The best Joshua Tree hotels

This hacienda-style inn, built in 1950, is just six miles from the National Park and boasts a pool–the ultimate luxury in a desert climate. There are 11 rooms (you'll pay extra for room 8, which is famously known for being the place where folk singer Gram Parsons spent his final hours). A kitschy guitar-shaped shrine sits in the garden facing the door, alongside a path that leads to the hotel's communal firepit, breakfast nook (with free tea, coffee and granola bars), and, of course, the pool. Each room has a private patio, mini fridge and microwave, heat and AC, cable TV and free wifi. The grounds are studded with picturesque Joshua trees. The vibe is sparse but charming and the prices are sweet.

This intimate inn, originally a motel built in the '50s and boasting just five rooms, is a blend of Moroccan and eco-minimalist decor. The doors, windows, gates and even much of the furniture were built on-site specifically for the hotel. Each room features a private patio (complete with a fountain), an outdoor shower and a record player with an assortment of vinyl for your listening pleasure. The common area, enclosed by wood and sheets of metal, contains a large reflecting pool and three outdoor fireplaces. It's a quiet, private desert retreat just miles from the National Park.

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. (Though people also stay here to see shows at Pappy & Harriet's next door, a former biker bar-turned-super cool desert music venue.) The rooms here (choose from king, queen or double 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 (literally, Pioneertown was built as a backdrop for Westerns back in the '40s), which is a kitsch factor that can't be beat.

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 a full kitchen (the studio only has a kitchenette), and both lodnging options boast king beds, river rock-floor showers and central heating and air. The best part of both rooms is that each have their own private outdoor patio complete with mineral water hot tub, outdoor shower, full-size hanging bed, patio and dining furniture, a fire pit and a BBQ. In addition to a swank bed and breakfast, Sacred Sands also doubles as a wedding and event space for up to 130 people.

This small boutique hotel is just as quirky as its name; part Mexican hacienda, part colorful motor lodge, Spin and Margie's is just five minutes from the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park and the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, but feels tranquil, private and miles away from the (relatively small) bustle of town. Each of the four suites come with two bedrooms (great for families or groups of friends), fully equipped kitchens and private outdoor patio space. There's also a standalone cabin perfect for couples (preferably couples who don't like to cook, as there's no kitchen here). The draw here is really the common outdoor space, with funky cactus landscaping, lots of local art and plenty of lounge space including lawn chairs, picnic tables and desert-style adirondak loungers.   

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 rooms are equipped with a kitchenette. There's also a small cold pool and hottub, 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 woking on their The Joshua Tree album.

This secret hideaway is a collection of decked out, kitschily-themed trailers surrounding a pool in the middle of the desert. It's very private (they don't give out their address until you're booked) but has some communal elements—the lawn, outdoor cooking areas and even the bathroom (with indoor and outdoor showers) are shared. The trailers are all equipped with heat and AC, and come in eclectic decor options such as "The Fifi," complete with glowing wig heads; "The Pioneer" which is Western themed; and "The Lux," themed after punk band the Cramps. The place is super laid-back and chock full of amenities such as free wifi, table tennis, an archery and BB gun range, corn hole, darts, mini golf, vending machines, a hot tub and a communal tipi. Plus, it's dog friendly!