The Best Hotel in Joshua Tree National Park, California

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Lodging choices in the Joshua Tree National Park area are limited to a few motels, chain hotels, and a luxury bed-and-breakfast establishment in the gateway towns. In general, most offer few amenities and are modestly priced. Book ahead for the spring wildflower season—reservations may be difficult to obtain then.

For a more extensive range of lodging options, you'll need to head to Palm Springs and the surrounding desert resort communities.

The Bungalows

$$$$ | 59700 Twentynine Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, CA, 92252, USA

Amid serene desert on a far corner of the 152-acre Joshua Tree Retreat Center, this adults-only property has three painstakingly restored mid-century-modern buildings containing suites that offer the architectural panache of Palm Springs (patterned masonry, breeze blocks, angular lines, slanted roofs, giant windows) and mod-cons like keyless entry, Parachute linens, and water filtered by reverse osmosis. Each unit has its own kitchen, patio, books, games, and binoculars, but outdoor communal spaces with bistro light–lit long tables, propane grills, and fire pits give groups places to gather. We recommend starting your day by making French-press coffee to take with you on a walk through the vast grounds, which contain ponds, pools, art installations, a café, a bookstore, energy vortices, and the world's largest assemblage of Frank Lloyd Wright's son's organic architecture. For an extra fee, you can also join official retreat workshops.

Pros

  • Access to hiking trails where you will likely not see anyone else
  • Mellow, high-desert vibe
  • Great place to watch sunrises and sunsets

Cons

  • No TVs
  • No on-site personnel
  • Swimming pools haven't been updated and are hard to find
59700 Twentynine Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, CA, 92252, USA
760-299–5010
Hotel Details
14 suites
No Meals

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