Grand Pacific Palisades, Carlsbad, California, update Summer 2025

[JohnnyO]

​ ​ Hello, Summer!​ It’s hard to believe summer is right around the corner! Time sure does fly! As I reflect on the past year at Palisades, I’m incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work our entire team has put in. From the warm and welcoming greeting at check-in, to our preventative maintenance programs and deep-cleaning efforts, everyone has poured their heart and soul into ensuring your resort is well taken care of. Most importantly, the level of service provided by our team has not gone unnoticed. We receive numerous comments each day highlighting how friendly, amazing, and wonderful the team is. Your words of appreciation and gratitude truly motivate us all. We’re also thankful for your constructive feedback as we continually strive to create moments worth sharing. During your next visit, please don’t hesitate to let us know how we’re doing! Also, be sure to stop by the Activities Center! Ryan and his team are all geared up and ready to go with your favorite activities. Keep an eye out for new social events, such as a Salsa Bar and a Coffee Social! These are great opportunities to relax and connect with your fellow vacationers. We’re always trying out new ideas, and we welcome your feedback! ​ Reserve Projects​ With our major projects now completed, scheduled, or pending shipment, the Maintenance team is shifting focus to “Quick Checks” in each room—inspecting high-use items and performing routine replacements. In addition, we are conducting preventative maintenance on rooftop equipment, including air conditioning condensers, to ensure everything operates at peak performance during the upcoming summer months. At the same time, the Housekeeping team is preparing for the season with deep cleaning of guest room flooring and detailed attention to amenities throughout the property. ​ Day Use Reminder​ We’ve loved seeing so many of you enjoying Day Use at the resort! Thank you for your patience as we continue aligning with the official Day Use Rules & Regulations to ensure fair access for all eligible parties. A few key reminders: Day Use is a benefit exclusive to Grant Deed Owners and their immediate family (spouse, children, grandchildren) or guests accompanied by the deeded Owner. Guest limits are based on the occupancy of the owned unit. Day Use is subject to availability to maintain a quality experience for everyone. Owners may enjoy resort amenities and common areas year-round. This does not include parking. As we approach the busy summer season and the 4th of July, please note: parking on July 4th will be by permit only for registered Owners and resort guests. All other parking will be strictly limited. We’re also rolling out a new Day Use key process: keys will be programmed with the Owner's name, helping us better manage facility use. To review the full Day Use Rules & Regulations, visit the Owners Community page by using passcode: gppowners. ​ ​ Owners Community​ If you have questions or need a copy, don’t hesitate to reach out! Thank you for making Grand Pacific Palisades your home away from home. We can’t wait to see you! ​

Warm Regards, Cherie Frost General Manager ​

 

[JohnnyO]

Grand Pacific Palisades (GPP) General Manager is Cherie Frost. cfrost@gpresorts.com

You can see her picture above @mountainboy

 

[RX8]

Here now, staying in a two bedroom penthouse unit. There are only two or three of these units. Never knew much about these units until this trip.

Differences from regular units is that it includes a full bar (unstocked), wine cooler, longer dining table, washer/dryer, coffered ceiling in master with ceiling speakers, upgraded showers, upgraded appliances, electric blinds in master, and jetted tub in the master.

 

[WaikikiFirst]

Differences from regular units is that it includes a full bar (unstocked)

I swear it was stocked when I left!

 

[JohnnyO]

 

[Zenichiro]

My kids wanted to go to Disney next year and I was considering Disneyland since we have been to WDW a few times. How far is this from the train station vs MarBrisa and Seapointe?

 

[iftravel]

My kids wanted to go to Disney next year and I was considering Disneyland since we have been to WDW a few times. How far is this from the train station vs MarBrisa and Seapointe?

Not the best idea considering the traffic, not just distance. We stayed in Carlsbad but moved to a JW nearby for Disneyland.

 

[Zenichiro]

Not the best idea considering the traffic, not just distance. We stayed in Carlsbad but moved to a JW nearby for Disneyland.

Okay that was my second thought. Just stay near DL for a night or two then move to HVC. Was just thinking an hour train ride wouldn’t be too bad if it was close.

 

[mountainboy]

Okay that was my second thought. Just stay near DL for a night or two then move to HVC. Was just thinking an hour train ride wouldn’t be too bad if it was close.

*All 3 are very close to the Coaster station (for SD)
Also close to Oceanside for MetroLink or Pacific SurfLiner to Anaheim/DL (but haven't done it, so can't say).
May ask at FB HGVC group as Linda, one of the mods, is from SD & can likely share local scoop/perspective on it....
TY!

 

[mountainboy]

*GPP's elevator in Vila D is out of service until end August, per their email (as we have an upcoming stay)...
Just FYI (if you have any mobility impaired folks)....
It is a nice compact resort (compared to MarBrisa)..
Hopefully they fix their elevators soon...

 

[mountainboy]

Okay that was my second thought. Just stay near DL for a night or two then move to HVC. Was just thinking an hour train ride wouldn’t be too bad if it was close.

Staying at Westin, Anaheim next month for a meeting: has a lounge which you will have access to, as Marriott Elite (Platy & above; so good, if you have Brilliant CC or status otherwise).. Close to Disney...
+ Lots of other hotels in that neighborhood, many with resort style pools etc, if needed for kiddos,
+ WM Dolphin Cove cheaper than WM Anaheim + no TOT taxes, if you have access to WM system...

 

[JohnnyO]

Okay that was my second thought. Just stay near DL for a night or two then move to HVC. Was just thinking an hour train ride wouldn’t be too bad if it was close.

Train schedules can be limited with the main schedule focused on commuters. If you (kids) wanted to stay late then this could be an issue. Normally better to be nearer the amusement park.

COASTER Commuter Rail Service | NCTD - North County Transit District

Get information about North County's COASTER Commuter Train system at GoNCTD.com, where every station is a destination.Southern California's North County Transit District (NCTD) offers bus, train and transportation services that are a vital part of the local and San Diego regional transportation...

gonctd.com

https://www.omio.com/trains/carlsbad-ca/anaheim-ca-jlrma

Train Schedules and Service Information | Pacific Surfliner

View train arrival and departure times for each station, download timetables, check for alerts, and get other information that is helpful when planning a trip.

www.pacificsurfliner.com

 

[iftravel]

Train schedules can be limited with the main schedule focused on commuters. If you (kids) wanted to stay late then this could be an issue. Normally better to be nearer the amusement park.

COASTER Commuter Rail Service | NCTD - North County Transit District

Get information about North County's COASTER Commuter Train system at GoNCTD.com, where every station is a destination.Southern California's North County Transit District (NCTD) offers bus, train and transportation services that are a vital part of the local and San Diego regional transportation...

gonctd.com

https://www.omio.com/trains/carlsbad-ca/anaheim-ca-jlrma

Train Schedules and Service Information | Pacific Surfliner

View train arrival and departure times for each station, download timetables, check for alerts, and get other information that is helpful when planning a trip.

www.pacificsurfliner.com

Unless it’s Disney Monorail, I’m not counting on this to take me to Disney.

 

[JohnnyO]

I agreed with you in my comment. They once talked about extending the monorail to the Anaheim transportation center but I have no idea where that proposal went. They are working on additional redevelopment near the station which is near Anaheim Stadium and the Honda Center. Maybe some day you’ll get your wish.

Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center in Anaheim

Discover the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, offering bus services, rail transportation, and ample parking options.

www.visitanaheim.org

 

[Zenichiro]

Staying at Westin, Anaheim next month for a meeting: has a lounge which you will have access to, as Marriott Elite (Platy & above; so good, if you have Brilliant CC or status otherwise).. Close to Disney...
+ Lots of other hotels in that neighborhood, many with resort style pools etc, if needed for kiddos,
+ WM Dolphin Cove cheaper than WM Anaheim + no TOT taxes, if you have access to WM system...

Perfect. Thanks. I have some work travel coming up and mostly Marriott where I’m going so should build some points up.

Strange mix but heading to Salt Lake then South Africa and then Uzbekistan. Possibly Pakistan by first of the year. Although the last two will be more local options but the Uzbek Hilton looks nice.

 

[GrampaTim]

We are familiar with all the options. The train is not a good option due to schedules. Since you have Marriott points there is one across the street that is great for kids, has a rooftop water park, and you can view the fireworks. You walk across the street to the entrance.

You will want to be there at the opening ( 8 am ) and if you plan to be there a couple of days it’s a good place to go back to for rest or swimming. You can leave your car there on checkout day if you plan to revisit the parks or Downtown Disney. Plan one meal at Storytellers Cafe in the Grand Californian. It’s fun with the characters.

If you haven’t been there before, take the Coaster from the Pointsettia Station to Old Town San Diego. Its a relaxing ride and great coastal view. It also beats the traffic.

Sea World is fun and they offer lots of discounted pricing. The San Diego Zoo is amazing and well worth the trip. Traffic in San Diego can be tough so be sure to allow some extra time

 

[mountainboy]

Perfect. Thanks. I have some work travel coming up and mostly Marriott where I’m going so should build some points up.

Strange mix but heading to Salt Lake then South Africa and then Uzbekistan. Possibly Pakistan by first of the year. Although the last two will be more local options but the Uzbek Hilton looks nice.

Here at Westin Anaheim for work. Nice lounge on 8th floor. Have a room close to the lounge (which is open from 630a-10p everyday for BF, snacks, drinks etc). Excellent Arugula salad & cheese, veggies, fruit & nut spread (+ other hors d'oeuvres) this evening. Nice outdoor patio overlooking some rides of Disneyland (plan to see fireworks tonight). As welcome amenity, they offered BF for two or offered to upgrade lounge to four people (alas, I am here alone, so not much use for either, as can have BF at the lounge or at the work meeting)... But may be useful for you folks when you come...
Mahalo!

 

[mountainboy]

*The staff at the lounge at Westin Anaheim have been excellent. Asking everyone if they wanted a glass of wine (apart from the snacks etc). Nice breakfast spread (with nice fruit spreads, breads, boiled eggs, hot sausage, farm potatoes/Hash, Greek yogurt (pwdr eggs), SBUX coffee, Tazo Tea, etc
Also at 930p they have fireworks across the street at Disneyland, which you can see from the outside Patio of the lounge on 8th floor. They were giving all adults Champagne (+ S'more themed dessert cups) from 830 or 9p onwards. Lots of families with kiddos...