Jacumba Hot Springs Spa

Since I have to give 1 star to at least post an updated review, 1 star is too much.
Being a LOYAL customer of Jacumba for many years, different owners and now this new owner, I will say this. Stay Here At Your Own Risk!
I called to confirm a room to stay here on a Sunday night. I was told that during that weekend, there had been a Rave. Knowing people that frequent those types of events, I knew it all-​night partying could come along with that. I said I would call again to stay next time when there would be no Rave and the weekend would be quiet. I was completely assured that the Rave was over and that those guests would be leaving. Well they did not leave and there was all-​night partying, slamming of doors and loud noise ALL night. I called the front desk with no answer. This was a horrible experience! To be up all night, on a Sunday no less and have to put up with that crap.
As a frequent guest, yes you can look me up, no one should have to go through it. I am all for people having a good time, but being up all-​night, ALL night is unacceptable.
It wasn’t until around 5am, I finally got ahold of someone in the office to quiet the noise a bit.
Jacumba used to be a place to get away and relax. Also, don’t eat at Jacumba Hot Springs either. Just check out Acorn Casino for the $ 7.77 deal, the steak meal and food is so MUCH better and drinks are a great price too! I will NOW be heading to Desert Hot Springs for my Hot Spring Needs.
For the same price, I can enjoy the Healing Waters, get better service and be with others who want to Relax and Renew in peace!!!

Pool only swimable in warm weather. Tiny «hot tub». I quote this because when its in the 40’s you should see steam. Neither the pools or hot tub looked like the pamphlet or online advertising.
Altho in the US, being across the street from the boarder wall, you can not flush your toilet paper.
We were able to get a smooth refund.
Maybe a summer stay would get a better review, but I’m not in a hurry to return.

This place is amazing! The spa and the messages where amazing Jamie is great and would definitely come again and have a message! And the restaurant was amazingly delicious tasted like home food was so yummy! Only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was there was a very inappropriate conversation between employees that my husband and I over heard that should have been done in an office! But other then that place was a jewel hidden away

3 stars as a winter retreat.
Since the pools aren’t heated, there is only one logical option for mineral springs when it’s 40 degrees outside: the hot tub. Yet the hot tub only fits 6 to 8 people (depending on hwp). Considering there are more than 8 people here at the resort… what the hell do you do when the hot tub is full like it was when we went?
We ended up in the sauna for an hour (which fits 2 people comfortably or 4 really close friends who don’t mind sitting shoulder to shoulder). When we came out, there was some room in the hot tub which we stayed in for about an hour before a couple came in with kids who used the tub as a swimming pool.
Meh. Not pleased. Just find a way to heat one of the pools so everyone can enjoy what we paid to enjoy. I’m sure in the summer this place is fine…
The room was big and clean. Very quaint.
Leaving the place our Goldwing wouldn’t start. The bartender was cool enough to give us a jump.
The chicken dinner was fabulous. The chilli would have been better from a can. :(

Had a great over night here from central California to Mexico and decent food. And the hot springs was great! However, I am almost positive our family suffered bed bug bites from this hotel though I didn’t know it until two days later and never saw them. But it was the only place we stayed that wasn’t our own clean private environment and for the first time in my life I wasn’t vigilant about not letting the kids touch the bed quilt. Now I’m confirmed my normal OCD isn’t for nothing… yuck!

We had a lovely weekend at the Jacumba Hot Springs Spa. The mineral water is wonderful! My skin feels great! The temperature is just delightful in the two outdoor pools. The indoor spa is very nice. Our room was very comfortable and spacious. We ate both dinner and breakfast there and found the food quite good (and we are pretty picky about food). The staff is very friendly. The landscaping is still being finished, so some decorative details are still to come. Just the right distance for a quick weekend getaway from San Diego. We will be back soon!

This is a wonderful quaint find in east county. The hotel is small with two large pools and one hot tub fed by natural mineral hot springs and so there is no chlorine. The three pools vary in temp from cool to tepid to hot in the one jacuzzi. The staff is friendly and the guests were low key. If you stay at the hotel, then the pools are open 24hrs. Laying in the pool under that dark starry sky is very nice.
The food at the attached restaurant was quite satisfying. No Michelin awards here, but the food was very flavorful and of very high quality. We ate dinner and breakfast on site.
One suggestion for the owners. Dark skies are a key draw to this region of the county. I recommend turning off the patio lights after 10:00 PM. The stars are nice to see, but without the lights, the Milky Way becomes clearly visible. Please put the lights on a timer to shut off so guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the dark skies.

My sister and I have been longing to soak in real mineral water with no chlorine in it. Thanks to the owners of Jacumba Hot Spring Spa for making that happen! So happy we found this place 2 months ago — my sister and I have stayed here 3 weekends. The staff are wonderful — Lacy, Ralph, Tina, Shannon, Amanda, Tony and everyone whose name I have forgotten, including the mother/​daughter team who clean the rooms and the guy who cleans the jacuzzi, windows, etc. Rooms are clean. Restaurant is clean and I love the décor. The bison burger has a very strong taste/​smell and some people like it, but the fish and chips, if fried in fresh cooking oil, are our favorite!!! Don’t forget the bread pudding — it’s yummy! With people coming and going, there are times when there are so many flies in the restaurant but this can easily be controlled if the owner buy fly traps. The bar area is nice. Wish this place was only less than 30 minutes drive from my place in San Diego because I would come here everyday to soak in the pool/​jacuzzi and eat fish and chips in the restaurant. lol. The 2 big pools are wonderful however, sometimes, I wonder where adults and kids pee because there is no restroom or open shower nearby for those who come only for the day. The only restroom for the public is inside the building near the jacuzzi — too cumbersome to walk to just to pee. At least for us, we have a room a few steps from the pool. Anyway, thanks to all the staff who always make us feel welcome. We’ve made new friends who live in Jacumba (Susan, the retired teacher) as well as those who live in San Diego who come here every week. Overall, we always have a happy and relaxing experience and so worth the trip!

Stopped for lunch on a day-​trip to see the Desert View Tower. The staff was super friendly and helpful. He went above and beyond in making us feel welcome and helping with a grumpy five year old. A true gem in the desert. Was unable to partake in the spa but we are planning on a return trip. The food was excellent and quickly prepared.

I just noticed there is a more active Unilocal review page for the Jacumba Hot Springs Spa:

First timer in March 2015 for a friends birthday and now we’re hooked! Going back for my guys birthday next week. We can’t say enough about the accommodating staff! They made a custom cake for our buddy’s birthday. It was more than we could have imagined. The food is awesome, drinks are true and stiff and the kitchen will prepare just about anything you would like.
The Spa Massages by Jenny were pnenomenial to say the very least. Jenny is a true artist at her craft lending to a peaceful, relaxing, find your zen state. The mineral water is lovely and thick with minerals. The waters are self heated, the jacuzzi is great… and there is a door which leads directly from the jacuzzi/​sauna area into the bar! How awesome is that!?! Yes there is the the scent of Sulphur in the air… of course there is! The owners do not comprise the pure mineral water by treating with bleach or chlorine. So… breathe it in knowing you are on the pathway to a very private, relaxing experience.
The town is tiny, don’t blink. They have a general store to buy items left behind, alcohol and sandwiches too. A new Southern Style Restaurant just opened next to the store and I understand it is true to its roots with smoked meat, greens and such. We plan on checking it out this time.
I dig this place, wish them well but would hate to see it blown out by the masses. Just had to spread the word.

WOW is all I can say after our meal at the Spa’s NEW Sunday Champagne Brunch!
First, a disclaimer, I live in Jacumba but neither work at or have any financial interest in the Spa. We do eat there quite frequently, as we like their menu and quality. We also travel quite extensively both within the USA and globally and are always seeking out resturants with exceptional food.
My husband and I were delighted and impressed with our meal yesterday. The buffet selection was well-​thought out and beautifully presented. There were assorted breakfast pastries, salads, seasonal vegetables, an omlette station, seafood (the smoked salmon was incredible!) a carving station (my husband almost swooned over the prime rib) and a selection of HOME MADE deserts to delight the palate (I had a mouth melting lemon bar, decadent chocolate torte and some type of apple custard crisp (?) and, of course, chilled Champagne. I did not have room for the beautiful breakfast sausages, potatoes or macaroni and cheese (next time!).
In addition to the great food, the service was impeccable and the selection of music soothing and inobtrusive. Although the room was busy, new General Manager Danna, visited each table to make sure everyone’s dining experiance was special and to solicit feed-​back. Well-​done!
This food and experiance is un-​like what most expect in the back country. I overheard guests at other tables (some visiting as far afield as San Francisco) exclaiming about the food and stating they would definately return. I know my husband and I will!

Just stayed for the Valentines weekend. This was a great place to stay if you are looking for a Hot Springs Resort on a budget. Very relaxed atmosphere with the pools and Jacuzzi accessible all the time. There is a slight mineral smell to the water, but that is part of mineral hot springs. The rooms were nice. The staff was exceptional. Everyone did everything they could to make sure we had what we wanted and were having a nice weekend. Lacy and Daniel stood out always checking in. We had a couples massage (Reservation Recommended) that was fabulous. The food was great. We had the Rib eye steak one night and Prime Rib and Salmon special the next. I heard others talking about the fish and chips. I had the Breakfast special each morning which was a great omelet.
The mineral spa as a treatment made my skin feel soft and a lot of the outer imperfections seemed to come off.
They also have day use passes that looked tempting.
It is not Fancy but it is a nice local place with backroad charm.

«Great San Diego County Road Trip » !
My wife and I traveled to the back country in San Diego last weekend, and stopped in the small town of Descano to have breakfast at the «Descanso Junction Restaurant «. They had Great Food with large portions, at very reasonable prices. The friendly service we received from Jo Ann, made us feel as if we lived in the Descanso community, and she had known us for a long time. The décor of the restaurant is in a western theme and is very nice to look at and explore. My wife had the Machaca con Huevos, which was cooked perfectly, and had wonderful authentic Mexican seasoning. I had the Chili Rellano and egg breakfast, served with a side of great tasting re-​fried beans and a huge flour tortilla. The eggs had a farm fresh taste to them, and were cooked perfectly. The Chili Rellano was huge and one of the best tasting, I have ever had. The restaurant has a wide variety of dishes with weekly specials, and serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. We will definitely be back to try those deals. This restaurant is a must visit if you want to take a leisurely drive to the back country of San Diego to relax, enjoy the scenery, and enjoy a great friendly meal.

Honestly, I enjoyed this place before the renovation by the new owners, even though it was slightly dog-​eared, because it was a refreshing departure from the Almighty Homogenous World that surrounds us. My wife and I returned here post-​renovation and, though I do miss the authentic, untouched entity it was before, it is a very pleasant place to unwind and relax.
The food is simple but top notch and plentiful, and the prices very reasonable. We had lunch, dinner (starring a HUGE rack of ribs that melted in your mouth) and breakfast. The meals were delicious and the drinks were honest and refreshing. We also enjoyed the ambiance while eating in the courtyard beside a gurgling fountain. The staff was very polite and attentive.
The room we stayed in was decorated in tasteful and understated Western/​Indian motifs and was comfortable and very clean.
The pools were clear and pleasant to soak in. As some have mentioned, the water temperature is not «hot» as most hot springs are (unless you sit in front of the affluent pipe), but it was just right for soaking and swimming. One note for some of the previous posts: hot springs smell like sulphur – that’s what hot springs smell like. Kinda like why tuna smells like fish.
Our only complaint (and the reason that this is not a 5-​star rating) is that, for some completely head-​scratching reason, the new owners cut down most of the mature pinyon pine trees that graced the property. I measured some of the pathetic stumps that remain, like ghastly ghosts tainting the side entrance, and they are 2 – 3 feet in diameter. What a shame! Plus, what a dopey thing to do when you are a business that exists in the desert where shade is a precious commodity. I wonder how that has affected their cooling bills.
I asked an employee, what’s with the deforestation? She said she had no idea, that the trees were in excellent condition and that the staff was appalled as well. I think it may have something to do with the fact that the owners have a nudist ranch not too far away and thought that the people around the pool would want to worship the sun like they do. However, while we were there, most of the bathers were competing for the paltry shade around the umbrellas like Titanic passengers grasping for flotsam. And it doesn’t explain the demise of the other trees not around the pool. Go figure.
Nonetheless, we really enjoyed our time at the resort and the whole little, slightly dilapidated town itself that seems to ring with the echoes of the past, and will return soon.

I visited Jacumba while my husband was on a business trip. I had No idea that I would find the type of people I found there. They made me feel So welcome, they helped me to find my way around, and even bought my food to my room after I ordered. It is Absolutely worth the day trip and overnight stay! My skin is not only smoother LOL, but my spirit is rejuvenated by my massage And the smiles of the staff. Thank you guys So much for making it a trip worth while. I Will be back!

Came here for my Dad’s birthday. We all really enjoyed the mineral water pool! We however unfortunately only went into one pool out of three. The one with a tube of hot water gushing into the pool. I went and stuck my legs into the emerald green jacuzzi that made my legs feel like silk tho before we left. And I really enjoyed that too.
The only other hot springs I’ve been to was in the Philippines that had a huge pool, rocks in the bottom, and tons of goldfish like fish swimming by. I’m glad there is a hot springs by San Diego!
Day pass is $ 25 per person.
Also right next to border so put your phones on airplane mode when you’re getting close to jacumba. Or else you might get roaming charges.
Business is right off the freeway exit to the right.

I just came back from my best experience here. I’m honestly pretty shocked at the low ratings from other Unilocalers. Did you expect a 4 star resort? Sheesh! It’s Jacumba… Get clued in about the history of the town and stop bring so dang uppity. People come from all over Europe to stay here.
The rooms are clean and well maintained. The beds were comfy and I slept in so late that it was check out time! I guess all of the floating in the mineral water just seriously relaxed me and I was finally able so unwind.
I was treated to a massage — so worth every penny!!! Jenny, their CMT, is very talented and caring. I got a 90 minute massage and fell asleep twice. I get a lot of massages so I know when it’s good and she’s the real deal. She even cones to your room to get you! Talk about customer service!
For dinner we ate at their restaurant around 9pm. We both had steak and it was delish. I’ve eaten there a couple of times for dinner but this was by far the best. The service was great and attentive. As far as the Unilocaler who posted about employees smoking — yes, I saw an employee take a smoke break on the patio, far away from customers. Big deal. I’m not the hall monitor when there. I’m there to chill out.
In the morning when we finally got up we decided to try their breakfast. Seriously good decision and perfect to travel back home on full bellies.
Don’t let the negative reviews stop you from coming here. If you’re not a bougie type person, can handle regular people who live in a gruff part of the county while getting sun, relaxation, mineral benefits on your skin, and eating yummy food then get out here.
The new owners have done this place justice!

I dont understand why a «review» from a Unilocal poster appears to use the same suite of pictures as the owner’s pictures used on his website. Unilocal asks that folks connected with the business don’t post, and there are already two suspicious posts here since re-​opening in 2013… hmm.
Our return to this facility was FAIR in most ways and shockingly DISAPPOINTING in others. First, new owner cut the trees from above the center pool. No more soft breezes moving limbs, no more shade, no bird sanctuary, no lovely framed sky above when floating in the center pool. What remained? The tacky chain link fence. Smokers (patrons smoking at the pool.)
Another «improvement» which I find incredibly abhorrent is that the Bar has a direct connection to the Hot spa. There are hardly two more dichotomous areas on site, and now they are adjacent with through access.
The «new» flavor and design is straight out of Generic Hotel Supply, reminiscent of Motel 6. There is nothing «Jacumba» about the Jacumba Spa anymore; There is no history, items of interest, local art or nod to locale (Southwest, Mexico, East county, nada!) Exception being bar business, the normal cast of characters has not changed much.
Before we made reservations, we asked about the smoking policy, and were told all the rooms and pools were non smoking (Bar and restaurant, too.) However, once we got there, we quickly discovered that meant that the smokers (including the employees) then move to the porch outside the hot Spa — the same porch that serves food adjacent to the indoor seating of the restaurant. So there is no escaping the smokers whether they shift from the restaurant porch to the bar porch, the smoke remains everywhere — pool areas, spa area, bar & restaurant area, outside seating areas, as well as the walkways outside our room, where the smoking hotel guests then sit and smoke.
There is no lockerroom/​private showers at the Spa anymore, which results in taking a lot of the «relax» out of the water experience. However, the new bathrooms are bright and clean. Yes the hotel rooms are numbered exactly like before (something the staff didnt know.) Restaurant is average, Waitresses are good.
The pool hours are unacceptably short. Overnight guests only have a slice of time between check in and check out to use the waters they have come out for. We visited in August 2013.
Good points included relatively clean rooms and toilets, helpful but inexperienced staff (again lacking local flavor or any semblance of representing the unique facility), the new moonroof over the hot Spa is wonderful — open to the sky.
In our opinion, weekend overnights are a bit pricey for what they offer. We will likely go again, better knowing how to set our expectations, what things to bring out, and how to spend time where.

My wife and I just returned from a 3 day, 2 nite stay at the newly renovated Jacumba Hot Springs Spa and motel.
We first went there 15 years ago when Felix Sr. (may he rest in peace) and Felix Jr. ran the place. It was tacky back then but not without it’s charm.
We would go back now and then and even into the days after the two Felix’s had moved on.
We endured the Bob Mitchell era, (may he rest in pieces) where the truth about anything going on there was difficult to discern.
But now after being closed for more than a year and a half and dealing with the morons and fools that run the S.D. County building department, The most vital of the renovations are complete and running beautifully. There is much more work that will have to be done, but it’s a vast improvement from anytime before.
Over night stays are $ 99 on weekdays and $ 129 on weekends with day passes of $ 25 per head regardless of age. (No breaks for the kids)
Ask about the yearly day pass memberships. You would have to be a regular visitor to benefit from this membership.
We enjoyed our stay very much, the water was great and the Jacuzzi has been opened up to the sky and is no longer dank and dungeon-​like. The water no longer has that perpetual green color and stinky smell of the past. (Compare the pictures posted on this site to know what I mean)
This place is no longer a hangout for the local riff raff like it was before either. That in itself was huge.
All 3 pools were opened and all have the same mineral water flowing into them. They closed one of the pools and emptied it today for cleaning which I understand is now a routine procedure. I’ve never seen the main pool look so bright and clean.
I’m going back as soon as I can. It was a very nice experience. I recommend it highly.
I rated it as «pricey» but to be honest, it’s between pricey and moderate all round.
Something else consider, if you are bringing a Blu-​ray DVD player with Wi_​Fi capabilities, ask for a room as close to the office as possible. Their router is not too powerful and in some rooms completely useless.