Tucker Peak Lodge — Hotel in San Diego Country Estates

Tucker Peak Lodge will be one of those places people will either love or hate. It's nestled up on a hill with surrounding trees and has a large expansive deck with chairs to enjoy the outdoor air. The lodge appears to have been a large house at one time, that possibly served as a B&B, but now it is a lodge.

Depending on our background, you could find this as an enchanting getaway with romantic quaint rooms. A young couple might find Tucker Peak very charming and exciting. The price to stay overnight, is pretty competitive for the area. An order couple, might perhaps see the world differently with all their experience and instead pay attention to everything imperfect. A board out of place, smaller rooms, etc.

I stayed overnight and overall I enjoyed my stay. I thought it was a fun one night experience, away from everything.

Driving up the somewhat private road to Tucker Peak Lodge, it is easy to pass the sharp left turn (I did and backed up a bit). A sharp incline winds up to the driveway in front of the Lodge. I honestly was a bit confused about the parking situation. There was a truck parked backwards in the driveway. I stopped, examined the area and came to the conclusion that indeed the other spot on the drive way was marked "2" and was guest parking. I backed into that spot on the top of the driveway. After getting out I could barely make out the head in parking spaces a little lower down the driveway. It looked like another 3 or 4, but I think the guest parking needs signs and more thicker white lines indicating where to park.

Walking up past the driveway, I noticed a sign that said "guest check in." I following the sign direction and noticed a door open at the top of some steps. I was embarrassed to find that the maid services was attending to one of the rooms and they directed my further down to the main Living Room where the "check in " was located.

I expected a person to be there, but looking up at the wall in the entrance was a sign that was titled "Self-Check In." No one else was there, so I signed the guestbook and found my name with a key hanging on the wall in front of the short desk. I guess it was easy enough, but again the process didn't seem clear to me either.

Walking into the "Rosewood" room, we found it to be very charming. Everything was arranged nicely. The shower and bathroom were clean and looked to have been recently remodeled. The plank flooring made it perfect for our stay with our little 6 lb Yorkie. I felt a bit claustrophobic at times, but that's probably me. The bathroom had swinging saloon style doors that made me a bit uncomfortable and self-conscious when using the bathroom. As I said early, a younger couple could find this really fun. It just wasn't my thing I guess.

The room had a nice small refrigerator and was stocked with K-cups to make coffee along with the amenities. There were also more in the main kitchen. If you like to make your own meals, the place has a pretty nice common kitchen area for preparing your food.

The common Living Room had a beautiful staircase and stone fireplace. Big large comfortable furniture was available for your leisure. Some of the rooms were located inside the main house on the second floor above the Living Room. If you like a lot of privacy these rooms might not be your thing.

I found Tucker Peak Lodge to be the imperfect fun getaway experience. I did enjoy my stay and was...

With added service fees ($75), we overpaid for our room. There was NO fireplace, NO view out the window (see photo), and the air conditioner did not work. Every 2 minutes it would turn on, blow air for 30 seconds and quit, all night long. There were no extra blankets in the room, other than what was on the bed. ||There were 2 large dressers, a tiny table and 2 small wooden chairs, but NO "comfortable seating". With less furniture, the room could be arranged better and a comfy chair added. The floor was not clean and the curtains were frayed at the top (see photo). The bed was comfortable, but precariously high (see photo). My 6 ft. husband could barely sit on it with his feet on the floor and it was too close the windows, making it difficult to access that side of the bed. ||During the night, I could see a light leak, where the ceiling and wall met. The exhaust fan in the bathroom didn't work and it was the smallest toilet I've seen since grade school. A larger throne would fit, if they removed the added on bidet. ||We never saw any staff during check-in or check-out or in between. Pastries in the morning would have been nice, instead of the instant oatmeal and coffee that was offered. ||The best thing about the stay, were the sweet, adorable cats who greeted us when we arrived. The common room was inviting with an impressive rock wall fireplace. The drive was beautiful and the area was very quiet. It would be a great star gazing location, but unfortunately, it was overcast the night we were there (not the fault of the lodge!). ||This place has potential to be wonderful, but it needs much more TLC and thought by the owner. Maybe the other rooms were better than the one we got, but every room should be warm, clean and comfortable. I can't imagine returning to this lodge in the future. I think I would opt for a hotel in Borrego Springs, over Julian, if Borrego Springs is your...

It’s a hybrid is the first thing. B&Bs and private rooms with mini fridges, keruigs and micro waves. It’s not a B&B tho as in terms of the host doesn’t provide food, but more no host style. A full kitchen is provided for guests to prepare food.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t go over the few negatives, but despite them, this is such a great experience.

I got three things that are less than optimal.

The road,the last 30 yards are a very steep no bull one way road on a cliff. Parking is tight. If you’re used to mountain roads, no biggie. But backing up when you might rarely have to, won’t be a great day.

Carpet in two rooms I stayed was clean, but stained and worn in high traffic areas.

This was a formerly a house, and if you stay in one of the rooms in the house, it’s not noise proof at all.

That being said let’s get on to all the goodness. King bed suite with a full is a magnificent room with 18 foot peaked ceilings done in grand log cabin style. the common area is amazing grand log cabin style with a great view. Such sunsets and sunrises!

The hospitality of the caretaker was warm, professional and attentive to our needs. It felt like visiting family I just met.

My 84 year old dad was having a hard time with the stairs the first night in the double queen and she insisted we upgrade to that fantastic King Suite on the 1st floor for our 2nd night.

Free WiFi, cable, pro shuffleboard table, games, views of a beautiful alpine like valley, economical, it’s fantastic!

I gather they recently changed ownership, it’s a tough business, and I would wish the new owners good luck, but you don’t need it. Keep on making good hires like your current caretaker and you will thrive.

Thank you! And say hi to that cute...