The Bottom Line
If you live in San Diego and want to run away from home for a day or two, Barona is close and provides a good level of quality for money.
It's also a good place to consider if you're visiting San Diego and would like a little taste of Las Vegas, close enough that you can go just for an evening.
Pros
- Top-rated golf course
- Casino wins a lot of awards
- Pretty setting
Cons
- Too far out of town if you're spending all your time in San Diego
- If you don't golf, spa or gamble, you'll find little to do here
- This place is not for children, who will undoubtedly be bored and aren't allowed in the casino
Description
- 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road
San Diego, CA
Phone: 888-722-7662, 619-443-230
Barona Valley Ranch website - 400 rooms in an eight-story hotel building
- Complimentary wireless Internet access, wired connections if needed
- Pool, fitness center, spa, casino
- Golfweek rates Barona's golf course among California's best, and it's much more affordable than many
- Four full-service restaurants, several places to get lighter fare and 24-hour room service
- If you're going to Barona from San Diego, leave the car behind. Take San Diego Trolley to El Cajon and use their shuttle
Guide Review - Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino
Since it opened in 2003, Barona Valley Ranch has won many industry awards, especially for its gaming experience and gaming hosts, including a highest satisfaction ranking from J.D. Power. With everything from nickel slots to high-stakes private gaming rooms, it has something for anyone who enjoys gambling.
The hotel is connected to the casino by an indoor hallway, but separate enough that the rooms are quiet. The decor uses natural colors and warm colors. Rooms are spacious and outfitted with all the amenities you'd expect and bathrooms are particularly nice, with shower enclosures and separate bathtubs. Housekeeping is excellent.
Of the several on-premises restaurants, Barona Oaks Steakhouse is the most elegant, turning in a solid performance on steaks, chops and seafood and utilizing regionally-raised produce.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of reviewing Barona Valley Ranch. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
