Jamul Casino Resort has taken a major step in its evolution with the debut of its highly anticipated 16-story boutique hotel tower, a $515 million investment that positions the property as a premier destination for gaming, leisure, and entertainment in San Diego County.

The new 200-room tower—connected to the existing casino via a climate-controlled pedestrian skybridge—marks the first on-site hotel for the Jamul Indian Village Tribe, which owns and operates the resort. The expansion officially opened with celebrations on August 8, with room reservations available for stays starting August 11.

“This hotel represents more than growth; it’s a meaningful step in creating lasting opportunities for our Tribal community and welcoming guests into the heart of who we are,” said Erica M. Pinto, Chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village, according to Gambling Insider.

Expanding Amenities and Competitive Edge

The 253,951-square-foot structure offers 148 standard rooms and 52 suites, all designed with an elegant, contemporary aesthetic and sweeping views of the Jamul mountains. Amenities include an 11,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck with cabanas, a jetted hot tub, and a rooftop bar; a full-service spa and salon with an outdoor deck; a fitness center; meeting and banquet facilities; retail spaces; and an approximately 4,800-square-foot restaurant overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Before the opening, Jamul Casino was the only major gaming venue in East and North San Diego County without a hotel, competing with ten other casinos that all offered overnight accommodations. “It’s a game changer for [the tribal community]. This is about their legacy and having an investment to pass down to the future generations as a stable source of funding for their tribal government,” said Tom Malloy, Jamul’s Vice President of Marketing.

The hotel is part of a larger expansion project that also includes a 25,500-square-foot event center and a six-level parking garage, enhancing both the resort’s capacity and its ability to host large-scale events.

A Project Years in the Making

Construction, led by CW Driver Companies, followed years of planning and preparation. The development required relocating the Tribe’s administrative offices and demolishing the community center to make room for the tower. Work was completed while the casino remained fully operational, a logistical challenge that CW Driver Companies’ Project Executive Keith Kauffman acknowledged: “After successfully completing the Jamul Casino in 2016, it is a privilege to continue our relationship with Jamul Indian Village and bring this high-end hotel to life.”

The project reached a symbolic milestone in July 2024 with a topping-off ceremony, during which the final beam was placed and blessed by Tribal Elder Kenny Meza.

In April 2023, the Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation secured $515 million in financing—arranged by KeyBanc Capital Markets and other lenders—to fund the hotel and additional economic development initiatives for the Tribe.

Building Toward a Luxury Destination

Designed to earn the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating, the hotel aims to combine high-end comfort with cultural authenticity. Its architecture was envisioned as a “crystalline jewel box” set against the natural backdrop of the Jamul mountains, providing guests with a tranquil yet luxurious environment.

“We are thrilled to unveil this beautiful new hotel that our guests have been eagerly anticipating,” said Mary Cheeks, President and General Manager of Jamul Casino Resort. “With exceptional dining destinations, wellness-focused amenities, and curated experiences, we have created a space that truly caters to gaming enthusiasts, business professionals, and leisure travelers alike.”

Opened in 2016, the Jamul Casino already offers nearly 1,700 slot machines, 46 live table games, a dedicated poker room, and multiple dining and entertainment venues. The new hotel is expected to transform the resort into a more comprehensive destination, encouraging guests to “stay where they play” and return for both gaming and relaxation.