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Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym

San Marcos cottage in Lake San Marcos area

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Interior
Terrace/patio
Shower, hair dryer, towels, soap
Fridge, microwave, stovetop, coffee/tea maker
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
San Marcos, CA
  • Place, Lake San Marcos Executive Course
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, LEGOLAND® California
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, Carlsbad State Beach
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Airport, Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

San Marcos

Lake San Marcos stay.Your stay at this Lake San Marcos cottage places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Lake San Marcos Executive Course and Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. Also, St. Mark Golf Club is within 3 miles (5 km) and Palomar College is within 6 miles (10 km).
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What's nearby

  • Lake San Marcos Executive Course - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • The Crossings at Carlsbad - 21 min drive - 13.8 km
  • LEGOLAND® California - 21 min drive - 13.8 km
  • Flower Fields of Carlsbad - 22 min drive - 14.5 km
  • Carlsbad State Beach - 28 min drive - 18.6 km

Getting around

  • Carlsbad Poinsettia Station - 23 min drive
  • Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Amalfi Cucina Italiana - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Brickman’s Restaurant & Bar - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Amalfi Marina Bar - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym

Welcome to Casa Grotto, a one-of-a-kind hillside retreat perched 800 feet above sea level with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean—from La Jolla all the way to the San Clemente Islands. Nestled on the lush green mountainside above Lake San Marcos, this private stone studio offers a peaceful escape where coastal serenity meets natural design.

Built into the hill using real stone from a 1970s dynamite blast, Casa Grotto is as unique as it gets. Inside, you’ll find organic materials, arched windows, and warm, modern finishes that honor the land it was built on. The space features a queen bed, full kitchen with concrete countertops and filtered water, a private gym, and a truly memorable stone shower—accessed from the bed area and illuminated by natural light from above.

Casa Grotto is perfect for solo travelers or couples seeking a calm, inspiring space to recharge. We’re just 4 miles from Cal State San Marcos—ideal for visiting parents, faculty, or alumni—15 miles from the Escondido wineries, and only 20 minutes from the coast and local beaches. If you're planning a beach day, we’re happy to provide surfboards and beach towels upon request. And don’t be surprised if our two friendly boxers stop by—they supervised the entire remodel and will gladly try to join your stay.

Similar properties

Terrace/patio
Lakehouse Resort
Lake San Marcos
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,614 reviews
The price is CA $200
CA $261 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 21 - Jun 22
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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Things to do

  • Gym

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

How close is Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym to the airport?

This cottage is 4.4 mi (15-min drive) away from the Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym?

As of Jun 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym on Jun 14, 2026 start from CA $418, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cottage.

How close is Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym to the beach?

This cottage is 16.2 mi (33-min drive) from Oceanside Beach and 9.4 mi (14-min drive) from Moonlight State Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym offer free breakfast?

This cottage does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym?

No, there is no casino at this cottage, but Ocean's Eleven Casino (19-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym?

Free parking is not available at this cottage.

Does Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym have a pool?

This cottage does not have a pool.

Does Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cottage.

How close is Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym to downtown San Marcos?

This cottage is 4 mi away from San Marcos.

Casa Grotto, 1 Bed Stone Cave Cottage, Panoramic Ocean View, Stone Shower, & Gym Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bobby B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unbelievable property with the BEST view!

I would rent this property over and over again. My girlfriend and I had the best experience! The property is immaculate and the view is absolutely stunning. The grotto house is first class, and I highly recommend renting it.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kyle H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique Property!

My wife and I had an amazing stay. The hosts did a remarkable job turning the mountainside into a comfortable and homey rental. We enjoyed the visits from their happy doggos. Thanks!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is such a unique property. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, this is your spot! The views were amazing that little house itself is completely made of stone and absolutely perfect in every way. We didn’t use the outdoor shower, but it was very cute and I will definitely use it next time we come back and we will definitely be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brookellyn J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This might be one of the best VRBOs I’ve stayed in. I’m not sure what was more stunning…. The views or the unit itself. The dogs were so very sweet and the attention to detail to ensure the stay went well was noticeable. Host was super communicative and attentive. Will be staying here again. BOOK NOW if you’re on the fence!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025