Jamul Casino®’s New Hotel Tower Aims to Transform San Diego County’s Hospitality Scene
November 12, 2024
JAMUL, Calif., Nov. 6, 2021 / Casino Player /
The Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation, a wholly owned enterprise of the Jamul Indian Village Tribe, celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of Jamul Casino’s new 16-story hotel tower with a topping-off ceremony on Friday, July 12. Opened in 2016, the Jamul Casino is located in Jamul, CA, in San Diego County. This highly anticipated hotel, featuring 200 beautifully appointed rooms—including 52 spacious suites—will offer a curated collection of leisure experiences and is slated to open in the spring of 2025.
Already recognized as a top destination for exceptional dining, entertainment, gaming and leisure, Jamul Casino is set to elevate its offerings with a carefully crafted selection of experiences. Originally envisioned as a crystalline jewel box floating against the Jamul mountains, the boutique hotel aims to redefine the area’s hospitality market. Casino guests will enjoy the convenience of staying where they play, with access to the state-of-the-art hotel via a climate-controlled, enclosed pedestrian sky bridge.
Among the luxurious amenities will be an approximately 4,800- square-foot restaurant with sweeping views of the surrounding area, retail space, meeting and banquet facilities, a full-service spa and salon with an outdoor deck, a fitness center, luxury guest rooms and suites for VIP guests and an 11,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck complete with a jetted hot tub, cabanas and a rooftop bar.
Casino Player had the privilege of interviewing President and General Manager Mary Cheeks about this ambitious project, along with Rocio Zorrilla, the recently appointed hotel director, to learn about their influential careers and the exciting new developments set to wow visitors.
MARY CHEEKS
President & General Manager, Jamul Casino
Mary Cheeks grew up in the gaming industry in Atlantic City, NJ, where she began her career as an Internal Audit Supervisor. Through several promotions, she ascended to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Seeking new challenges, Mary transitioned to a company with a presence in Pennsylvania, where she leveraged her CFO experience to align the position with general management responsibilities. Five years later, she became the General Manager of a casino in upstate New York, where she successfully opened a new casino built from the ground up—a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. After two and a half years, Mary had the chance to meet with the Tribal Council of the Jamul Indian Village Tribe, which led to her fulfilling dream of working in San Diego. She has now spent six years at Jamul Casino, cherishing every moment of her journey in this dynamic environment. As she spearheads the casino’s expansion, Mary continues to be an influential woman shaping the gaming industry.
CP: As one of the few female Presidents & General Managers in the gaming industry, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced while climbing the ranks, and how did you overcome them?
MC: The biggest challenge was how hard I had to work to be recognized and valued. I grew up in this business needing to be more knowledgeable than my co-workers, showing quicker results and waiting patiently to be at the table. I overcame the challenges by determination, sacrifice, focus and frankly being better than the competition.
CP: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as Jamul’s President & GM, and what excites you most about the future of Jamul Casino?
MC: Building a culture that drives the success of the business makes me proud. The most exciting thing for me is our Tribal Council, who are both innovative and supportive of growth. They are risk takers and I see a very bright future ahead.
CP: What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership positions in the gaming and hospitality industries?
MC: The door is now open wider to women in hospitality than 15+ years ago. However, you still need to focus on your A game and claim your seat at the table.
CP: Jamul Casino recently celebrated the topping-off ceremony for its new 16-story tower in July. Can you share more details about this boutique hotel and what unique features it will bring to the region?
MC: The new hotel tower features 200 rooms, including 52 suites, a six-story parking structure with 250 parking spaces, and a climate-controlled, enclosed pedestrian sky bridge. Guests will enjoy a new 4,800-squarefoot restaurant with sweeping views, along with retail space, meeting and banquet facilities and a full-service spa and salon that includes an outdoor deck. Additional amenities include a fitness center, a speakeasy and an expansive 11,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck complete with a jetted hot tub, cabanas and a rooftop bar.
CP: What does this expansion project mean to the Jamul Indian Village Tribe and the broader community?
MC: The JIV Tribe waited over 20 years to build a casino that allowed for survival in the high cost of living in San Diego County. It provided a life of self-sufficiency for this Tribe and the addition of a hotel will provide for a continuation of self-reliance for generations to come.
CP: How does the Jamul Casino cater to both leisure travelers and casino enthusiasts?
MC: It’s all about the experience you deliver for both gamers and leisure travelers. While we currently cater to both without a hotel, we will be able to enhance our offerings for gaming and non-gaming guests with the amenities at Jamul Hotel and Casino. We set their expectations through customized technology that ensures their desired experiences are met, whether it’s dining, spa services, gaming, relaxation by the pool, or any other experience in San Diego County.
CP: What is the most important takeaway you want guests to have after their visit to Jamul Casino?
MC: For each guest to leave Jamul Casino Resort with a unique experience of fun, relaxation and a great hospitality visit.
ROCIO ZORRILLA
Hotel Director, Jamul Casino
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Rocio Zorrilla has dedicated her career to creating unforgettable guest experiences in some of the world’s most prestigious resorts and luxury hotels. Her journey began at Casa de Campo Resort and Villas in the Dominican Republic and The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, FL. Over the years, she has held leadership roles at notable properties, including Montage Deer Valley and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.
Before joining Jamul Casino, Rocio was privileged to be part of the opening and renovation teams at several esteemed establishments, where she discovered her passion for bringing new hotels to life. What truly excites her about her current role is the unique opportunity to build something special from the ground up. She is committed to shaping the guest experience from day one and ensuring that the service consistently exceeds expectations.
CP: In an industry where women are still underrepresented in leadership roles, what experiences or challenges have helped you advance to this prominent role?
RZ: There have definitely been challenges, but I believe those experiences made me stronger. Being a woman in leadership often means navigating situations where it can feel like you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself. But I never let that discourage me. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors—both men and women—who encouraged me to step up and take on challenges. Learning how to handle those moments with confidence and determination has helped me grow into this role. I’ve always focused on being genuine, building relationships and proving my value through hard work and dedication.
CP: As the new Hotel Director, how do you envision shaping the future of hospitality at Jamul Casino and enhancing the guest experience?
RZ: I envision creating a place where guests feel genuinely welcomed and taken care of, alongside an amazing team that shares a passion for hospitality. At Jamul Casino, we want every guest to feel like they’re getting a personalized experience, whether they’re here for a weekend getaway or a special event. We’ll focus on attention to detail and creating those moments that guests will remember long after they’ve left. Technology will also play a part in making the guest journey smoother, but truly, it’s the people, our team, who make the difference. I want to empower our team to go above and beyond, making sure that every guest feels special and valued.
CP: What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership positions in the gaming and hospitality industries?
RZ: My advice would be to never let fear hold you back; be bold, be persistent. Focus on making forward progress, and being the best person you can be while learning from the mistakes you make. Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel intimidating at first. You’re capable of more than you think, and sometimes stepping outside of your comfort zone is exactly what you need to grow. Also, build a network of people who support you and want to see you succeed. Mentorship is a big part of that, and I’m a strong believer in paying it forward. I hope to mentor young women by being approachable, sharing my experiences, and showing them that it’s possible to succeed in this industry with hard work and authenticity.
CP: What can you tell us about this expansion, and what unique features will guests experience when it’s completed?
RZ: We’re so excited about this new addition! The hotel tower will be a 16- story luxury space that will offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We’re putting a lot of thought into every detail, from the modern design of the rooms to the amenities that will make every stay memorable. Guests can expect a beautiful rooftop pool area, a spa where they can fully unwind, and dining options that showcase local flavors. Our goal is to offer a luxury experience, but one that still feels warm and welcoming—like you’re coming home to comfort, but with a touch of indulgence.
CP: In July, Jamul Casino reached a milestone with the topping off of its new 16-story hotel tower.What does this achievement mean to the Jamul Tribe and the broader community?
RZ: The topping off the hotel tower was a huge moment for the Jamul Tribe and the entire community. It represents not only the growth of Jamul Casino but also the Tribe’s dedication to creating opportunities and supporting the local area. This expansion means more jobs, more visitors and an overall boost to the economy. For the Tribe, it’s a proud milestone in their journey of building a thriving business while staying true to their roots and values. It’s about creating something that benefits everyone, and that’s what made that moment really special.
CP: How do you envision the new expansion enhancing the overall guest experience at the resort?
RZ: With the addition of the hotel, we are taking the guest experience to a whole new level. It’s no longer just a place to come and enjoy gaming or dining—it’s a full resort experience. Guests will have the option to stay overnight in a luxury setting, which opens up the possibility for longer stays and more personalized experiences. Whether it’s a relaxing day at the spa or a fun night enjoying our cuisine options, the hotel expansion allows us to offer something for everyone. It’s about giving guests more reasons to come back and making each visit better than the last. Our team will play a huge part in the guest experience by genuinely listening to our guests to enhance their stay with personalized touches they will never forget.
CP: For first-time visitors to Jamul Casino, what can they expect in terms of gaming, dining and the overall resort experience?
RZ: First-time visitors are in for a treat! Jamul Casino offers a wide range of gaming options, from slots to table games, and the atmosphere is always lively and welcoming. But it’s not just about the gaming—our dining options really stand out, with everything from fine dining to casual spots where you can grab a quick bite. We want guests to feel like they’re getting the full resort experience, whether that’s through our excellent service, our entertainment options or just the beautiful environment we’ve created. It’s a place where people can have fun, relax at the Spa and enjoy everything San Diego has to offer. With our Sweetwater rewards program, our first-time guests can immediately start enjoying discounts around the property from the moment they sign up.
CP: When you open the doors of the new hotel tower, what specific features and amenities do you believe will set it apart from other luxury accommodations in the region?
RZ: What will really set us apart is the combination of luxury and personalized service. The rooms will have a modern, sophisticated design, but they’ll also feel comfortable and welcoming. The rooftop pool will be a standout feature—perfect for relaxing with a drink and taking in the views. Our spa will offer top-notch and bespoke treatments, and the dining options will highlight the best of local ingredients. What’s really important to us is that every guest feels cared for, whether they’re here for a special event or just to unwind. It’s that blend of high-end amenities and the attentive service from our team that will make our hotel truly unique.
About Jamul Casino
Opened in 2016, the Jamul Casino is located in Jamul, California, San Diego County, and is owned and operated by Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation (JIVDC), a wholly owned enterprise of the Tribe. The $430 million, award-winning casino features nearly 1,700 slot machines, 46 live table games, a dedicated poker room, and various restaurants, bars and lounges, and coming Spring 2025, will welcome a brand-new, 200-room luxury hotel tower. The 16-story boutique hotel will soon offer an all-new collection of guest experiences from restaurants, retail space, a rooftop pool and full-service spa and salon. The hotel is being built to achieve AAA’s Four Diamond designation. Jamul Casino supports more than 1,200 permanent jobs throughout the region and is the closest casino to downtown San Diego, which is the eighth-largest city in the United States by population. For more information about Jamul Casino, please visit JamulCasinoSD.com.