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Photo courtesy Homestead Modern
In a pocket of southern Californian desert, a vast and barren landscape is punctuated by prickly cacti and twisted trees that seem to have jumped off the page of a Dr. Seuss book. This otherworldly vegetation is iconic in Joshua Tree. The undeniably natural yet supernatural terrain has a long history of attracting artists, creatives, and contemplatives who, like many visitors today, come to experience the deep silence and solitude of the desert.
In the past we've compiled the very best Joshua Tree Airbnbs for you to escape to. Now, we've scoured this desert paradise to share with you the very best Joshua Tree hotels you can visit year round, too.
Here you will find the 1,235 square miles that comprise Joshua Tree National Park, which is also home to six different mountain ranges featuring craggy rockpiles, plunging valleys, metamorphic rock formations, and two distinctly different desert ecosystems sure to delight the nature lover and adventure seeker.
But although there’s ample space to escape the daily grind and get off-grid, Joshua Tree is surrounded by many different points of interest like the San Bernardino Mountains, Coachella Valley, and Yucca Valley. Nearby towns, Twentynine Palms, Pioneertown, and of course, the legendary Palm Springs, are popular destinations in their own right as cultural hubs with tons of design-forward Airbnbs, glamping, and vacation rentals.
Its ethereal beauty, abundance of camping, and world-famous stargazing is reason enough to visit Joshua Tree, but it’s also a 2.5-hour drive from Los Angeles’ city center making it easily accessible for urban dwellers looking for a peaceful escape that doesn’t involve sleeping on the ground. If a warm bed, heated pool, and room service with free breakfast is what you’re after, these boutique hotels, elevated roadside motels, and hacienda-inspired getaways are the perfect place to stay near Joshua Tree National Park.
The 8 Best Joshua Tree Hotels for a California Getaway
Mojave Sands Motel at Joshua Tree
Vibe: Desert Oasis
Situated between downtown Joshua Tree and the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, this minimalist boutique motel draws its design inspiration from the high desert landscape that surrounds it. The peaceful property features five luxury rooms—three standard size rooms and two suites— each furnished with handmade beds and modern decor, plus record players complete with a small collection of vinyls. If you’re looking for a relaxing time in nature, you’ll love the motel’s desert garden and communal outdoor BBQ area.
Rate: $225-$275/night
The Bungalows at Homestead Modern
Vibe: A Modern Respite
Owned by California hospitality company Homestead Modern, The Bungalows are a 14-room retreat made up of post-and-beam style suites with a kitchenette and private patio. Interestingly, there is no front desk, but a smart lock on each suite that allows guests to check-in themselves as a part of their “low-touch, high-service” experience. A stay at The Bungalows also provides easy access to the nearby retreat center’s swimming pool, hot tub, wellness offerings, and scenic hiking trails. For a truly private and unique stay, check out Homestead Modern’s high-design Monument House, which is also available for rent on the property.
Rate: $229-$488/night
The Castle House Estate
Vibe: The Crown Jewel
Castle House Estate's two white towers rise out of the Mojave Desert like a real-life mirage, but with luxury amenities and room service, of course. The award-winning property features two suites, one in each Guard Tower, that puts a unique spin on a tiny home living, and a sprawling campground—or should we say, glampground—with several yurts and a shipping container home also available to rent on-site. Outside, hang by the pool, hot tub, or firepit to enjoy the peace and quiet with panoramic mountain views in every direction.
Rate: $225-$590/night
Sacred Sands
Vibe: Zen Master
As an eco-minded, luxury hotel, Sacred Sands, just one mile from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, takes cues from early adobe architecture through classic straw-bale construction and an oxidized steel roof for an earthy yet modern aesthetic that connects guests to nature. Each suite has a private outdoor patio with a soaking tub, outdoor shower, and meditation platform where you can take in the wide-open views of the Mojave Desert and, of course, contemplate the meaning of life.
Rate: $349/night
AutoCamp Joshua Tree
Vibe: Desert Glampout
At Joshua Tree AutoCamp, guests can take in desert views from the comfort of an inviting Airstream trailer outfitted with mid-century furnishings, kitchenette, spa-like bathroom, and other creature comforts. AutoCamp’s other accommodation options include a prefab cabin that comes with an outdoor deck and fire pit that’s perfect for stargazing beneath Joshua Tree’s famous dark night skies.
Rate: $199-$289/night
Joshua Tree Inn
Vibe: High Desert Hacienda
Known for its eclectic style and classic hacienda design, Joshua Tree National Park’s namesake inn offers a more colorful accommodation in a sea of modern vacation rentals with monochrome palettes and clean lines. The solar-powered getaway consists of 11 pet-friendly rooms that come equipped with a kitchenette, ensuite bathroom, free wifi, and an outdoor pool near the desert courtyard. A passion for music is woven throughout, most notably, in room eight, where country music artist Gram Parsons spent his final hours. Live music fans can book a stay in September to experience the alt-country rock music festival, Gram Fest, in honor of the singer, which they have been hosting for 50 years.
Rate: $151-$245/night
Spin and Margie’s Desert Hideaway
Vibe: Roadside Motor Lodge
Brimming with funky character and local charm, Spin and Margie’s Desert Hideaway has a playful retro vibe featuring five spacious rooms styled in earth-toned colors and textures reminiscent of its desert surroundings. For glampers seeking a unique stay, a fully-converted Airstream trailer named "Big Mama" is available for rent. The outdoor common area has a bocce ball court, BBQ, and outdoor pool with incredible mountain views. And when you’re ready to venture out, the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, art gallery, and small downtown are only a five-minute drive away.
Rate: $145-$185/night
Pioneertown Motel
Vibe: Honky Tonk Hospitality
One town over, in historic Pioneertown, the rustic Pioneertown Motel unabashedly embraces the area’s country western heritage through meticulously curated rooms, bars and eateries, and overall experience. Although it’s only a 15-minute ride to the main Joshua Tree National Park entrance, it’s worth staying at the motel for the Red Dog Saloon, Pioneertown Mountain Preserve, comfy hammocks to watch the tumbleweeds roll by, and nearby legendary roadhouse: Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace.
Rate: $195/night
Published 09-19-2023
