"The transformation to Jamul Casino Resort represents the full realization of our original vision"

Jamul Casino has long stood out in San Diego’s competitive gaming and hospitality market, earning accolades for its world-class service, entertainment, and dining. Now, with the debut of its $180 million hotel tower and official rebrand as Jamul Casino Resort, the property is entering a new era, defined not just by gaming excellence but by a full-fledged luxury resort experience.

At the heart of this transformation is Mary Cheeks, President & General Manager, who has led Jamul through its evolution from a regional casino to a destination resort. In this conversation with Yogonet, she reflects on what resonates most with guests, the intentional strategy behind Jamul’s award-winning entertainment offerings, and how the new resort marks both a turning point for the property and a milestone for the Jamul Indian Village’s vision of long-term sustainability.

Jamul Casino Resort regularly receives top honors for its gaming and hospitality offerings in San Diego. What do you think resonates the most with guests? How does Jamul ensure consistency across its dining, nightlife, and gaming experiences?

What resonates most with guests is our unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations at every touchpoint. When we first opened as Jamul Casino, we established exceptional service and quality experiences as our foundation. Now, as Jamul Casino Resort, we've elevated those standards by exceeding the AAA Four Diamond criteria.

As for consistency, our team focuses on comprehensive staff training across all departments, ensuring that whether guests are dining at Jamul 23, relaxing at the Starlite Pool, or gaming on the casino floor, they receive the same level of personalized attention and service excellence.

From Best Hotel and Best Staycation to top food and nightlife awards, Jamul seems to have carved out a 360-degree entertainment identity. How intentional has that been in shaping the guest experience? And how do awards like the "San Diego's Best" influence your strategy moving forward? 

This comprehensive entertainment experience has been absolutely intentional from day one. During our casino-only years, guest feedback consistently indicated they wanted reasons to stay longer and experience more, which directly shaped our expansion strategy.

Going from 7 to 12 restaurants and bars wasn't just about adding options — it was about creating distinct experiences for different moods and occasions. The "San Diego's Best" awards validate that this strategy is working and has raised the bar, as guests now expect that level of excellence every single visit. With that, we are keeping our focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Jamul Casino Resort opened its new hotel tower this month

The opening of Jamul's new hotel marks a major evolution, not only in the guest experience but also symbolically as Jamul Casino turns into Jamul Casino Resort. How does this rebranding reflect the transformation of the property?

The transformation to Jamul Casino Resort represents the full realization of our original vision—evolving from a regional gaming destination to a luxury resort that competes with the best in Southern California. This rebranding reflects a fundamental shift in how guests experience the property: from a place visited for an evening of gaming to a destination resort that has been designed with the player in mind.

Every amenity we added was because we believe it enhances the player's whole experience and lets them realize even more benefits that come with being a loyal player here. The $180 million investment in the hotel tower symbolizes our commitment to this transformation and our confidence in Jamul's future as a premier resort destination.

With 200 rooms, 52 suites, and luxury amenities, what kind of traveler are you hoping to attract - gamers, couples, corporate guests, or destination travelers? And can you tell us more about the design philosophy behind the new tower and the kind of guest experience Jamul aims to create?

Short answer: Players. The resort was planned and designed to cater to players, both our current Sweetwater Rewards members and new players. But in the planning, we didn't leave the general population out. We think our new amenities will attract a diverse mix of guests who all share an appreciation for luxury and exceptional experiences. This includes our core audience of gaming enthusiasts extending their visits to full resort getaways, leisure travelers drawn to our AAA Four Diamond amenities, and corporate clients seeking unique hospitality experiences.

Our design philosophy centers on sophisticated comfort with a strong sense of place, where every element from smart room technology to architectural details was carefully chosen to create an elevated experience that feels both luxurious and welcoming. This stunning glass building was meant to evoke the image of a crystalline jewel box tucked into the Jamul Mountains, which I think we successfully created.

The grand opening ceremony featured a drone show

What does this milestone mean for the Jamul Indian Village and its path to self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability? How does the new resort help honor the land and the community's story?

This milestone represents the culmination of the Jamul Indian Village's vision for economic self-determination and long-term prosperity. The tribe has demonstrated exceptional stewardship while investing in the community's future. The Resort creates meaningful careers and reinforces Jamul Indian Village as a significant contributor to San Diego County's economy and hospitality landscape, ensuring sustainable growth that honors both our Tribe's heritage and our commitment to the region.

Looking ahead, how do you envision Jamul Casino Resort growing in the next years as it enters this new chapter? Are there more expansions or innovations on the horizon? How do you see Jamul's role evolving in Southern California tourism?

The hotel tower establishes our foundation as a luxury resort, with additional opportunities already being explored to enhance guest experiences and expand our offerings. The success of our current amenities—the spa, rooftop experiences and diverse dining portfolio—demonstrates a tremendous appetite for unique hospitality experiences in this region.

Jamul's role in the Southern California gaming and hospitality landscape is evolving from a regional gaming destination to a comprehensive resort experience that can compete with established markets like Los Angeles or coastal properties. We're uniquely positioned with our location, luxury standards, and unwavering commitment to service excellence.