Carlton Oaks Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection - Santee, California

Ashley B.

We were giving a stay at this location as a Gift. We checked in late and finding the main office from the drive way was not clearly marked. The only way we found it was by the LED lights surrounding the door which was located down a set of steps from the parking lot.

Upon check in we were informed that we would need to leave a card for incidentals but weren’t told how much. I expect $50-100. However the incidentals charge was over $200 almost the cost of the room.

We didn’t explore the other amenities as we only stayed one night but the room was disappointing. We noticed cobwebs in and around the room and property. We also were laying in bed and immediately noticed a spider crawling across the ceiling.

The over all feel of the room was cheap too. It looked dim and outdated. Not worth the cost.

Tina

Positive: Location and hotel cleaning staff is friendly and helpful. Gave a 5 because rarely anyone available at front desk. Negative: Group of men drinking loudly outside a room at 2:30am. No one man's front desk. Security voice mail says they will call back in minutes but never heard back. At 3:15am talked t0 men myself. I am a woman traveling with a child so not preferred method.

""

Positive: I like that it had the cottage like rooms which is where I stayed. Negative: My bedspread had a big stain and the receptionist (male) was not the friendliest nor did he tell me about any amenities or about the restaurant.

Marisa G.

Do not recommend. Very overpriced. Where to start... Terrible reception hours, don't even open until 11am, closes early, they lock doors & don't answer the phone so good luck. Got bad bug bites, bugs in shower, bug walked onto my granddaughter's muffin!, old, run down, no USB ports, had to find wall outlets to charge, beds were old and hard, pillows were hard as well, no sheer curtains (although hardware is there) so you are either completely exposed or in darkness. Paid for "golf view" only to find out that its a view of their dry dirt driving range area with an ugly tractor. Had to sign in/out for pool towels (cause they don't trust their guests?). No property map, nothing in the room for guests to navigate property, restaurant (also had terrible hours) or what do do in the area. "flat screen TV" is tiny and never worked; again, no one to call in the evening for help. Reception smelled of stale cigarette and staff, while nice enough, dressed in very sloppy clothing, baggy pants, no uniform, not very professional. Fair warning, does NOT look like their online photos.Resort? nope, more like self-serve lodge. Pool is big but hardly any furniture & whats there is old and very worn (not like photos, at all). 2 positives: 1) when we were able to eat at the restaurant, food was good. 2) housekeepers were very good. I complained to Expedia, wanted to move but they could never get a hold of anyone there so I had to stay there; trapped. I left a day early; cut my vacay short due to conditions. Tried to upload photos, but couldn't.

Anonymous

I think its fine if your just going to stay a night to golf. The hotel needs love and attention. Furniture is run down, bed was hard and seemed old. Tv in room is so small for such a large room. Bar closes to early. Pool is nice, clean and deep, and cool. Hot tub needs love, is old and wasn't very warm.

Anonymous

My wife and I stayed here for 3 nights. The location was perfect for those who needed to stay in the Santee/Lakeside area of San Diego. It was perfectly accessible from major highways and close enough to give access to all of the businesses in that area. The room was perfectly clean, so my kudos go to the staff! Normally, when we travel and stay in motels and hotels, we are often concerned about cleanliness and are afraid to walk on the carpet without covering our feet. We felt the opposite, here. The bathrooms were clean and stocked well with clean towels and tp. There was plenty of clothes storage as well as a fridge and shelving for other items. The room was rather large. Hotel beds are something that we have accepted are not going to be the most comfortable, so there weren't any surprises there. The ONLY criticism I give this hotel is that the parking is for patrons of the hotel and during the day, many people travel here to play golf. There were many large vehicles towing trailers that would take up multiple spots that would force those who were there for the hotel only to park further away from the hotel (not a big deal, but something to point out). Also, the internet during our stay was not usable. The speeds were at 1-3Mbps which didn't allow for any function from it. All in all, when we return to see friends in the Santee/Lakeside area of San Diego, we will look at staying here again.

Trip.com M.

This was a nice motel in a safe area. It was very reasonably priced. This motel is actually on a golf course which adds to the environment and offers fun. It had large rooms that had been updated. The outside needs to be updated as well, but overall, it was a good place to stay.

Anonymous

This property may have the perfect golf course for those looking for an inexpensive place to hit some golf balls, but not a place you would like to spend the night at. The hotel is old and tired. While the rooms are very clean, and a little bit updated, the property has seen better days. On my 3-day stay, the front desk was only open one day. The dining area was closed (no breakfast for me!) and the pool had no furniture. If this hotel closed the day after I checked out, it would be no surprise. Check online, there were some plans to renovate the property, but it seems like the neighborhood is fighting back. Would be curious to see who wins this argument. Come here to golf, stay somewhere else.