Moonlight Beach Motel
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Avg. $259 /night, 12/7 - 12/8
$259
per night
$130
per night
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Cheaper
Average
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About
4.5
#2 of 4 motels in EncinitasLocation
4.9
Rooms
4.4
Value
4.6
Cleanliness
4.5
Service
4.5
Sleep Quality
4.5
Moonlight Beach Motel, located two blocks from Moonlight Beach in scenic Encinitas, California, is one of the few true "beach motels" left in Southern California. Referred to as the "American Riviera", Encinitas has the charm of the past but all the amenities today’s travelers are looking for. There are many wonderful restaurants and boutiques within walking distance. Its quaint 1970’s charm brings guests back year after year. Whether a romantic getaway, a quiet retreat, or family vacation, you will find a room that fits your needs. We try and honor all requests for special rooms when making reservations, but we cannot guarantee ANY room in the event of changes that are beyond our control, but we will do the best to accommodate your requests. This is an entirely smoke-free and pet-free property. We open the office at 9:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. We enforce quiet hours between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM which include the Patio – Garden area and the rooms for the consideration of all the guests enjoying their stay. We look forward to seeing you at the Moonlight Beach Motel!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Street parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Beach
Patio
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Tennis court offsite
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Umbrella
Room features
Blackout curtains
Soundproof rooms
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Walk-in shower
Private balcony
Wardrobe / closet
Iron
Private bathrooms
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
233 2nd Street, Encinitas, CA 92024
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 79 out of 100
79
34 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
278Reviews8Q+A99Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
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Detailed Reviews
I absolutely loved my stay here. We booked a 3 bed room which was perfect for me, my husband and our 2 year old (who we put in the back room in her pack and play). The beach is just a couple blocks away and so is Coast Hwy with all the shops and restaurants. The room had a kitchenette with dishes/utensils, a small stove, dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator. They even have a bunch of water toys you can borrow (boogie boards, chairs, etc) all first come first served. The staff is super friendly and really makes you feel welcome. We stayed sun-tues on a quick staycation and will definitely be returning!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager Moonlight Beach Motel, General Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel
Responded Oct 8, 2020
Dear SandE, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your staycation with us! From our comfortable rooms, ideal location and exceptional staff, it is truly our pleasure to provide you with everything you need for an extraordinary getaway in Encinitas. We can't wait to welcome you back!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As I have been social distancing since March ( over 9 months ), Health/ Safety was my priority. Our room was completely renovated and spotless. The manager explained the disinfecting / cleaning procedures and the well-being of staff and guests is evident . The beds are comfortable and the location is great ( walking distance to the beach ). The ocean view from the room / balcony was just what we wanted/ needed . * Great staff * Great price.
We will return.
We will return.
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager Moonlight Beach Motel, General Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel
Responded Jan 26, 2021
Dear Foxsteff, Thank you for your wonderful review! The health and safety of our guests and staff has always been a top priority of ours. It means the world to us that you were able to relax and feel safe while enjoying your clean, comfortable, ocean view room! We look forward to your next visit!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are many things to like about the Moonlight. the location is excellent and it is only a short walk to either the beach or loads of restaurants, ice cream parlors, etc. The room is large. Our room easily fit two king size beds. Second floor and above rooms have a view of the ocean. A complimentary towel and sunscreen was waiting on the bed. Beach chairs, etc are available for free.
Things that could have been better include, no kitchen or utensils in our room, lack of explicit directions that one has to ask for new towels or toilet paper, the staff did not answer our calls or return the message we left and of course the price is high but this is Encinitas in the summer. The plusses far outweigh the minuses and we would gladly stay here again. It would be nice if the management added safes in the room to store wallets and electronics while visiting the beach
Things that could have been better include, no kitchen or utensils in our room, lack of explicit directions that one has to ask for new towels or toilet paper, the staff did not answer our calls or return the message we left and of course the price is high but this is Encinitas in the summer. The plusses far outweigh the minuses and we would gladly stay here again. It would be nice if the management added safes in the room to store wallets and electronics while visiting the beach
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Date of stay: July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager Moonlight Beach Motel, General Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel
Responded Aug 16, 2022
Dear packedandready2go, Thank you for your review! We are so glad to hear that our wonderful rooms and ideal location made your stay an enjoyable one! Please know that if you are ever in need of a kitchen, our family suites and 2 queen bed rooms on our first floor do offer kitchens. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We arrived at the motel to find the motel under re-model construction. We did not receive a call prior to our arrival alerting us of the construction. Our reserved room was torn up. Two rooms that were offered were not acceptable. One of the rooms offered was also under construction. Maybe it would be ready in an hour. We were offered adjustments on a future reservation. One night free and a discount on additional nights. Great, right! Our attempt to reserve a room in the future resulted in a small rate discount and no free night. Apparently, taking care of a customer they screwed was too costly. Customer service does not exist currently here. Too bad, we had good results on many past visits with different management.
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Date of stay: May 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Look elsewhere for a motel in Encinitas, CA
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MBMMotel, General Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel
Responded Jun 2, 2020
Dear Pat, We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, so we were dismayed to hear that you had such a frustrating experience. You should have been called ahead of time and made aware that the room type you had chosen was not available for your reservation. Due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic we are operating with a minimal staff and it is apparent there was a miscommunication. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. We have been looking into the matter, and agree that you were not quoted appropriate pricing for your return visit. A member of our staff will be reaching out to you to resolve this and make things right. As someone who has visited with us in the past, and enjoyed our property, we hope you will decide to return. We value your business and will be sure to make your stay an enjoyable one.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I arrived 10 mins early for my 3 o'clock check-in, and even though Jennifer was doing double-duty by working the front desk, and checking last minute details on the rooms, she greeted me with a smile and welcomed me to the motel. She was friendly, efficient and very personable.
The King room, turned out to be far more spacious than I expected, with 2 King beds, a writing desk for two people, with two comfy lounge chairs, a great balcony with the promised partial ocean view, and a patio table & two chairs with an umbrella.
The bathroom and bed linens were spotless and everything smelled clean & fresh...something that is very important during Covid! This motel is quaint and welcoming, and it's a great little gem.The location is super close to the beach, and there are countless restaurants within walking distance. All in all, a great visit!
The King room, turned out to be far more spacious than I expected, with 2 King beds, a writing desk for two people, with two comfy lounge chairs, a great balcony with the promised partial ocean view, and a patio table & two chairs with an umbrella.
The bathroom and bed linens were spotless and everything smelled clean & fresh...something that is very important during Covid! This motel is quaint and welcoming, and it's a great little gem.The location is super close to the beach, and there are countless restaurants within walking distance. All in all, a great visit!
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Date of stay: January 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Moonlight Beach Motel, General Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel
Responded Jan 10, 2022
Dear 334bambic, Thank you! You made our day with your great review! We are thrilled that you had such a wonderful visit and that we exceeded your expectations! Thank you for recognizing our amazing staff, as well. We will be sure to pass along your kind words. We hope you will visit us again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a great stay at Moonlight beach. The room was clean and a perfect fit for our family of five. The kitchenette was a nice bonus! It was great being a quick walk away from the beach and the boogie boards available for use added to our beach fun. Only complaint would be the light coming in our front window at night from the office porch light. Maybe hanging the curtains a little higher would help to darken the room for sleeping.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager Moonlight Beach Motel, General Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel
Responded Nov 3, 2020
Dear Alysonb998, Thank you for your feedback! It was great to read that you and your family enjoyed one of our clean, comfortable family suites, and took advantage of the beach gear we have available for our guests! We appreciate your thoughts on the curtains and have passed your ideas on to our maintenance team. We hope you will visit us again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Motel has undergone a significant remodel and the room we had was really nicely appointed. The bathroom was new, clean, modern and spacious. The Beds were extremely comfortable and the pillows were big, firm and not pancake like. But the kitchen... New everything! Fridge, oven, stove, microwave and coffee maker were awesome and we used them all. We even had a dishwasher and garbage disposal in the sink. Really well done you guys. We like to buy our own healthy groceries and cook all three meals at home. You made it fun and easy. The room we occupied is ground floor, however it does have one of the best views of the ocean at Moonlight Beach. We loved going out to the patio area, grilling up our swordfish steaks on one of the two gas grills available and having fantastic dinners with that view in the background. By way of areas to improve... we have just a few. The beds did not have heavy blankets or quilts but only one relatively thin cover blanket. We visited in mid February and the evenings were brisk. The window (glass or plexyglass), from the room out overseeing the ocean view was scuffed and scratched diminishing the view somewhat. We were hoping that management could switch the windows with a room not having our view- but time was not on our side.
Lastly, all the above issues were addressed by Jennifer, the clerk who checked us in. She was magnificent. She went and got us a cutting board, a can opener, paper towels and a real bed comforter. She is a doll and the management has a real asset in Jennifer. Loved it- we'll be back. (This is our third visit).
Lastly, all the above issues were addressed by Jennifer, the clerk who checked us in. She was magnificent. She went and got us a cutting board, a can opener, paper towels and a real bed comforter. She is a doll and the management has a real asset in Jennifer. Loved it- we'll be back. (This is our third visit).
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Date of stay: February 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nice beach type of motel. Construction going on at access to beach but a detour wasn't too bad. No more children's playground for now. Being reconstructed. A lot of remodeling going on at the motel also. If you want easy access in and out of room, make sure you get a 200 numbered room. Bottom floor has kitchenettes. 2nd and 3rd floors have beach view. King King room 206 was roomy but would have been nice to have access to a kitchenette. Microwave and dorm frig in room
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Date of stay: June 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager Moonlight Beach Motel, General Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel
Responded Jul 10, 2020
Thank you for your input! We are so glad to know that you enjoyed your stay with us!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We travelled with friends and booked 2 suites next to each other. The suites comfortable fit a family of 5 with two beds in the back room and a queen in the front room. Excellent set up, clean, comfy beds, close to beach. Our family will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MBMMotel, Front Office Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel
Responded May 27, 2020
Thank you for the wonderful review! Nothing makes us happier than hearing from our guests that they had an all-around great visit! We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have stayed at the Moonlight Beach Motel before, but that was 20 years ago. I decided to stay here with an old friend visiting the west coast. Check-in was easy and, because the motel wasn't super busy, we were given 2 parking passes. I was able to switch rooms at the time of check-in for a room with an ocean view. The room was large and had 2 king beds which were very comfortable. There was modern climate control equipment and the tv was large. The bathroom was clean and large with granite counters. This place is in the best location in town. Everything is easily walkable including a beautiful beach, 5 min walk, a fantastic coffee shop, 5 min walk, a tennis court across the street, and lots of bars, breweries, great restaurants, etc. A train station is walking distance that can take you to downtown San Diego or Carlsbad, etc. I will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: September 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Stay on the third floor for the best views but there isn't an elevator
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Moonlight Beach Motel, General Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel
Responded Sep 30, 2021
Dear SyLovesToTravel, Thank you for letting us know that you enjoyed your time with us! We were so glad to hear that your clean, well-appointed room and our idyllic location made your stay a great experience. We appreciate the review and look forward to seeing you again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yes, definitely call the Motel directly and ask them. There is also a weekly rate, which is discounted, if you are going to stay that long.
Our unit, which didn't have a separate bedroom (i.e., it was a studio-type layout) had the TV in the room with the beds.
Between $170 and $190
Most of what you need is already in the kitchen, but if you need more items, just ask Deb and George and they will equip you. :)
"All third-floor rooms offer an ocean view. Half of the second-floor rooms offer an ocean view. The beach is one block away."Read full review
"If you’re looking for fancy or a party place this isn’t for you. It’s quiet and quaint."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$120 - $208 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
moonlight beach hotel encinitas, moonlight beach encinitas
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaEncinitas
NUMBER OF ROOMS
24
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Moonlight Beach Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Moonlight Beach Motel?
Nearby attractions include Moonlight State Beach (0.2 miles), Moonlight Beach State Park (0.1 miles), and Earth's Elements (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Moonlight Beach Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and barbeque facilities.
Which room amenities are available at Moonlight Beach Motel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Moonlight Beach Motel?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Moonlight Beach Motel?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Moonlight Beach Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include 101 Diner, Q'ero Restaurant, and Encinitas Cafe.
Is Moonlight Beach Motel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.2 miles away from the center of Encinitas.
Are there any historical sites close to Moonlight Beach Motel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park (5.9 miles), Heritage County Park (8.8 miles), and St. Michael's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church (8.4 miles).
Does Moonlight Beach Motel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Moonlight Beach Motel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.