One day in Joshua Tree is probably not enough. There’s just so much to see do (and eat) in the area that even as a nearby local, it makes sense to spend a little longer and save yourself the night drive home. My new favorite is the 29 Palms Inn.
Thanks to Visit San Bernadino and the 29 Palms Inn for hosting my stay during my recent visit. All opinions are my own.
On my recent visit to to Joshua Tree I had the opportunity to spend the night in a bungalow at the quirky fabulous 29 Palms Inn. I’d heard tales of this property. It has a reputation that precedes your check in. People talk about it like that hypnotic, aloof, rockstar grad student you wish you’d known. The one that threw really great parties, but always ghosted before you got there. Legendary cool.
The first thing you notice when you walk into your bungalow, any bungalow on this property, is the fresh smell. The rooms at this hotel smell good. Like, really, really good. Lemongrass, and lavender and something else too. I check into a lot of hotels around the world and the smell I am used to being greeted with is frequently a chemical cleaner (which is much better than the alternative of an unclean room,but still) and occasionally a chemical air freshener (which is irksome, at best). None of that here. Not a whiff.
Chemical cleaners are not used in this hotel. They brew up their own natural cleaners that are scented with essential oils, and you will find the same scents in the luxurious handmade soaps, shampoo and body wash. The only “concession” to these natural cleansers is the request by management to use the supplied black washcloths and eye make-up remover pads to remove your eye make-up. I imagine it’s hard to get these out of the fluffy white towels using natural cleansers. I may try this trick with my own daughters!
The cabins are spotless too, no small feat in the dusty desert.
The bungalows themselves are a collection of small dwellings that vary in size from a single room, to a two bedroom home with kitchen. There’s a bungalow in a boat, there’s a bungalow in an airstream trailer and there’s simple rustic cabin style bungalows, like the one where I spent a very comfortable night.
My bungalow had space for two beds, with a second small room between the “master” bedroom and bathroom that housed a daybed and desk. I had a small patio with a hammock that I regretfully did not have nearly enough time to bond with, on this particular trip.
This property was made for relaxing and getting away from it all.
From the 29 Palms website:
“Stay in an authentic 1930’s Adobe Bungalow with a fireplace and sun patio, a 1920’s Wood Frame Cabin with walk out decks and private backyards, or one of our large guest houses. Although no two guest quarters are alike, all promise comfort, relaxation and beautiful desert views.
Enjoy a drink by the pool. Dine at our restaurant. Explore our organic garden. Lounge with a good book in a hammock. Watch the sunset and contemplate the magnificent Milky Way. Explore your artistic side with a workshop at the on-site 29 Palms Inn Creative Center. “
The restaurant at the 29 Palms Inn serves simple breakfasts to guests and also serves up delicious dinners, so there’s no need to leave once you’ve settled in for the night. There is a swimming pool by the restaurant that my kids would have loved in the morning. At night there are live musical performances poolside, which you can enjoy with one of the hotels famous artisan, custom-crafted cocktails. Much of the food served is grown on site in the extensive kitchen gardens. You will want to check that out too!
Nothing super fancy and elaborate here – this is a comfortable, creative, clean and eclectic getaway spot that is perfect for couples, friends or families who want to spend a little more time in the desert. Just my speed these days.
I felt completely at home here and cannot wait for a chance to go back, stargaze and hike some more, with or without the kids.
More Things to See and Do in San Bernadino County:
- Experiencing Fall at Oak Glen Village
- A Taste of Colonial Life at Riley’s Stone Soup Farm
- Spending The Night at an Oasis in Joshua Tree
- Where to Express Your Artistic Self in Joshua Tree
- Taking a Walk in the National Park at Joshua Tree NSP
- Where to Eat Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Joshua Tree
- Where to Watch the Sun Set & Moonrise in Joshua Tree
- Horseback Riding Along the Pacific Crest Trail
- The Alpine Zoo of San Bernadino
- Shopping at Lake Arrowhead Village
- A Visit to Santa’s Village at Skypark
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