I actually accidently booked this hotel through Orbitz thinking I’d booked a different property. I realized my error upon arrival to Carlsbad and headed, with a bit of dread, to the Roadway. Of course, prior to my arrival, I looked up the Roadway Inn on Tripadvisor to see what others were saying and if I should simply cancel the booking and stay at the property I’d thought I’d originally booked. I noted that the reviews were mixed and giving in to my eternal frugality, I decided to give it a try.

I can say that I was indeed surprised at the value for a $60.00 per night room. I grew up in this area and know how old this hotel is and what it used to be like. They OBVIOUSLY renovated as it was on its dying breath when I last saw it a number of years ago. While I see many reviewers complaining about the hotel staff, I found the lady who checked me in to be polite and friendly. My room was clean with all the amenities needed for an overnight stay. The room had a flat screen TV, little refrigerator and microwave, king size bed (it was only me there), and all needed toiletries. I always request the second floor (which I was granted) and was on the back end of the hotel, so freeway noise was unnoticeable. I found the bed very comfortable and the room overall perfectly fine for my needs on this trip. In the morning, they provided coffee, juice and boxed pastries, all of which were fine for a morning snack. Lastly, the hotel was completely full but I never heard anybody around me.

I again advise those using these reviews as a travel guide to disregard reviewers that are complaining about the small breakfast, room size or other amenities that they feel they should have been provided to them. This is a very old hotel and if you look hard enough, you will find flaws. These rooms go for approximately $60.00 per night! As a former partner in an accounting firm, I can say that owning and operating a hotel is very expensive. When considering mortgages, utilities, insurances, payroll, taxes and operational expenses, to think you are going to be in a high-end, all inclusive hotel at $60.00 (or even $100.00) per night is simply not reasonable. Those reviewers should move on down the road to the Four Seasons ($325.00 per night) or perhaps the Park Hyatt ($375.00 per night) where they can expect the amenities that they are then paying for. For everybody else that is looking for a clean, budget friendly hotel, this is definitely one to have on their list. I would definitely stay at this property again.