Viejas Casino & Willows Hotel ★★★★

"Pros: Room was luxuriously perfect with quality linens, fridge, coffee, immaculate, modern, nice toiletries, robes on request; great live music/dancing; lovely pool area. These are the reason for 4 stars, b/c these features did outweigh the cons below. Cons: When there's a concert, poolside service shuts down so it's self-serve. The pool bar entrance becomes off-limits b/c it's just inside the concert venue gate and there's a major fuss about no one entering that gate prior to concert, requiring a long circuitous trip thru the casino and back, juggling drinks. They appear to be severely understaffed. They told us our room would be ready by 4:00 and they'd call us. At 4:30 we went to the desk to check; room had been ready for a while, but they "didn't have a chance" to call us. Lines and waits for everything. Waited 15 min. in line to eat at Baron's to be told that there'd be an hour wait unless we wanted to eat in the bar; could've gone straight there and saved 15 minutes. Overworked server finally took our order after about 20 minutes. I don't know how long we waited until finally we left and just went to the Grab and Go market. Concert venue seats are sardine-city, small folding chairs packed tight together; pity if you're next to someone hefty. They'd definitely be overflowing onto your seat! Anything to make extra bucks I guess . . . but not cool."

Grand Studio with exclusive resort amenities. ★★★★

Ayres Lodge Alpine ★★★

"This is a treasure I discovered during my recent trip to the US. The staff are all friendly, and the accommodations are clean. The breakfast is simple but satisfying. It's a cozy neighborhood filled with the scent of flowers, and the people at the local shops are friendly. I'll definitely be back again."

GORGEOUS 1 BED GUEST HOME ★★★★

Montecito Cottage - Tuscan Farmhouse, Pool, Views ★★★★