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The 6 Best Hotels Near the Entrances of Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree Epic Stays
by Matador Creators Jun 30, 2023

Spanning across more than 800,000 acres, Joshua Tree National Park is where two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, meet, resulting in an incredibly diverse array of flora and fauna. The Southern California park takes its name from the Joshua Tree, a peculiar and beautiful species of yucca that dots the landscape with its spiky, outstretched branches. But the trees are just the beginning. Joshua Tree National Park is also renowned for its striking rock formations, carved over thousands of years by harsh winds and rains. The special landscape is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. There’s a lot to see here, so opting for a hotel nearby offers you easy access first thing in the morning and at night too. It’s worth noting that the region is a magical place for stargazing and you can drive into the park when the sun goes down to join a tour, or simply enjoy the night sky independently. There are various accommodation options from outstanding Airbnbs and a handful of hotels near Joshua Tree National Park.

The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is from March to May and October to November, when daytime temperatures are most comfortable. However, lodging can fill up quickly during these peak seasons, so early booking is recommended. If you’d prefer the comfort and reliability of a hotel, here are some of the best within easy driving distance.

We hope you love the hotels near Joshua Tree National Park we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Sacred Sands

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Sacred Sands is located in the coveted Monument Manor neighborhood, just a mile from the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. This ideal location makes it a perfect base for exploring the park and nearby attractions, such as the Joshua Tree Music Festival Grounds and the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum. The hotel has an interesting history. It was meticulously designed and built to blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert landscape, incorporating elements of local artistry and culture. Every detail of the property reflects the beauty and serenity of the desert, making it one of the most special hotels close to the park.

The hotel offers two suite options — Onyx and Jade — each with private patios with panoramic views of the desert and mountains. In addition to the luxurious rooms, guests can enjoy amenities like a private soaking tub under the stars, an outdoor shower, and a cozy fireplace. Although there’s no restaurant on-site, the hotel provides a gourmet breakfast and is located just a short drive from several local dining options.

Sacred Sands : 63155 Quail Springs Rd, Joshua Tree, CA, 92252

Price per night: $384

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The Spring Resort and Spa

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Tucked into a hillside neighborhood of Desert Springs, The Spring Resort & Spa offers not only a luxurious stay but also a holistic wellness experience. It’s the perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding areas. The resort is located about 30 miles away from the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. The journey typically takes around 40 minutes by car, making it an accessible day trip. After a day hiking and exploring, you can hop between three pools of naturally heated waters rich in beneficial minerals. The on-site spa also offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and detoxification programs. While the resort doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, each room features a fully equipped kitchenette, and there are several dining options in Desert Hot Springs.

The Spring Resort and Spa : 12699 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92240

Price per night: $259

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The Good House

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The Good House isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a destination in itself. With its comfortable rooms, therapeutic hot springs, and prime location in Desert Springs, it offers a memorable experience for those wanting proximity to the park. The Good House is around a 30-minute drive from the North Entrance. This entrance provides easy access to some of the park’s most popular trails and attractions. There are seven deluxe rooms, each thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and tranquil stay. Room amenities include plush bedding, modern bathrooms, and private patios with stunning views. The highlight is undoubtedly its outdoor hot springs pool and jacuzzi, fed by the area’s naturally hot well water.

The Good House : 12885 Eliseo Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92240

Price per night: $250

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AutoCamp Joshua Tree

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This boutique hotel designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Near the West Entrance, this hotel offers an unforgettable blend of comfort, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. The park’s visitor center is just a short drive away, offering educational exhibits and guided tours.

AutoCamp Joshua Tree, part of the AutoCamp brand known for its luxury outdoor accommodations, is inspired by the classic American road trip, with each suite housed in a custom Airstream trailer. The hotel offers several types of accommodations, including Classic Suites, X Suites, and Accessible Suites. Each features a plush queen-size bed, a modern bathroom, a kitchenette, and a private patio. The resort offers a host of services and facilities designed to enhance your stay. Guests can take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, gather around the communal fire pit, or stargaze from the hotel’s viewing deck.

AutoCamp Joshua Tree : 62209 Verbena Rd, Joshua Tree, CA, 92252

Price per night: $242

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Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms

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Fairfield Inn & Suites is conveniently located approximately six miles from the North Entrance, making it one of the closest hotels to the park. The drive to the park’s gates takes about 15 minutes, allowing guests to maximize time exploring the park’s stunning terrain. The Fairfield is owned by Marriott, so although you should not expect any fills, the standard is good for the price point. This is somewhere you’d opt to stay if you are looking for reliability, but plan on spending a lot of your time outside, as it is somewhat cookie-cut.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms : 6333 Encelia Avenue, Twentynine Palms, CA, 92277

Price per night: $143

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Desert Hot Springs Inn

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Desert Hot Springs Inn is built atop natural mineral springs, providing access to 140-degree mineral water well. There’s also an outdoor pool and hot tub that are maintained at ideal temperatures for year round use. There are six rooms available with plush bedding, private bathrooms, and access to a shared patio overlooking the pool. This is a highly rated and affordable option close to the park, so keep in mind that with only a small selection of rooms, the inn will book up quickly, especially in peak season. Apart from exploring Joshua Tree National Park, there’s a range of activities near the inn such as The Cabot’s Pueblo Museum that offers fascinating insights into the area’s history.

Desert Hot Springs Inn : 67840 Hacienda Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92240

Price per night: $109

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