The 7 best hotels in Joshua Tree

As far as campsite retreats go this one is pretty idyllic. Your airstream of choice is surrounded by serene desert land, accompanied by access to a shared lounge, restaurant, terrace, and pool for a luxury nomadic escape under the stars away from it all. Along with taking a dip, you can enjoy the outdoors with the free bike rental service and a cute little firepit area, great for S'mores at sundown. 

Mood? Desert paradise. 
Location perks? Free bike, rental, a restaurant, and a pool.
Budget range? An affordable getaway; ideal for couples and families. 
Time Out tip: Want a no-fuss, laid-back weekend away? AutoCamp offers an evening entertainment program, so it's worth checking out. 

Sauna? Tick. Hot tub? Tick. Private pool? Tick, tick, tick. The Full Moon has honeymooner written all over it. The villa is modern and brightly furnished, with large windows so it soaks up the desert sun. But of course, if it gets too warm inside, you can cool down in the pool, or under the canopied patio. You'll soon discover, there's nothing better than pulling up a chair and gathering around the BBQ at sunset. 

Mood? Good wine and orange sunsets.

Location perks? Utter serenity meets luxury amenities. 

Time Out tip: Take full advantage of the hanging chairs on the deck - it's a great spot for morning coffee or an afternoon read. 

Delivering a variation on the traditional hotel stay, the Bungalows are a beautiful set of full scale homes available to Joshua Tree holiday makers. But don’t let the self-catering and ‘holiday home’ aspects of them make you think you’ll be totally left to get on with things by yourself. The company who run the Bungalows provide a 9am – 9pm daily support team offering advice that’s on a par with any good boutique hotel.

The Bungalows themselves come with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows which allow the stunning desert scenery to seamlessly merge with the inner sanctum of the home. You’ll have access to a beautiful pool and the hosts keep the fridges stocked with a welcome package of cute snacks and craft drinks. Perfect! 

Mood? A better version of home.
Location perks? Absorb those beautiful desert views into your soul.
Budget range? A comfortable price for a very attractive home.
Time Out tip: Take WFH up a level by setting up shop at the home’s own work desk.

The most luxurious of Joshua Tree's offerings, Sacred Sands is an architectural gem of a private residence located just outside the west entrance to the park. The guest house is comprised of just one studio and one suite, both with sweeping desert views and indoor/outdoor living space. Prior to your arrival, breakfast (gourmet, organic heat-and-serve baked goods) is placed in the refrigerator. The suite comes with the bonus of an extra living room and full kitchen (the studio only has a kitchenette), and both lodging options have king beds, river rock-floor showers, and central heating and air. The best part of both rooms is that each has its own private outdoor patio complete a with mineral water hot tub, outdoor shower, full-size hanging bed, patio and dining furniture, firepit, and barbecue grill.

Mood? Rustic luxury. 
Location perks? A sunset soak in the outdoor bathtub kinda takes the cake here.
Budget range? Mid-range but great.
Time Out tip: Getting hitched? Sacred Sands has got you. This stunning space also doubles as a wedding and event space for up to 130 people.

While this motel isn't technically in Joshua Tree, the National Park and surrounding town is usually the final destination for most of Pioneertown's guests. The rooms here (choose from king, queen or two double accommodations) are sparse and rustic, but charming and undeniably hip—and you're essentially sleeping in an old Western ghost town when you stay here. Pioneertown was built as a backdrop for Westerns back in the '40s, which is a kitsch factor that can't be beaten.

Mood? Eclectic desert energy.
Location perks? Desert for daaaays. Time to explore. 
Budget range? Super cost-effective. 
Time Out tip: This is the perfect place to stay if you're attending a show at Pappy & Harriet's next door, a former biker bar-turned-super-cool-desert-music venue, as it's right next door to the Pioneer.

Another one that isn’t, strictly speaking, a hotel, but we included it on this list because the level of luxe happening here is much more in keeping with a high-end hotel than it is with the words ‘holiday home’. Created from strong verticals, soft-hued wood and boldly outlined windows, the exterior of the building is almost as nice as the interior. Step inside, however, and you’ll discover a soul-soothing world of Cali minimalism, with a heavy emphasis on natural colourings and materials. And when you need a bit more ‘live beautiful’ inspiration, try browsing the house’s excellent selection of art books. 

Mood? Architectural spectacular.
Location perks? Your totally private (and totally stunning) pool.
Budget range? Expensive, but wonderful.
Time Out tip: Welcome in the morning with a yoga session on the patio.

This hilltop roadside refuge, founded in 1952, offers a charming but no-frills place to stay just minutes from the National Park. Each room comes with its own patio, AC and heat, and cable, and some even have a kitchenette. There's also a small pool and hot tub, both of which overlook the Mojave wilderness. Enjoy complimentary coffee in the common room each morning, or head to the library to peruse maps of the park, hop on the wifi or just snag some shade. Fun fact: U2 stayed here while working on their album titled The Joshua Tree.

Mood? Simple life. 
Location perks? The Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail is a 7-minute drive away – ideal for outdoor explorers. 
Budget range? Cheap and cheerful.
Time Out tip: Fortynine Palms Oasis, one of the major hiking routes through Joshua tree National Park, is just 1.5km from the motel.