Jamul Casino Resort adds a 200-room hotel tower. By Ryan Slattery
Nine years after opening a casino in San Diego, the Jamul Indian Village tribe is unveiling a 200-room hotel tower. It’s been referred to as a “stunning glass jewel box in the mountains.”
“It’s the next step in the evolution of Jamul Casino Resort,” says Mary Cheeks, the resort’s president and general manager. “We want to be known as a San Diego staycation spot and this evens the playing field with our competitors. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted for our guests. Whether you’re here to unwind or seek entertainment, we’ve created a destination that captures the spirit and luxury of Southern California.”
Rapid Growth
Jamul Casino Resort opened in 2016 and has operated successfully as a casino ever since seeing an average of 8,000 guests a day, according to Cheeks. It has a large casino floor with nearly 1,700 slot machines, 46 live table games and a dedicated poker room with several restaurants, bars, and lounges to support it. Cheeks says adding a 16-story boutique hotel with a spa and rooftop pool that’s tucked into its natural surroundings further cements the tribe’s commitment to provide guests a personalized Las Vegas-style experience.
“We have been growing pretty quickly,” says Cheeks, who has watched the planning for the expansionunfold since arriving at the company seven years ago. “I feel like it’s my baby. I’ve been waiting to see it mature and grow, and now it’s here.”
Joining Cheeks, Jamul Casino Resort also recently named Lori Ware as CFO. She brings more than two decades of leadership experience in gaming and hospitality, and will oversee all financial operations, with a focus on the expansion. Ware previously worked for the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, where she oversaw that property’s expansion and the tribe’s acquisition of Palms Casino in Las Vegas. Prior to that, Ware held positions at Penn National Gaming (initial operator of Jamul), William Hill US, Caesars Entertainment and MGM Mirage.
Push-Button Tech
In San Diego, to take advantage of the panoramic mountain views and blend into the landscape, the hotel at Jamul Casino Resort was designed with an all-glass exterior. The use of earth tones floods the inside of the building and personal spaces.
Classic rooms, as they’re called, run 450 square feet.
The resort’s 52 suites range from 750 to 1,200 square feet. All are ‘smart rooms,’ allowing guests to turn on the television, open the drapes and cut off the lights with the push of a button. They’re also outfitted with enhanced technology, known as DigiValet, used by luxury resorts like Wynn Las Vegas, W London and at St. Regis in the Maldives. At a whim, guests can use the technology as a personal concierge to address any of their needs – from summoning for pillows to requesting a special menu based on their personal diet.
The resort is growing with other amenities as well, starting with Starlight, the rooftop pool. Topping the hotel, the pool is a relaxing spot with panoramic views. Benjamin Petell, vice president of non-gaming operations, describes Starlight as an “all-day escape that seamlessly transitions into a vibrant evening scene.
“As the day unfolds, the energy shifts from relaxed to lively,” Petell explains, saying life around Starlight revolves around a cocktail program that emphasizes fresh juices and homemade syrups. “There are no shortcuts.
It’s the perfect balance between creativity and approachability. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just in the mood for a refreshing drink, there’s something for everyone.”
Poolside, guests sip on cocktails like the “Zen and Tonic” featuring Botanist Gin and lemongrass, “Tropical Staycation” with rum and coconut purée or the bar’s signature drink, which combines Roku Gin, Fernet and pistachio syrup, called the “Jewel of Jamul.”
Wining and Dining
The resort also has an Art Deco-inspired speakeasy, the Fly Room, and Jamul 23, a new lobby restaurant that will host the resort’s popular lobster brunch. It also serves casual dishes and comfort-food favorites like salt-and-pepper chicken wings and its Deluxe Lucy burger – a half-pound Wagyu patty stuffed with shredded short rib and truffled cheese.
To complete the resort experience, Jamul Casino has a comprehensive wellness center and salon offering Swedish massages, HydraFacials, and body treatments that pair with the spa’s relaxation rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, dry sauna and Eucalyptus steam room.
According to Hotel Director Rocio Zorrilla, “The spa offers bespoke massages, treatments and facials” in a relaxing environment.
With the new hotel tower, rooftop pool and spa, Cheeks believes that Jamul Casino Resort will become a San Diego destination in its own right. Starting August 11, we’ll know the answer.
