Enjoy the feeling of a cozy Zen Retreat on lovely Mt Helix in San Diego county. Mt. Helix is a short 15 minutes from the San Diego downtown, airport, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.
This is a one bedroom, one bath, with a small kitchen with eating area and full size stainless steel appliances. Central heat and AC. Because the kitchen is small, and only has a small window, therefore can only be used for light cooking (stove top) during the summer heat months. We prefer you not use oven during high heat times, however, there is a toaster oven provided if you need to bake something.
*Since VRBO merged with Expedia and some other companies, I do not have access to those other companies directly. And I have been told that they have checked some boxes that are incorrect and can't find a way to access for changes. We do not have a hot tub or a bathtub. No use of washer and dryer. If you are unsure of amenities, please inquire before booking.
Also note there is a low beam in the kitchen, so must be used with caution.
*Note: Please realize this unit will only occupy two people. (I have been getting a lot of requests for 3 or more people to occupy, there is only one full size bed, and it is not set up for small children. Due to the number of requests, I will not be able to reply to those requests.)
Please see amenity info below. Occupants must be at least 21 years of age, or child with parent. Rental contract is now part of this listing when paying through this site directly. By paying through this site constitutes an agreement to the rental contract terms and will be binding by the state of California. Rental agreement will be emailed and must be signed and brought with you for ckeck in.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Mountain view
Parking available
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Rental Agreement will be emailed to guest. Add guest's name and vehicle info. A signed copy of the rental agreement must be presented at check in.
Check in must be coordinated with the host and the latest check in time is 9:00 pm.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
La Mesa
Located in Mount Helix, a neighbourhood in La Mesa, this holiday home is near theme parks. Port of San Diego and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Balboa Park and Old Town San Diego State Park. Check out an event or a game at Petco Park, and consider making time for San Diego Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and ice skating.
San Diego Convention Center - 18 min drive - 25.0 km
San Diego Zoo - 20 min drive - 23.5 km
Getting around
Amaya Trolley Station - 2 min drive
Old Town Transit Center - 15 min drive
San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 14 min drive
Restaurants
‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
‪BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - ‬3 min drive
‪Brigantine - ‬4 min walk
‪Olive Garden - ‬3 min drive
‪Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill - ‬3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Zen Retreat San Diego pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Zen Retreat San Diego?
As of 26 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Zen Retreat San Diego on 26 July 2026 start from AU$152, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Zen Retreat San Diego?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Zen Retreat San Diego?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Zen Retreat San Diego?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Zen Retreat San Diego located?
Located in Mount Helix, this holiday home is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Sharp Grossmont Hospital and within 3 miles (5 km) of Mount Helix Park and Superior Court East County Division. The Magnolia and Parkway Plaza are also within 3 miles (5 km). Amaya Trolley Station is 20 minutes by foot.
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This property was a great price and location for my husband and I. The property owner was easy to communicate with and very helpful with all our questions. Would stay here again.
Kele G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2023
Thank you for your great review Kele. it was a pleasure hosting you. I hope the drive home was not too bad. You are more than welcome to stay here again in the future when you are visiting your daughter at school. Take care.
This place was great. Perfect location for us. Easy on to freeway. Communication was great. With a lot of extra touches.
Dave D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2024
Thank you Dave, you will always be welcomed here. Thank you for taking such great care of my place. Hope to have the peaches in season next time for you.
Ideal location between my mom and brother in El Cajon, and my son's family in La Mesa. Neighborhood reminds me of the Berkeley hills
Darrell L.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2022
Than you for your review. I too love Mt. Helix. Not only is it beautiful, but so convenient to all the freeways within a 10 minutes drive. Hope to hope you again in the future. Take care.
It was very small and does not look like what’s on the pictures Showing
nick S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 June 2024
The pictures show exactly as it is, which many previous guests have said in their reviews both here and on Airbnb. This guest put in the wrong departure date and did not realize it until check out day. They were upset that they would have to pay for an additional night if they wanted to stay. So that can be the only reason I guess they decided to write a bad review. They never mentioned anything to me about the size (which I can't change anyway, or the anything about the pictures). They seemed happy the whole time they were here and even asked me three times to pick them more oranges from my tree, including as they were checking out so that they could take them home. So be careful when renting to this guest, seems to be a petty response for their own mistake. I gave them a great rating before they rated their stay because I had no idea they were angry at me for not giving them a free night.
Kris is a wonderful host! She was flexible about our arrival time (important to us bc we were driving quite a distance). She was warm and welcoming when we arrived, making sure we had all the information needed to enjoy our stay. Her place was spotlessly clean, quiet, and well-appointed. Kris asked if we'd like to enjoy fresh oranges from her tree and suggested juicing them. Wow! Such deliciousness. It was a memorable part of our stay! We'll look forward to staying with Kris again.
Gloria B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Lisa S.
9 Apr 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Not very clean
Pretty dirty, cheap sheets, cheap towels need to be thrown away. The tv didn’t work for the first day.
She needs to have it professionally cleaned after each guest.
Wouldn’t stay there again. Too bad, great location.
Lisa S.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Apr 2024
He was upset because the Direct TV did not work at first when he checked in. But I figured out how to reset the main hub later that night so it was working by evening. The place is and was professionally cleaned. It was the thinner sheet set on the bed, so perhaps that was his complaint. All he had to do was to let me know and I would have told him where other sheets and towels were were in the apartment, or he could have looked in the hall cabinet. Sorry my towels were too faded for you, but you can never say they were not clean. That is just a bitter person. And he is under his wife's account.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Brent P.
27 May 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy
False Advertisement
Ad said AC, Wash Machine, hot tub, etc. All not true. Also the TV reception was horrible. Cuts out constantly. The host was nice and friendly. Gave us oranges and peaches that she grew. Saw lots of spiders and a few webs in the corners of the ceiling. Would not recommend in hot months especially!
Brent P.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2024
The false advertisement was an issue with VRBO when they merged with other companies under "One Key" Someone from their tech team checked a bunch of boxes stating items were included that were not there; Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Bath Tub. I learned of this from another guest inquiry the day before Brent booked and tried to fix it, but was unable because they must have checked the box on another platform under One Key such as Expedia that I did not have access to. So I wrote a paragraph in my listing stating I do not have these amenities and to contact me before booking if they were unsure of what was included. The VRBO tech department was able to correct it eventually on my listing.
When Brent checked in he asked about the hot tub, and I told him of the platform error and asked if her read the paragraph I wrote in the listing info for future guests stating it did not have one and to contact me before booking if there were any concerns or questions about what is included. He admitted he did not read it.
As for AC, my unit does have AC, it was 64 degrees in San Diego during the dates of his stay, so there was no reason the AC would have cycled on, nor did he ask me to make it even colder than that.
I was having issues with Direct TV and I let him know before he even brought one bag in. He said it would not be a problem and chose to stay anyway. I did find the one cobweb that the cleaners missed in a ceiling corner, that has been removed, and I will ask them to keep on top of that in the future.
As for other hosts that see Brent's reviews, I would not recommend letting him rent your space since he will write you a bad review even when you are upfront with him when he arrives and he still chooses to stay at your place. It's really too bad that Guests like Brent are willing to write unjust reviews attempting to damage the reputation for a host. They should not book vacation rentals, and should pay triple the amount to stay in a Hilton instead.
To future guests, while we try to address these things by spraying outside the property, an occasional Daddy Long Leg Spider (harmless and considered a good spider), and occasionally ants will somehow find a way in looking for water in the dry hot summer months. This unfortunately is a reality in ALL homes in East County San Diego. If it occurs during your stay, please let me know right away so I can take care of it. If even the potential of it happening for your stay is a possibility, then please do not book my property. I always provide a clean space with freshly laundered sheet and towels.
Had a pleasant stay at Kris's. She was extremely nice and we had great conversations.
There is everything you need in a very compact area.
While I only needed the space to sleep while in the area, there was a semi-connect kitchen with all the amenities you could want for a short stay.
The bathroom was clean with a stand-in shower (no tub, which I did not need) and provided necessary towels for the duration of the stay.
The bed was comfortable. I used my own bedding on top of what was there, but everything provided was clean and useable.
Parking is located on the front street side of the home and was a good space for my SUV.
Many fresh fruit trees on site that she will pick for you if you request any in-season fruits.
LeChonne W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2023
Thank you for your review. i enjoyed our many conversations while you were visiting. You are always welcomed back.
Nice property, but small. The kitchen was nice and well stocked. The owner was very attentive making sure we had everything we needed. I enjoyed my stay here and would stay again.
Ann D.
Stayed 19 nights in Oct 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
kathy b.
6 Apr 2019
Pleasant San Diego stay
Thank you again to Kris. All went as expected. Clean, comfy and close to all our needs.
kathy b.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Verified
8/10 Good
Penelope F.
24 Nov 2018
Very clean and cozy
So clean, convenient, comfortable and quiet.
Highly recommended.
An excellent hostess. Thank you Kris.
Penelope F.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
kathy b.
31 July 2018
Truly a Zen Retreat-Quiet hidden away setting close to everything one could want to do in San Diego!
My son and I were greeted by Kris right on time. She acquainted us with the details of her lovely place. Cozy and just the right amount fun details to make a relaxing home away from home. The location is close to the freeways and minutes to shopping for anything. Twenty minutes or less to attractions of all kinds, which is just what we wanted. We will likely return to San Diego and the Zen Retreat will hopefully be available. Thank you Kris!
kathy b.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
18 July 2017
Beautiful San Diego Getaway!
We loved our stay at Kris' home! She's very communicative and her cozy apt was welcoming and organized. Her place is 20 mins from everywhere. She even had beach gear for us, ready for the beach! Kris knows it's all about the details! We will definitely stay here again if we're ever visiting San Diego again. Thanks!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
8/10 Good
April S.
29 Mar 2017
In and Out Stay
I had to book this location last minute because my airbnb account was hacked. I'm so grateful that Kris allowed me to stay at her quaint cozy apartment styled space. Felt like I had an entire place to myself. Very clean, although I woke up to a caterpillar looking critter in my luggage that I left open on the floor. No biggie. It's also walking distance to Brigantine restaurant. My friends and I arrived very late back to San Diego after driving from San Fran. I was literally there from 8pm till 5am. Would have been nice to stay longer or to be charged by the hour instead of the entire day. That has nothing to do with how great this space is. You should definitely book it if you're in the area. Kris also provided me a link to get $10 off for the Lyft to use back to the airport. I couldn't get it to work so the drive to the airport will cost you about $22 without it. I would most definitely stay again. Kris is very very pleasant and welcoming.
April S.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2017
Archival
8/10 Good
Cristina D.
1 Jan 2017
Great stay! Excellent location. The apartment was clean and tastefully furnished.
We would return in future. It was close to many great restaurants and stores. La Mesa itself is a clean, safe community, probably underrated. The host was excellent. Thanks for a great stay!
Cristina D.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
26 Aug 2016
Nice cozy place
convenient to downtown, full kitchen, comfortable for a couple.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2016
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Cecilia l.
24 June 2016
Good
We stayed here for 5 nights, we had been on a long 3 week vacation,this was our last leg. Kris allowed us to use the washer and dryer, which made things much easier. This location for us was great we have grandchildren in Santee and was a short drive. We had no trouble locating it. It was private, quiet and fit our needs. Thank you for sharing your house with us.
Cecilia l.
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2020
Thank you for the review. I am glad you enjoyed your stay, and hope to hear from you again in the future. I also appreciate the care you took of my place.
*Just an FYI for others reading the review, I would like to note that laundry facilities are not generally included in the rental, and are only made available for guests who stay two weeks or more, unless there is a special circumstance which will be discussed with me. Thank you.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Bill S.
23 Aug 2015
Cozy In-law Suite
The owners were very communicative and this helped me select this location; I am glad that I did. I only had need a couple of times but they were very easy to get in-touch with and responded immediately. The property is only a few blocks from the interstate but is insulated well enough that there is no noise. There is plenty within walking distance. Within a few blocks there is a convenience store/gas-station and at least 3 restaurants. At just 1.2 miles away there is a shopping mall with everything you could want, including a movie theatre.
I happened to stay during an epic heat wave and the temperature was always cool and comfortable inside. I rarely heard anything even though the owners were upstairs; I did hear a dog bark once or twice but never in the evening and I never saw a dog.
The full kitchen had everything, much more than most would use. I especially appreciated the assortment of teas available to me since I don't drink coffee. The bed was comfy, plenty of pillows and extra blankets, but the sheets could be softer.
I will be sure to see if I can stay again on my text trip out and I will definitely recommend this to my friends.
Bill S.
Archival
8/10 Good
14 Aug 2015
:+: Beautiful :+:
It is a beautiful place to stay. The only things I didn't like were:
1) no cable even though it was listed with cable
2) no dvd player or any way to buy and use one with the tv
3) The owner lives upstairs so if you're a light sleeper, it's difficult to sleep with all the footsteps.
Overall, it's a great inexpensive place to stay. Beautiful and peaceful area with a mall nearby.
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2020
My elderly mother's room is above, sorry her foot steps woke you. You are the first person to ever mention that. There was basic cable TV at the time of your stay. That may not have been what you are used to at your home. However we have since upgraded to Direct TV satellite with several hundred channels. There was no DVD player listed in the bio. Hope you had a good time and were comfortable otherwise. Take care. ~Kris
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Jenifer B.
30 July 2015
Relaxing retreat
I thoroughly enjoyed my 2-night stay at the Zen Retreat. Kris is a gracious hostess and made me feel welcome. I loved being in a residential neighborhood instead of a commercial complex. The hike up to Mt. Helix from the unit was a fun way to spent part of the morning. I would definitely recommend this special retreat.
Jenifer B.
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2020
Wow, Jenifer, I didn't realize you walked up from the house, that was quite a trek. They are having a Mary Poppins live theater show up there until August 2nd right now, at the beautiful open air amphitheater. Thank you for taking such great care of my place. You will be welcomed back anytime.
About the host
Hosted by Kris Elig
Why they chose this property
Safe & Quiet neighborhood. Close to freeway entrance.
What makes this property unique
Full size bed, loveseat, Direct TV, Wifi, Fully outfitted with starter sundries. Central heat and AC is controlled by main house. Since we are close by, we can assist you with anything you need. Included is a small, but full kitchen with all the dishes, utensils, pot & pans, Cuisinart Grind & Brew coffee maker, Espresso & cappuccino maker. We provide a variety of teas and coffee. Kitchen has full size appliances for your use, however, we do not allow oven cooking during the summer months due to the small space with only a small window. we do provide a toaster oven for small baking items.. Small patio sitting area in front of the unit. Use of washer and dryer are not included.
For the beach; use of boogie board, snorkel and fins, beach umbrella, beach blanket, towels, and small ice chest. We can pick fresh oranges for you from our organic orange trees when in season. Juicer available. Peaches also available when in season usually end of May, beginning of June.
It's the small details that sets us apart! Come and experience for yourself.