Home to an endlessly fascinating landscape dominated by the thorny Joshua trees, this Californian destination has an unearthly appeal. Alpine adventurers, bird watchers, wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts flock to Joshua Tree to explore the wondrous Joshua Tree National Park and unravel its riveting biodiversity.
Joshua Tree is home to a majestic stretch of the Mojave Desert, and there’s an abundance of rare wildlife spotting, endangered flora and fauna and rewarding hiking trails. Finding the right accommodation is imperative so you can embark on your desert and mountain excursions after a restful night’s sleep.
Choosing a conveniently located hotel or rental will also give you easy access to the park, desert and central attractions. We’ve compiled a list of the top 16 cool and unusual hotels near Joshua Tree, California, from fashionable boutique hotels and motels to contemporary vacation homes in the desert (in no particular order)...
1. Sacred Sands – one of the most romantic accommodations in Joshua Tree providing guests with a unique, Instagrammable and boho-chic stay
An iconic architectural landmark ideally positioned a mile away from the western entrance to the Joshua Tree National Park, this opulent venue is surrounded by a magnificent backdrop of the desert valley and rocky mountains.
Sacred Sands allows nature lovers to connect with the soulful serenity of the Mojave Desert with an array of luxuriously designed indoor and outdoor accommodations.
The Onyx Room and Jade Room feature an entrancing blend of traditional Californian décor with bold textures, fine linens, earthy wooden accents and chic Moroccan lamps to complete the Zen-themed profile.
The Sacred Sands is the perfect spot to soak up in a hot bath with obstructed mountain views or throw an intimate destination wedding in the desert.
To book, check prices or availability for Sacred Sands
2. AutoCamp Joshua Tree – a new, modern and cool accommodation perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs who love the outdoors
The AutoCamp welcomes adventurers for a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting to immerse in the wilderness of the Mojave Desert from a convenient location right outside the Joshua Tree National Park. The AutoCamp offers an extensive selection of accommodations, including handsomely furnished suites, compact airstreams, and accessible rooms.
The airstreams are a spectacular choice for travelers seeking a convenient and comfortable camping adventure, ranging from compact Classics to luxurious airstream suites. The Vista X Suites offer a grander setting with modern amenities, comfortable bedding, a functional kitchen, a living area and an ensuite bathroom.
The onsite Quonset Hut Clubhouse offers a relaxed ambience to enjoy light-hearted banter over flavorful cocktails.
3. Amaru Muru – Luxury Retreat with Pool/Hot Tub/Yoga – an upscale, trendy and stylish accommodation perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
A new addition to Joshua Tree’s extensive lineup of sumptuous desert getaways, the Amaru Maru is a dreamy villa sprawling over 2-5 acres of wilderness in the heart of the Joshua Highlands. This urbane retreat is a fabulous choice for adventurers seeking serenity and solitude without giving up on modern luxuries.
This painstakingly decorated desert villa combines indoor and outdoor spaces with exceptional creativity, merging contemporary interiors with the natural landscape.
The accommodation features three stylishly designed bedrooms, an impressively well-equipped kitchen, a TV room, and a Zen room designated for yoga and ceremonies.
The rental also offers an ozone pool and hot tub, outdoor shower, air conditioning unit with humidifier, and surround sound speakers throughout the property.
4. The Full Moon, Joshua Tree: Hot Tub, Sauna, View – a chic, stylish and contemporary accommodation with an on-site wellness area
Nestled near the Desert Highland Park, the Full Moon is an impressive accommodation beckoning travelers to lose themselves in the heart of the Mojave Desert. This contemporary villa features two resplendently decorated bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a stainless steel kitchen, a dining space, a patio and a desert garden.
Guests enjoy a private pool, BBQ equipment, and a soothing wellness area with a hot tub and sauna. The open-concept floor plan brims up the living spaces with sunlight, and the expansive windows offer heart-warming desert views.
This luxuriant Joshua Tree hideaway is the perfect spot for stargazing in the hot tub, romantic outdoor dining, BBQs by the firepit and rip-roaring hiking adventures.
5. @ Marbella Lane – The Moon Designer Home right behind the JTNP – a contemporary, stylish and hip accommodation ideal for a group vacation
Nestled right at the back of the Joshua Tree National Park, this desert getaway is 5-minutes away from the hustling and bustling energy of downtown attractions.
Guests enjoy spotting rare birds and wildlife from the comfort and privacy of their bedrooms or while splashing around in the outdoor Pool.
This 4-bedroom accommodation attracts families and large groups with its comfortable bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchen, lounging area, dining space, swimming Pool and outdoor sleeping tower.
Guests have access to a recreation room designed for games and yoga, a spacious backyard, a propane grill, and a stone fire pit.
The onsite soaking spa can comfortably accommodate 5 people.
6. Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa – a newly renovated, charming and Italian-inspired boutique accommodation perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay
Inspired by the rustic charm and sun-baked aesthetic of Tuscany, the Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa is nestled in the Desert Hot Springs, surrounded by the rugged mountains.
This extravagant Italian-style boutique hotel offers 16 splendidly adorned rooms, and a 350-ft volcanically heated aqua well powering the grand mineral water pool and hot Jacuzzis.
The accommodations are brightly-lit and beautifully bedecked with tasteful armoires, Italian ceramic tiles, plush bedding and richly textured rugs. Each room delights travelers with magical mountain views and French doors that open into an enchanting desert garden.
The onsite La Bella Spa offers a range of therapeutic services, and couples can explore special packages to enjoy accommodation and spa services at discounted rates.
7. Sea Mountain Nude Resort & Spa Hotel – Adults Only – an award-winning, party and fun accommodation designed for couples and women only
Immerse yourself in the indulgence and grandiosity of the Sea Mountain Nude Resort & Spa Hotel, a luxuriant retreat inspired by the nudist lifestyle.
This adult-only nude resort beckons free-spirited travelers to soak up the mountain sun all day and swim nude in a world-class pool.
This award-winning mineral water boutique hotel offers 18 attractively decorated guest rooms featuring king-size beds, fine Egyptian bedding, flatscreen TVs, ensuite bathrooms and luxury amenities. The onsite spa offers an array of pleasurable massages and beauty treatments to unwind after an exhausting hiking adventure.
Guests speak highly of the Taboo Gardens, a 24-hour club ideal for enjoying incredible music throughout the day and night.
8. The Stargaze in Joshua Tree ☆ Hot Tub, Deep Views – one of the best accommodations for star gazing in Joshua Tree providing guests with a quirky-chic, creative and pet-friendly stay
An idyllic vacation rental for nature lovers and stargazers, the Stargaze offers a romantic setting to revel in the placidity of the desert. This restful private home features a dreamy Zen patio to delight oneself with unobstructed views of twinkling stars and the glittery Milky Way.
This gracefully designed desert haven has a ranch-like profile with three well-lit bedrooms, two ensuite bathrooms, a functional chef’s kitchen, a spacious indoor dining area and lounging spaces.
The outdoor dining area is ideal for throwing lavish parties with a cowboy pool, a hot tub and a fire pit.
Each room offers stunning panoramic views of the unending desert acreage, hundreds of Joshua trees and unfiltered natural beauty.
9. Moonlight Mesa House – a vibrant, trendy and quiet accommodation within walking distance of hiking trails and Joshua Tree National Park
Situated near the Joshua Tree National Park and Murtle the Turtle Sculpture, the Moonlight Mesa House is a glorious Mediterranean-style villa with an alluring sundeck and desert garden. This lovingly decorated home is a visual feast of rich colors and textures, featuring baked clay walls, striking Mexico Saltillo tiles, rustic wooden accents and stone inlays.
The comfortably designed bedrooms and lounging areas are adorned with eclectic artworks, and guests have ample entertaining space in the backyards and patios. Finesse and attention to detail reflect from the eco-friendly Egyptian cotton linens to the biodegradable and organic bath amenities.
The patio features a sublime outdoor dining space with a majestic view for romantic moonlight dinners or watching the sunrise brighten the desert valley.
10. Cozy Valley House – a bright, modern and rustic-chic accommodation perfect for a family getaway
The Cozy Valley House radiates homeliness and warmth with its rustic California-style architecture and alluring wooden finishing. This lavish holiday home features 2 spacious bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a dining space, an expansive patio, a state-of-the-art kitchen and an outdoor pool.
The amenities and interiors are designed to deliver comfort and luxury with a breathtaking location. Travelers can grill some ribs and unwind in the enclosed backyard featuring a gas grill and cowboy tub after exploring the park’s rewarding hiking trails, situated five miles away.
This vacation rental is quite popular among families because of the onsite children’s playground, well-equipped kitchen and proximity to popular Joshua Tree attractions.
11. Ravens Nest Ranch, Fire pit, Views, Near JT Park! – an elegant, bright and classic accommodation with a garden and BBQ facilities
The Ravens Nest Ranch offers a unique location near Joshua Tree Park for enjoying unrestricted access to acres of desert and hiking trails leading deep into the heart of the wilderness.
This contemporary holiday home is an oasis of opulence, featuring a luxurious pool, a Zen garden, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a functional kitchen and elegant dining space.
The interiors are a bewitching combination of modern accents paired with the traditional beauty of finely crafted Cherry wood.
The open-concept living room offers spellbinding panoramic views of the rugged mountains, and the sliding glass doors lead to the backyard fitted with a cowboy tub, BBQ equipment and a 2-person hammock.
12. Popular Homestead! Location, Stargaze, Views! – an art filled, creative and quirky accommodation in close proximity to popular attractions and dining options
Nestled at a popular stargazing site in Joshua Tree, the Popular Homestead offers divinely decked bedrooms with garden views and a sprawling patio to enjoy the desert landscape. The wonderfully designed vacation units feature comfortable bedrooms, private bathrooms, dining areas and lounging spaces.
All units are equipped with air conditioning, smart appliances, and patios, while the apartment comes with a sun terrace. The homestay provides a pleasing garden and BBQ facilities, with several evenings reserved for movie nights and live music.
The convenient location offers easy access to the best hiking trails in Joshua Tree, and adventurers end their daily excursions with a relaxing soak in the outdoor pool.
13. JT SUNSHINE HOUSE Cozy, Artsy & Comfy, Dog Friendly, 3BD – a funky, vibrant and cool accommodation located near the center of Joshua Tree
Adventurers traveling with their canine friends will find this charming 3-bedroom vacation rental ideally suited to their needs. Brimming with artistic decorations and comfort-enhancing amenities, the JT Sunshine House offers a cozy setting for a soul-satisfying desert getaway.
The rental comes with 3 graceful bedrooms, a stainless steel kitchen, 1 bathroom, a lounging area, and plenty of smart appliances with high-speed WiFi. Guests are provided with fine bedding, towels, kitchenware and cookware to enjoy the independence of a home away from home.
The desert garden and patio offer delightful lounging space for stargazing, and guests can enjoy bonfires and BBQs using the onsite equipment.
14. Pioneertown Motel – a themed, Western-style and upscale accommodation where guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities
A historic landmark that has welcomed weary adventurers since 1946, the Pioneertown Motel originally opened as an establishment for actors starring in old Westerns.
This quaint and peaceful desert hideaway is home to 19 graciously decorated guest rooms featuring luxury linens, in-room appliances, a work desk, and exquisitely crafted furniture.
The Pioneertown Motel has an endearing home-away-from-home appeal accentuated by its traditional hospitality and comfort-boosting amenities. Guests adore hanging out in the Canteen, a well-appointed room where everyone can relax, read books and play games.
The motel offers a lovely picnic area and outdoor furniture to soak up the sun in the desert gardens.
15. Starfire Relaxation Retreat – a tranquil, cozy and quiet accommodation offering guests a remote and private location
A site that inspires rejuvenation and restoration, the Starfire Relaxation Retreat has an entrancing historic appeal and an awe-inspiring location to soak up the peace of the desert mountains. Originally constructed in 1950, this holiday home has undergone extensive upgrades to infuse its vintage allure with contemporary luxuries.
The rental offers 2 sun-soaked bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a functional kitchen, a dining area and lounging space. The patio is decked with colorful furniture to lounge around and enjoy the calming beauty of the landscape.
Guests have access to multiple smart appliances and thoughtful amenities, including hypoallergenic linens, flatscreen TVs, toiletries and kitchenware.
16. Joshua Tree Ranch House – a rustic, cozy and retro accommodation featuring a yea-round outdoor pool
The evocative vintage interiors of the Joshua Tree Ranch House allow travelers to be transported to the 1940s, embodying the spirit of the desert with charming retro accents.
Home to 8 exquisitely designed accommodations, the Ranch House offers spacious rooms and a sprawling family suite with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a state-of-the-art kitchen.
The interiors have a beautiful rustic appeal with glistening knotty pine walls, western-style furniture, authentic Dutch doors and warm color palettes. The motel is home to a lavish pool with an expansive flagstone deck, while the Joshua Tree Salon, situated two blocks away, is a popular spot for live music and drinks.
The central downtown location is perfect for enjoying proximity to popular attractions without losing touch with the wilderness.
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
