The 5 best hotels in Joshua Tree

If you're looking for a secluded retreat in the heart of the Joshua Tree desert, look no further. The Castle House Estate is the ideal weekend getaway offering up an array of quirky accommodation options. Our top pick? The yurt for ultimate stargazing. But, if you don't fancy being at one with the desert, check out the guard tower for a truly unique stay. It comes with all the usual amenities, along with a super niche sauna, and a minibar to enjoy drinks on the balcony featuring stunning mountain views. This is the quintessential desert escape at its finest. 

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. In addition to being a swanky bed and breakfast, Sacred Sands 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. Although, 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 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.

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, 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 titted The Joshua Tree.

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 comes with two bedrooms – great for families or groups of friends – plus 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.