When the entire family comes to visit us in Oceanside, we always seem to have a hard time deciding where they should stay. We want them close, but the best accommodations close to Fire Mountain and the beach tend to be in Carlsbad. Previously this dilemma was due the overwhelmingly poor quality of hotel options. But in recent years there have been a few decent possibilities popping up.

According to the most recent reviews on Trip Advisor, the Courtyard by Mariott is the #1 rated hotel in Oceanside. Of course way back in June it was the Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina. The newest Wyndam hotel at the Oceanside Pier seems like a great option, but if you read the reviews you’ll notice there is a concern about homeless milling about at night and the major issue for some – train noise.  Regardless, all of those hotels mentioned earned the 2013 Trip Advisor Certificate of excellence.

Another option to consider is Airbnb.com.  Along with the time share condos and nice beach front apartments there are a few adorable historic cottages listed that will sleep 6 for under $300 a night!

One last alternative to consider – we have done house trades with our neighbors – which has turned out to be the best option of all. Their family stayed at our house Thanksgiving when we were out of town and then we traded off the next holiday and our family stayed at theirs when they were out of town. We’re very lucky to have some truly fantastic, generous and trustworthy neighbors here in Fire Mountain (who just happen to need their pets looked after while they’re gone). The bonus? We usually come home to a house more clean than we left it and dogs spoiled from all the walks and extra attention!