Holiday Inn Express San Clemente N – Beach Area

With white stucco, clay roof tiles, and dark wood accents, the hotel has the look of a Spanish mission -- a nod to Southern California’s Mexican history and culture. Unlike many chain brand hotels, this hotel has an overall charming atmosphere. The grounds are filled with tropical plants and lots of greenery and is surrounded by a large parking lot. Inside, the Spanish mission-style continues with high ceilings in the lobby, cream walls, a brown color scheme, large windows, dark wooden furniture, and hanging iron chandeliers. Public spaces are limited to the outdoor areas, such as on porches or around the pool area which has an open-air skylight framed by wooden beams. There’s a historic elegance to the breakfast room with its wooden floors, wood tables and chairs, high ceilings, iron chandeliers, and rounded windows. Couples and business travelers are the most common guests, though with family-friendly policies like kids under 19 stay for free with their parents -- families stay here, too. 

Located just off the 5 Highway, The Volare, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member has a location that makes it easy to hop on the highway to reach nearby cities like Carlsbad, Laguna, and San Diego. Within San Clemente itself, it’s about a five-minute drive to T-Street Beach. The immediate area around the hotel is filled with a variety of stores and mostly fast food type dining options. The Outlets of San Clemente are an 18-minute drive away. The Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park takes 24 minutes to reach by car. It’s about an hour and 15-minute drive to the Los Angeles International Airport, depending on traffic. 

Guest rooms are pleasant and comfortable with a contemporary decor. There are multi-colored carpets, dark wooden furniture, white beds with yellow blankets, tan accents, and neutral chain-like art pieces on the walls. Wooden desks with ergonomic chairs are great perks for business travelers. Amenities are a big plus here. They include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, Keurig coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. There are no safes in the rooms, but the hotel does offer technological perks like Keypr tablets with hotel information, services, and apps like Pandora. Suites have pullout couches and kitchenettes with sinks. Bathrooms have a tan color palette with granite countertops, shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. Some rooms offer balconies but they lack outdoor furniture which is a bit of a drawback. Views overlook either the parking lot or the grounds. 

Features are convenient, but relatively simple. The hotel offers an outdoor heated swimming pools with a few loungers on the deck. There’s a fitness center with five Precor cardio machines with flat-screen TVs and a set of medicine balls. The space is open with limited hours. Free perks include Wi-Fi, parking, and a hot breakfast of cinnamon rolls, pancakes, and eggs, as well as cold items like yogurts, cereals, and bagels. Business travelers will appreciate two fully-equipped meeting rooms and a business center on-site. A coin-operated laundry room is available. Pets are welcome for a fee.