designed with kids in mind – Guests may make special requests for additional items to make their stay with younger children more comfortable. Items like bed rails for the bunk bed, pack ‘n play, rubber bath mat and DUPLO toy bricks can make vacation with babies and toddlers easier. In addition, quiet time hours are enforced between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am, which can assist with bedtime.
LEGOLAND Hotel – Is it Worth the Cost?
The cost and value of any product is always subjective. But is the LEGOLAND Hotel worth the cost? My opinion is that the expense is equal to the amenities. There are considerable perks for booking a LEGOLAND hotel overnight.
In comparison to the hotels of the Disneyland Resort, the cost of staying on-site at the LEGOLAND Hotel in California is a bargain. The LEGO hotel rooms are large, there are extensive kid’s activities and the all-you-care-to-eat breakfast buffet is included in the cost of a standard room. Plus the hotels are within a few feet of the front gate and hotel guests receive early entry.
However, the value of staying at the LEGOLAND Hotel is only great if you actually take advantage of the accommodations. Take the time to do the included kid’s entertainment. Go to the free breakfast buffet, participate in the treasure hunt and use early entry to get your money’s worth of the overnight price.
How Many Nights to Stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel in California?
If you’re able to swing the cost, consider staying at one of the LEGOLAND hotels for each night of your vacation. At the least, book a stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel the night before your park visit.
If you’re going to pay the premium cost for staying at this on-site hotel, make sure you have time in your itinerary to enjoy the resorts. Guests should check in then explore the hotel including the treasure hunt, swimming pool, kid’s programming, and play areas.
In fact, the LEGOLAND Hotel in California is so much fun, your kids may not want to leave for the theme parks!
Are There Other Hotels Near LEGOLAND?
Cassara Carlsbad, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – Within walking distance to LEGOLAND via a private pedestrian entrance, this hotel is also near the Flower Fields, a Carlsbad seasonal highlight. A free shuttle takes guests to other area destinations including the local San Diego beaches.
Homewood Suites Carlsbad – Located less than 15 minutes drive from LEGOLAND theme park. In-suite kitchens in the one-bedroom suites are a nice choice for guests who want to prepare their own meals. Complimentary full breakfast too, for those guests who don’t want to cook!
Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa – A dedicated pathway to the LEGOLAND entrance makes this off-site hotel a great choice. The comfortable beds, spa and beautiful pool with waterslide make the Sheraton Carlsbad a top option.
Extend Your San Diego Vacation
There’s plenty to explore in the San Diego areas. Check out these additional ways to spend your days in Southern California!
LEGOLAND Halloween California Brick-or-Treat Party Nights – This fall season extra ticketed event is an annual favorite, held inside the LEGOLAND theme park.
San Diego Beaches for Kids and Families – The beaches in Carlsbad are some of the best in SoCal. Get the top tips on other family friendly beaches in the area.
50 Ultimate Sesame Place San Diego Tips – Younger kids will enjoy this Sesame Street theme park that includes both amusement park rides and water rides.
San Diego Zoo with Kids and Families – The World-famous zoo is family friendly for all ages!
