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Buddha's Zen Retreat-a Lush Tropical Estate - Near Zoo, Beaches, Downtown, Parks

Photo gallery for Buddha's Zen Retreat-a Lush Tropical Estate - Near Zoo, Beaches, Downtown, Parks

Property grounds
Exterior
Smart TV
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6204 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Hot Tub
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor Space
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Buddha's Zen Retreat-a Lush Tropical Estate - Near Zoo, Beaches, Downtown, Parks

Please Note: Parties, events, and any outside noise after 9 p.m. are strictly prohibited to ensure a peaceful environment for all guests & neighbors. Additionally, the minimum rental age for this property is 30 years.

Welcome to your Zen escape in the heart of the city! This modern, secluded oasis offers unbeatable central access: within a 10–20 minute walk, you’ll find yourself exploring charming neighborhoods, Balboa Park, and even Harbor Drive along the ocean. Previous guests rave about the unique, tranquil experience here—check out their reviews to see how this home feels in real life!

Upstairs, you'll find beautiful, recycled distressed hardwood floors and a glass floor entry leading to the master bedroom. The open-concept living room includes a 55" television with extensive cable channels, and the kitchen is equipped with granite countertops and sleek stainless steel appliances.

The lower level is styled with painted concrete floors and a stainless-steel staircase. A third bonus room provides a queen-sized bed for additional guests. Embracing a sustainable lifestyle, the owner has created a micro-farm on the property, adding a touch of nature that’s perfect for a relaxing retreat.

Outside, you’ll discover a secluded, 30-foot high deck with lounge furniture, a heater, and a new 6-person Hot Springs Spa—ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. Despite its prime central location, the property offers a peaceful, private atmosphere.

This home is a short 10-minute walk to Hillcrest’s vibrant downtown, with top attractions such as the airport, beaches, Sea World, the Zoo, and Balboa Park just minutes away.

For added comfort and convenience, we offer optional services including a concierge, private chef, and daily cleaning. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like a link to a video tour or have any questions.

TOT Certificate Number: #612881

Property manager

Zapher

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limo/town car service
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Kitchen

  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,200 square feet

Similar properties

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Heart of San Diego-Walk Score 82-Backyard -BBQ-HBO

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 27 reviews
The price is AED 577
AED 1,400 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Heart of San Diego-Walk Score 82-Backyard -BBQ-HBO
LIST_ALT

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
MONETIZATION_ON

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 612881, STR-01454L

Property is also known as

Ultra Modern Private Home Micro Farm Spa Central to Everything

About the neighborhood

Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • Marine Corps Recruit Depot - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Hotel Circle - 5 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Port of San Diego - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
  • San Diego Zoo - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Balboa Park - 7 min drive - 7.0 km

Getting around

  • Washington Street Station - 3 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 10 min drive
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Urban Mos Bar & Grill - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Panda Express - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Bronx Pizza - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Fresh MXN Food - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Buddha's Zen Retreat-a Lush Tropical Estate - Near Zoo, Beaches, Downtown, Parks pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Buddha's Zen Retreat-a Lush Tropical Estate - Near Zoo, Beaches, Downtown, Parks?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Buddha's Zen Retreat-a Lush Tropical Estate - Near Zoo, Beaches, Downtown, Parks?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Buddha's Zen Retreat-a Lush Tropical Estate - Near Zoo, Beaches, Downtown, Parks located?

Located in Hillcrest, this vacation home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from UC San Diego Health and within 3 mi (5 km) of Marine Corps Recruit Depot and San Diego Zoo. Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum are also within 3 mi (5 km). Washington Street Station is 27 minutes by foot.

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Buddha's Zen Retreat-a Lush Tropical Estate - Near Zoo, Beaches, Downtown, Parks Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 92 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 92 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 92 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 92 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 92 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Larry J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Respite of a place
A great zen vibe, peaceful and quiet, and centrally located.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Zoo trip
We loved staying here!.. it was so peaceful and a great location for old town, the zoo, MIDWAY Museum. Our host was quick to respond and made our stay flawless.. would definitely recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

John G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
San Diego
Great property that is very nice, and centrally located. Owner was attentive to our needs, and was very nice and helpful. Will stay here again
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

HostWell S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing oasis
This place is so calming. It's cure and functional. The hot tub was heaven Worked perfectly for our group Highly recommended
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Wonderful location in a quiet neighborhood. Host was friendly and aimed to please. A great place to stay if you want to be close to everything in the San Diego/Del Mar area!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Augustine H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing home
Had such an amazing stay at this house. 100% recommend. The location, the property, and the owner were all perfect. The host was so welcoming and friendly. The pictures of the property don’t even do it justice, such a beautiful and unique space. Don’t wait on booking this one because you won’t be disappointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Friends Reunion
We had a great time. The accomodations and owner were wonderful. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amber E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing house and Owner!
We stayed here for 8days and it was wonderful! House and property are beautiful and clean. The owner was so nice and accommodating to our family! We will definitely be staying here on our next vacation to San Diego! Thank you for everything!!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Zapher is an amazing host
The house was absolutely as beautiful as it looks in the pics, and zapher was an amazing host and made us feel like we were at home...a million stars if i could
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Zachary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sanctuary after a long trip
Zapher was a wonderful attentive host and the property was on the next level. This property is truly special and a sanctuary among the urban landscape. The house was clean and well appointed. Beds were comfortable and well made. All in all it was a fantastic stay, will come again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A piece of peace!
A hidden gem in the heart of San Diego! I wish I could keep this my little secret because so much love was put into every inch of this house and it’s surroundings!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hope to Return!
A unique and beautiful home on lush and relaxing grounds in a convenient neighborhood. Owner Zapher was easy going and accommodating. The icing on the cake was playing with his adorable puppy! The Buddha House was well worth it. ❤️
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

S G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Restful and relaxing in nature
We stayed at the Buddha House for a weekend to spend time with our teen grandchildren, their Dad (our son) and ourselves. We all just loved this house! A great location 10 min. from the heart of San Diego- close to Balboa Park. Sits amidst greenery setting; comfortable beds, lovely hot tub on deck. The owners sweet dog, Abbi, was the best part for our grands who just loved getting to play with her. Great communication from owner. If you want quiet, relaxing, clean and neat, close to center of San Diego then we highly recommend. All the amenities you need for a nice stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connie G., Brooklyn, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family time
We always meet up with our family in San Diego. Me from NY, my sister fr FL get together every year in Sept or Oct and though we’re now over 70 we appreciate the time we have. This was a lovely dwelling tho a few too many steps for those using a cane. However it’s all worth the effort👌 Zapher was always in touch and our stay - with fresh herbs and tomatoes fr garden was priceless!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
You'll love staying here!
We had a wonderful experience here. Zapher was very welcoming, responsive, and helpful - everything you could ask for in a host. He shared his garden with us, and we enjoyed delicious tomatoes, oregano, and Thai basil. We found the property peaceful and quiet, an oasis of tropical greenery with inviting places to sit or soak in the hot tub. At the same time it is conveniently central to many amenities, including Balboa Park, restaurants, and grocery stores. The beach was only 15 minutes away. The house was spotless and well appointed. I highly recommend you stay at Buddha House when you come to San Diego. You'll love it!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Urban Oasis with an Amazing Host
This is a beautiful, vibrant, and serene paradise located in a quiet neighborhood. The outdoor grounds are surrounded by beautiful trees, herbs, and nasturtiums. My friend and I felt like we were on a retreat. I wanted to stay there forever! And one of the highlights of our weekend trip to San Diego was meeting Zapher, the owner. He was so welcoming, responsive, and accommodating. We really enjoyed talking to him! Thank you, Zapher, for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

wanda p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bucket list travel
The property is more than amazing, with outside spaces perfect for relaxation and quietness. The host was very attentive and at the same time very aware of our privacy. The location is close to all the major tourist locations and easy to access, but most of all you feel that your in remote area due to the quiet neighborhood. The guidelines are very clear and we appreciate that as this makes entering and exiting easy. I would rent again and probably will as my partner and I are doing another trip alone this fall.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

David L., Pittsburgh

Clean, spacious property in a wonderful location
We have used VRBO for a number of family trips with excellent results and this was no exception. It's a beautiful, well-maintained property in the heart of a very quiet, residential neighborhood. The location can't be beat. It's a 7-minute walk to Vons grocery store; a 5-10 minute walk to great restaurants; a 15-20 minute walk to Balboa Park. As we got to know San Diego, we found ourselves constantly saying, "We can't imagine a better location to stay in San Diego." The beds were very comfortable, especially the queen bed on the second floor. We are thinking of purchasing that mattress for ourselves! The hot tub was a blast. We used it almost every night. It's a great way to unwind after a day of hiking and sight-seeing. There were a few issues; but nothing major, definitely nothing that would cause us to not want to stay there again. First, there were two bathrooms and beds for 6 people, but only one towel rack. We had to hang our towels on hangers in the closets. Not a big deal but we found it odd there weren't more towel racks. Second, the lighting in the living and dining rooms isn't good. The overhead fixture in the living room was broken and there weren't any lamps, so reading in that room was very difficult. The light over the dining room table was fitted with a very dim bulb; I couldn't locate another bulb in the apartment to replace it. Third, the sliding doors, while aesthetically cool, aren't that functional: they stick in places and the one on the master bedroom didn't close all the way. Overall, this is a GREAT place to stay, just a little quirky. And chances are, the owner has fixed the lighting situation (and possibly added some towel racks?) by the time you read this.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2015

10/10 Excellent

Ari B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful hideaway right in the middle
The Buddha House is calm and relaxing, with great outdoor spaces. So nice to read a book or have a beer on one of the decks hidden in the trees. At the same time just a couple blocks from Vons, coffee shops, restaurants, and perfect access to almost every neighborhood. Our host was super accommodating when we needed it!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

James Bullock B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Susan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
Beautiful but flawed
Buddha house & its surrounding gardens are beautiful. But it needs some attention. The house had a very strong “wet” smell. Opening all the windows did nothing to mitigate it. Lower level bedroom door was not working. Had to fix it to use bedroom. There were no extra towels to use hot tub. There was no extra toilet paper & roll was only a half. The garden pathways and stairs to hot tub are hazardous. Hanging wires, broken concrete, uneven surfaces. There are “we are not responsible for accidents” signs posted everywhere. So using them was a definite risk. None of this was listed online. The garden was a huge draw in the listing. Very disappointed we couldn’t enjoy them. The welcome letter stated to not use the driveway to the front door “as there have been many broken ankles”. Stated to use the stairs & bridge. These were a trip hazard as well.difficult to take a suitcase up. All in all the property is beautiful but not what the listing showed.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Property
Our only regret was that we couldn't stay longer to enjoy the home.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Esteban D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful
The property is quite beautiful and the area is peaceful. The host was wonderful! Will recommend to anyone heading that way.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Agnes T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All good
Thanks
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tedy Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Zapher
The stay was amazing, Zapher was fantastic and I loved the property! Abby was adorable and I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the place, can't wait to go and visit again and stay at his property.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024