The following review is for the Luna Mesa House:…read more From the outside, this place looks like a run-of-the-mill desert bungalow. The inside, however, resembles an IKEA show room, albeit much more sparsely decorated and functional. Here are the features that we liked: + Pet friendly + Hot tub (already warmed up for us upon arrival) + TV, DVD player, iPod docking station + Free WiFi + Hammock + Well provisioned kitchen (so you don't have to eat out) + Lots of books, DVDs, and games + Sofa that folds out into a second bed + Close to Joshua Tree National Park Here's what we disliked about the place: - A tad pricey ($200 a night) - No closet to hang your clothes - It's located off a bumpy dirt road Overall, the Luna Mesa House is a really nice vacation rental.

This review is for the Villa Rocosa house…read more We stayed at Villa Rocosa for 5 days and it wasn't enough! I never thought I would love the desert, so we planned a short getaway. We ended up loving the place and Joshua Tree park, so we stayed longer. Villa Rocosa seems the perfect size for a weekend escape for two. The layout is very open - a bar separates the kitchen from the living room which doubles as bedroom with a Murphy bed - and the living room wall is built into a formation of rocks that bring the outside in. It gives you a sense of being in the Mojave (with the comfort of a Swamp cooler!) There is a small TV and a selection of movies on DVD, although you'll probably want to spend your time watching the small animals outside (like the curious Greater Roadrunner who came within a few feet of my wife as she was sunbathing...) And there is free WiFi, so you can post all your pics of Joshua Tree in the evening after your hikes :) The small refrigerator was roomy enough to stock food for the entire time we were there (we only ate out once - at Royal Siam... decent Thai food). There are grocery stores, a Walmart, etc. and Gas/Convenience stores nearby. The entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is just a few miles up the road, so it is very convenient for any hiking or off-road trips you might want to do. The dirt road leading to the house is definitely rocky/bumpy at certain points. In our Jeep it was nothing, but if you have a smaller car, you'll probably feel it. The house and the area are very quiet... and the stars at night, amazing! This is definitely a great spot for getting away from it all. We took advantage and did some songwriting. But regardless of what you want to do, it's definitely a quiet little place to get away and relax. Over all, a very good experience. We like it so much, we've already booked our next trip to discover the Sky House! (...and hit the dusty Joshua Tree trails we couldn't get to this last trip).

This review is the official notice of my resignation from the (dis)honorary title of "Dirt Bag…read moreClimber". Moonlight Mesa Retreats currently offers two different homes for rent in Joshua Tree. This review is for the "Rio House". The house is in the Monument Manor sub-division uphill from HW 62, only a half mile from the entrance to the park. From the outside the house is pretty non-descript. It sits on a five acre lot and has a fenced in backyard. Inside the house you will be stoked by the following features: *Three huge bedrooms, we're still not sure which room is the "master bedroom". One room has a Queen size sleigh bed w/ feather cover and a patio to the backyard. One has the bookcase, and stereo, and wide screen HD TV, and sofa. Upstairs is the (master?) with it's own bathroom, and craftmatic vibrating bed! *New kitchen with black granite counter top, ss gas range, convection toaster oven, dishwasher etc. All- Clad (copper core!) cook wear, lots of stem wear and assorted dishes. *Dogs welcome *Super quiet, and close to the park. For five nights it cost $900.

Book early because all of the houses fill up fast. I was in a rush to book so I chose Quail…read moreCrossing. Looking back, it seems like Sunset Terrace or Rio House might have been a better choice for us. Quail Crossing is described on Moonlight Mesa's website as their "most secluded rental" so I expected some major seclusion but there were quite a few neighbors within a short distance. I suppose it's like saying I am the tallest of the three Asian girls but it still doesn't necessarily mean I'm tall. Get it? Unfortunately, the weather was not very good the two nights we were there. We were only able to enjoy the beautiful outdoor space the first afternoon when we arrived. After that, it rained and was ridiculously windy. When the rain finally cleared up, it was 40 degrees outside so we spent the majority of the weekend indoors. Parts of the house reminded me a little too much of Ikea. However, I do have to say that the house was very well equipped. It had all the condiments and spices you need for cooking, tons of toys for kids, lots of DVDs for entertainment, and all the miscellaneous items you don't realize you need until you do like extra paper to make shopping lists, tape, and even a martini shaker. Each of the bathrooms had hair dryers and flat irons and although you had to bring your own shampoo and conditioner, they provided body wash. Also, Christa was very easy to work with and responsive by email. I would recommend Moonlight Mesa Retreats to anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, and clean rental in Joshua Tree.

If you are looking for the ultimate relaxing retreat to get away from it all, Villa dei Fiori is an…read moreabsolute must! I have stayed in many vacation rentals in Colorado, Lake Arrowhead, San Diego, Barcelona and Madrid (just to name a few). But this Villa by far exceeds them all - I had the opportunity to stay twice - in Fall as well as Summer and I will certainly return. The Home: There are three bedrooms - each uniquely decorated with nice views. The home is air conditioned and very comfortable even in the hotter months. If you like to cook while on vacation, you will not be disappointed with the quality of the utensils and cookware in this kitchen. The knives are really nice and very sharp, there are utensils of every kind and the cookware is very extensive - not to mention a very nice collection of spices. If you love attention to detail, you will love this beautiful home and it's history. It is a space of eclectic beauty boasting gorgeous interiors, art work and a book collection like no other that allow for hours of reading enjoyment. There are so many beautiful details in this home, it would be impossible to name them all. The Property: The property itself is astounding. If you are looking for a true Joshua Tree experience of breath taking rock formation views, you need not even leave the property as there is plenty of day hiking just outside the doors of this amazing home. The property has a gorgeous completely gated pool as well as a spa and both are very secure. The peacefulness while laying by this pool is therapeutic. I have never experienced such tranquility watching hawks sore high above the rock formations set against crystal clear blue skies. Roaming the property is such a delight as there are acres of land and adventures to explore as you search for the hidden rock cave. Along the way you will find meticulously manicured landscaping of beautiful trees, native shrubs and elaborate rose gardens. It is very secluded and free from noises of the city which is especially nice if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rat race. I can not say enough nice things about Villa dei Fiori including the owner Dale who is such a delight and has wonderful stories of the home and the lovely surroundings. The pride and love he has for his home is very evident in all the details. I have stayed in other properties in Joshua Tree. This by far exceeds them all. Once you stay once, this will be your hidden get away gem forever. Shout out to Dale the owner: Thank you for providing your lovely home for others to enjoy and your gracious hospitality.

Think Glamping not European Villa…read more With so many glowing reviews on VRBO, I was a bit slack jaw upon arriving at how very un-Villa or 'stunning' this house actually is - It is a shack placed in heaven. My 3 stars here are based on my expectations created by the owner's VRBO and Website description. If you suspect it's going to be worn around the edges like everything else in the desert, you will not be disappointed. I believed what I read. So here I am with an honest review and photos. This house sits on an amazing lot right up against the Butt Crack boulders that Joshua Tree is famous for. You will be met by Dale, the guy in the photos and a very nice and caring man if not a 'little' OCD. He will take you on a 45 minute tour of the house. He will ask which of your party will be the 'light monitor' and he's serious. He will ask who will be doing the dishes because 'it's best to have the same person put them away if they are the one that took them out' - but don't worry if you forget because every cabinet has a photograph of the placement for the well worn pots, silverware, dishes, etc all put away like a surgery tray and you are to keep it that way. The unattractive cramped kitchen is also the main entrance foyer pass through. Dale texted us during our stay about things he forgot to tell us during our orientation, like it's windy cover the jacuzzi, close the doors, watch the snakes. Super helpful of course.. Meanwhile, grumpy neighbor requires that you do not make noise on the west side of the house. Which is where the pool and caves are. So at 4pm Dale fretted over my 6 year old who was laughing while exploring the caves. "he's not listening to what I said" Inside, furniture is pushed in a row against the walls like a house party (or funeral). Oddly, there are only 2 lounge chairs located in the front yard a few feet from the quiet street. But no loungers near the pool nor the drop dead gorgeous rear yard. No hammock. No cushy sofa. Nothing for horizontal chilling out, although we grabbed a pad and laid on the awesome boulders like sunning lizards. Pool impossibly freezing. Jacuzzi great. The only bathroom is tiny and gloomy 'be careful what you flush or you will be charged if we have to call the plumber'. The sheets are older and soaked in fabric softener, there are no extra sets of sheets or blankets. No throws. Pillows are dead. If you like nice bedding, bring them. The scratchy, polyester floral coverlets smell like your old Aunt Martha in Florida. Dale needs to hit Home Goods big time. There are french doors but only 1 window in the entire house that opens (master), so at night when the critters come out or during the frequent winds, you are to 'be sure to close all the doors'. No fresh nighttime air to lull you. The house is in a bowl geographically so no view of the sunset, but climbing makes it worth it. Stay here for the yard, which is so amazing and wonderful you'll be tempted to ignore the house. But I had to write this poopyhead review so others can manage their expectations.

For my Joshua Tree National Park vacation I was traveling with a ten month old and really wanted to…read morefind a unique hotel. I searched and searched until I finally found this one. Mojave Sands was perfect for our stay. Only a few rooms on site, pretty secure to get in, easy to get to our room, and large enough to be comfortable for our little family. We were able to set up our Pack and Play in our room and then layout a play area in the living room by the kitchen. I really enjoyed our stay and what I mention next is not bad just tips that I would have liked to have known: We stayed in Suite 1 which was closest to the road and it was tough for baby to take his naps. The rooms have lots of windows but none of the shades fully block the window, again making it hard for him to take naps and, for adults, hard to sleep in when the sun is blistering through the windows at 7am haha (it doesn't matter we're up at 7 anyways), the kitchen was very small, I so wish it had a microwave or an oven. Lastly, the floors are concrete, which I'm sure is appreciated during the summer, but in the winter, even with the heaters on at almost 80 F, I was absolutely freezing when sleeping, i had to wear my slippers and a turtle neck to stop shivering. My husband was fine, but I'm a cold person and I wished I had an extra blanket. Location was great and close to the West entrance and super close to the visitor center and Road Runner cafe (side note, just go to Walmart a little further and get food for the park, Road Runner was expensive and the sandwiches were ok at best). Overall, loved our stay and so glad I booked it!

This is a one of a kind boutique hotel. It calls itself a motel but I think it's far too special…read moreto have that demotion. I and friends from Canada stayed here after a day in Joshua Tree National Park. This place is in a great location with lots of places to enjoy local color within walking distance. Assuredly the perfect spot to decompress. We found this place online and the owner was wonderful, over the phone, to book our stay. Everything went exactly as she'd said it would regarding receiving necessary gate codes, etc. We were not disappointed on arrival; this place is spectacularly special. Literally, a hidden oasis that has been thoughtfully, artistically created to provide a very unique zen experience. We loved the secluded, quiet vibe and it was so beautiful. We used the suite and one of the regular rooms. The suite was a two level masterpiece with plenty of seating, a small kitchen and carefully chosen art pieces that elevate the ambiance. It has picture windows that provide a dynamite view and you've got the option to draw blinds for privacy. The beds and linens were so comfortable that my Canadian friend said her husband got the best night sleep here; out of their entire trip to California. My room was perfect. Warm, so comfortable, and with a thoughtful artistic touch. The architectural details of modern, mixing hard and soft with an Asian zen/Americana 50' vibe. The icing on the cake was my golden retriever was also welcome. He thoroughly enjoyed having a safe, enclosed area to chill with his humans. For sure, the next trip to the 29 Palms side of Joshua Tree will include another stay here. Highly recommend here for a very unique, relaxed, pet friendly respite!

We stayed at the Sullivan cabin, just a mile or so from the Indian Cove entrance to Joshua Tree…read moreNational Park. The property is far enough from the highway that there is no road noise, and the neighboring properties are zoned to allow privacy when lounging in the yard. The cabin itself was immaculate, with all of the amenities one could ask for. Dishes, appliances, TV were all top notch (including the granite counter tops). Our rep was Susan, and in the evening when we found ourselves a little confused with the satellite remote control, she was just a phone call away. She also had recommendations for dining out in the area, but we elected to use the gas grill that is also provided on the property. Overall, it was a wonderful stay, with a wonderful enterprise running it all. We would definitely use them again and recommend them to our friends and associates.

I have been a renter for years and Rent29 provides what is advertised. All pictures and amenities…read moreof this outstanding Cactus Drive residence I rented were EXACTLY as Susan shared in all the pictures I looked at before renting-- The home had everything you can need (I didn't need to bring anything except my clothes) and the location is perfect as ALL Shopping is about 3 minutes away as well as Stater Brothers (Great place to shop) and RiteAid which is about 1/4 mile away. Hiking at 49 palms was a daily activity for me. A perfect 3 mile hike (Part of Joshua Tree National Park) that had ALL you can want from a hike and it was only about 4 minutes from the house. I 100% RECOMMEND anyone and everyone to consider this home as an awesome place to live in the up and coming 29 Palms area and if you are lucky enough to speak with Susan, you can be assured that everything she says is 100% accurate --as it was for me.

Great energy... especially the yoga room. Love that I packed very minimal to hold space. My only…read moresuggestion is maybe getting a chiller for cold plunges to not have to purchase as much ice. Kim is a sweet gem, she treats the space like her own

One of the most magical places to spend a few days to get grounded, reconnect with nature and…read moreslower living. This place not only absolutely beautiful but you can truly feel the care and love that goes into every detail that the owner (Mae) put into it. On top of it... so much healing has happened in this place through all the retreats that it immediately opens your heart up to receive all the healing that you knew and didn't know you needed. Words can't quite describe it so you might as well just have to experience it for yourself!

We had the most amazing stay at Retro Ranchito in Palm Springs! We were really looking forward to…read moresome downtime in a beautiful, quiet place, and this home went far beyond our expectations. The house was absolutely amazing, and every little detail made our stay so special. From the gorgeous landscaping and relaxing hammock to the pool and the private outdoor shower, there was so much to enjoy. The kids especially had an absolute blast in the pool -- they spent hours swimming, playing, and having the best time. It was honestly wonderful to see them having so much fun and enjoying the space so freely. A huge thank you to Leafe for being such a wonderful host and for all her amazing recommendations. She made our Palm Springs experience even better! We absolutely loved every day we spent at Retro Ranchito and would happily come back here the next time we visit Palm Springs. We can't wait!

We absolutely loved our stay at this wonderful, tranquil home in the desert. What a peaceful,…read moreserene place, we even enjoyed the yoga studio! And the views from the enormous windows were amazing! We saw the most incredible sunsets, sometimes while relaxing in the hot tub. Far enough out to feel completely checked out and secluded, but close enough to civilization in case you needed any creature comforts. Can't wait to go back.

Ethereal experience, soaking in stone tubs imported from Indonesia filled with geothermal water…read moreunder the peaceful moonlight sky overlooking the JT area. It's just you and tub. Outdoor yet private. The fencing provides a good safe perimeter around the tub. Thank you Marya for showing me the ropes and being so nice and patient. Tip: the later timeslot you book, the better ;)

This place really hits the spot when you want an escape to the desert. We had an amazing week of…read morehiking, soaking and exploring. Highly recommend.