I'm very much doubting Trip Advisor and these reviews. The people who rate this high must have no reference to a quality hotel. This place is a converted 1950's apartment and is not on the beach and there are no views. There is nothing luxury about it. We got there, were horrified and left. Room was musty, small and didn't even have enough seats for our party.
When I made reservation I specifically asked if we could smoke outside. The women said yes as long as slider was closed. We were supposed to be on an upper level. They put us in a room off a courtyard with no balcony and no slider. They kept telling us there was a wedding a half of the property was being used.
They not only charged us the deposit but also kept the 2nd night charge. In my opinion this is theft. Not a way to run a business. Manager is clueless and has no idea how to treat customers..
For a better deal, go a bit further south to The Tamarack which does have ocean views, light airy rooms and is less expensive. Full kitchens too.

We were on an early December road trip from San Francisco to San Diego. This was our favorite spot by far. We like to travel on a budget and the best way to do that is cook your own food. The kitchen at Ocean Palms was perfect with plenty of options. The room was really nice- great bed and service. The only mediocre part was the bathroom, but they are remodeling the rooms and this one hadn't been done yet. The owner was on site and great to deal with. He was able to meet our low price request due to the time of year and vacancy rate for that week. Very fair, good cookies daily from the oven and fresh fruit as well. We'll definitely go back there!

We stayed in a very reasonably priced studio room which included its own bath and a kitchen area with refrigerator and oven/stove. Though one window faced out on a side street, we were not aware of traffic noise. Our front window looked out on landscaping and a parking area, but it all felt so peaceful. The front office people were delightfully friendly and helpful. I had left my recharger at home for my cell phone and they found one that I could use. The bed was surprisingly confortable and I slept very well. My husband woke when late-comers walked by at 1:15 AM using their outside voices, but other than that, our stay was lovely. We love Carlsbad anyway, but being so central (just across street from beach access and short blocks to many shops and restaurants) made it feel like a true village experience. Thank you Ocean Palms! We'd love to come again.

Two years in a row now some friends and I have stayed here for a holiday trip to local breweries, and this place doesn't disappoint. Great value for rooms right on the beach and easy to book last minute (at least when we go in December).