The Hot Spot Studios Liberty Station | Pottery Painting — Attraction in San Diego

UPDATE: I came to pick up my pottery at 11am on Monday. The doors were closed, the lights were off, and I called twice. The phone rang without answer in the studio each time. The pieces I am here to pick up were for a birthday present that needed to be sent in the mail. There is no sign on the door that mentions an unexpected closure or different hours. I waited for 15 minutes outside until we heard the area staff (the same man who asked us when we got there if we were waiting for them to open) talking to who I presume is the owner letting her know we had been waiting. Her response was "Oh no! I better go in this door. Thanks for letting me know." She proceeded to open the patio doors to let herself in then came to let me in at the main door pretending the studio had been opened the whole time I was sitting there saying the patio doors were opened and she "forgets this door." The main doors are the entry point for customers at the studio. So how does a business owner "forget" where all their signage and information is for customers? When I pointed out that I had called twice in the 15 minutes we were waiting she had nothing to say other than "Oh." It was clear she had been caught in her lie.

I will not come back again. I can understand being a little late and I'll accept an apology for an honest mistake. It happens to all of us. But lying to me about it and putting the blame on me is completely unprofessional.

Overall, we enjoyed our visit. The 2 women that helped us get set up were friendly though they were mainly focused on getting the party set up for the kids that came in right after us at opening. The only thing I could really complain about is the music being played was a bit loud for us. The birthday party full of young children were kinda all over the place and also very loud adding to the noise level which was a bit distracting. But that is not the fault of the staff.

There was plenty of room to stay distanced and all pottery pieces were clearly marked with the price, as were all of the other stations, so you know what to expect at check out. A fun place to go with a small group of friends if you want to spend time together doing something other than eating/drinking. I will definitely be heading back...

Pretty disappointed in this place. They lost my pieces, yet all they are not willing to provide a refund, just store credit.

Took my 3 year old daughter and my dad from out of state to paint some pieces together in March. The return slip stated the pieces would be ready by 3/22. I came by on 3/23. I was told they couldn't find them, but that they were just really backed up, so it should just take a few more days. 2 employees took pictures of my return slip and reassured me they would turn up. They also gave a store credit slip for inconvenience. I called about 2 weeks later and they still could not find them. They took down my info and said they'd give me a call back. I was reassured the pieces would be found. I called on 6/3 (almost 2.5 months later!!) since I hadn't heard from anyone. I was told they were likely lost. The employee said maybe someone accidentally took my bag because M last names are so common. I asked for a refund, but was told that policy for lost pieces is store credit because the owners are not local.

I was pretty understanding throughout this whole experience with Hot Spot, but I'm incredibly disappointed with how this was handled. I am happy to give back the store credit to get my money refunded. Why would I want to return to paint more pieces with the chance that they would...

This place is conveniently located in Liberty station. We live nearby and I like to support the local businesses. Most of the time they have plenty to choose from. Been once where it was slim pickings a few weeks ago(on a Monday). Decided to host my daughters birthday party there. I was asked for a $25 deposit which I expected and happily paid, when booking. But, when I went to pay the bill at the end of the party I was told the deposit did not apply toward the bill. When I asked what the $25 was in fact for, the young girl told me it was to just hold my spot, and for the 1 extra staff (who was nice enough, but besides explaining the instructions, really did nothing else for us the next 2 hours) and for the plastic table we used ...for the food that I bought And brought in. Hmmm. Perhaps I wouldn't be leaving 3 stars if I had been told at the time of my reservation that the $25 does not apply to the party total (which was well over $200). That seems kind of sneaky to me. So if you are planning on throwing a pottery party, just know that it isn't really any thing more special and I highly suggest just walking in WITHOUT a reservation, picking pottery and painting it. Save yourself the $25 deposit. Which actually would buy you a piece of pottery...