Entire home

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
Property video
Smart TV
Property grounds
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space

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 old.

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

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

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

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 30

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Turn off the AC
Inform Owner of Departure via Text 858 255 1950
Start a load of white towels on "Bedding" mode in the washing machine please

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Hotel Circle - 3 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Port of San Diego - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • San Diego Zoo - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Balboa Park - 6 min drive - 6.4 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
  • ‪Bread & Cie - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬11 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 San Diego Zoo and Port of San Diego. USS Midway Museum and San Diego Convention Center are also within 3 mi (5 km). Washington Street Station is 27 minutes by foot.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 99 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 99 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 99 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 99 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 99 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10

We had a great stay at this house. It was clean, quiet and the kids loved the hot tub. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10

Great getaway, with a fantastic host, comfy beds, and a hot tub with a view! What more could you want?
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10

Our only regret was that we couldn't stay longer to enjoy the home.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10

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

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

8/10

Enjoyed the privacy of being surrouned
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10

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

10/10

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

The property is beautiful and has lots of great out door space. The owner was very friendly and showed us around the beautiful backyard. Its a nice, quiet neighbohood and a great place for a relaxing weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10

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

Great and unique property, with lots of cool details indoor and outdoor. Lots of places to chill and take in the scenery, very comfortable sleeping in the bedrooms and cooking meals. Location allows for very easy access to most points of interest and beaches in the city. Overall just an excellent experience staying here with 3 kids. The host is fantastic. We hope to be back again soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10

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

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

Thanks
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10

We had a great time. The accomodations and owner were wonderful. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10

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

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

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

Highly recommend this lovely home! It was spotless, well stocked with everything you could possibly need. Beds were extremely comfortable. Excellent communication with Zapher - very clear and easy check in and check out information. The hot tub is fantastic. Just the property in general is fabulous. So peaceful you forget you are in the middle of a huge city. Wonderful location and the sweetest dog, Anni. I highly recommend. Can't wait to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10

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

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

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

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

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

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