The Mojave Sands Motel
Where:Joshua Tree
Why:Our Coachella weekend alternative.
When:April 2015
Who:Some college friends and me.

Leaving Mojave Sands feeling relaxed and renewed ☺.

The living room area of Suite 5.

Coolest hotel welcoming letter I’ve seen.

Each room has a vintage record player. We picked up some albums at a thrift store on the way - the hotel has a great collection too.

Who needs WiFi when you have Scategories, backgammon, and records?

Our room had a full kitchen equipped with everything you need to make your own meals. The king bed was super comfy and easily fit 2 (or 3).

Each room’s private patio is a great place to have coffee in the morning.

Mojave Sands' resident yoga guru, Rupert, demonstrating the perfect downward dog.

Suite 5’s outdoor clawfoot tub and shower were a highlight; we definitely left a bit pruney.

Wishing this was my backyard...

Grill master Caro cooking up breakfast.

Our homemade breakfast spread!

The five connected rooms have a great communal vibe.
Highs & Lows
Hard to leave the outdoor clawfoot tub and shower.
The super friendly manager, Susan, made us feel right at home and gave us great advice on where to eat, hike, and nab last minute concert tickets for Pappy and Harriet’s.
One of the comfiest beds I’ve slept on.
The fully equipped kitchen was great to make our own meals and for extended stays.
No negatives!
Important Bits
- Type
A roadside desert motel with a minimalist Moroccan vibe.
- Vibe
A desert oasis that’s just far enough away from LA to feel secluded.
- Location
In the heart of Joshua Tree, 7 miles from Joshua Tree National Park and 10 miles from Pioneertown.
- Rooms
5
- Music
Record player in each room with a great collection of vinyl.
- Year Opened
2010
- Designed By
1950s motel renovated by designer Blake Simpson.
- Pool/Gym
No, but our outdoor bathtub was the perfect alternative.
- Restaurant
No, but communal BBQ to grill up some grub.
- Bar
No, although the outdoor spaces are great to have drinks with friends.
- Minibar
No, but rooms have fridges and coffee makers, and suites have full kitchens.
- Wifi
No, but great to be disconnected for a few days.
- Children
Leave them, not many kid friendly activities around unless self enlightenment in the Mojave desert is their thing.
- Price
Just right for a weekend getaway.

Pappy + Harriet’s
53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown, CA
Incredible spot to grab authentic bbq and one of the best venues to see live music under the stars.

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
No matter if you hike/bike/camp/or drive through, it is definitely not to be missed.

Integraton
2477 Belfield Blvd, Landers, CA
Book a sound bath at The Integraton and soak up waves of peace, relaxation and maybe a glimpse into the future.

The Mojave Sands Motel
62121 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA