See all properties
Entire home

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

Choose dates to view prices

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

A stone-walled bathroom with a waterfall shower, potted plants, and a wooden bench.
A stone building with an arched doorway, steps leading up to it, and a view of a distant cityscape at dusk.
A bedroom with stone walls, a bed, a chair, a small table, and a fireplace.
A rustic kitchen with stone walls, wooden cabinets, and a large TV.
A stone building with a stone pathway leading to a seating area and a fire pit.

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, The Executive Course at Lakehouse
    ‪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 neighborhood

San Marcos

Located in Lake San Marcos within a mile (2 km) of The Executive Course at Lakehouse, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. The cottage includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.
View more Cottages in San MarcosOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • The Executive Course at Lakehouse - 3 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • LEGOLAND® California - 21 min drive - 8.6 miles
  • Flower Fields of Carlsbad - 22 min drive - 9.0 miles
  • Carlsbad Premium Outlets - 22 min drive - 9.0 miles
  • Carlsbad State Beach - 28 min drive - 11.6 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Amalfi Cucina Italiana - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Brickman’s Restaurant & 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.
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.

Similar properties

A bedroom with a large bed, a nightstand with a lamp, a chair, and a view of the outdoors through a glass door.
'bamboo Hideaway' in Cardiff w/ Outdoor Space
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space
  • Microwave
'bamboo Hideaway' in Cardiff w/ Outdoor Space

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

  • 1 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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't 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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do close to this cottage?

This cottage is situated in Lake San Marcos, close to LEGOLAND® California, The Crossings at Carlsbad, and Twin Oaks Golf Club. You'll also find Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park and La Costa Golf Courses - North and South within a short drive.

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

As of Sep 23, 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 Sep 24, 2026 start from $423, including 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.

Is this cottage adjacent to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

Does this cottage provide breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this cottage allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Where is the closest airport to this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar), which is 4.4 mi away (15 minutes by car). Another top airport is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is around 21.5 mi away.

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bernadette

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
This place was amazing. Just like the pictures! View was beautiful and host was very easy to communicate with. It's a nice quiet get away if you just want to escape everything. I will totally recommend this place to my friends.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nicole A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host is Amazing as is the property! I would definately recommend this!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026

More to Explore