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Casa Grotto - 1 Bed Stone Cottage w/ Panoramic Ocean Views, Stone Shower, & Gym

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Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, stovetop, coffee/tea maker
Fridge, microwave, stovetop, coffee/tea maker
Terrace/patio
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
San Marcos, CA
  • Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Aviara Golf Club
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • LEGOLAND® California
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

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Terrace/patio

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  • Hot tub
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,176 reviews
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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 Cottage w/ Panoramic Ocean Views, 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 (available on request), 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.
During your stay at this cottage, you'll be within walking distance of Lake San Marcos Executive Course. You'll find features like a gym and laundry facilities. The cottage offers free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washing machine, and 1.5 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Onsite recreation includes a gym
  • 15 minutes by car from LEGOLAND® California and 14 minutes from Moonlight State Beach
As a guest of this cottage, you'll find a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

This San Marcos cottage is smoke free.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • 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 lift (single-level property)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Smoke-free property

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

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

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.

Reviews

Casa Grotto - 1 Bed Stone Cottage w/ Panoramic Ocean Views, Stone Shower, & Gym Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 3 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 3 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jessica R.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Bobby B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Kyle H.

Liked: Cleanliness

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