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.

What a gem! Sacred sands is a beautiful and relaxing boutique hotel near Joshua Tree National Park…read more My boyfriend and I came here for a weekend trip a couple of weeks ago. We only stayed for one night but we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Check-in instructions were sent via email and there's a code to unlock the room. The grounds are very pretty, perfect for a desert wedding or party. There are great views all around and there aren't any neighbors nearby. It looks like they own a lot of acreage nearby. The room we stayed in was the Onyx room. It was beautifully and thoughtfully decorated. There are lots of nice additions in the room to ensure you enjoy staying in from wine glasses, a wine fridge, record player with a record collection, bath salts, star gazing area outside with a mattress, and comfy robes and slippers to use during your stay. If it were warmer, I definitely would've tried out the outdoor tub and shower but it was too cold at night to even think about it. There's also a large community pool in the works. As mentioned earlier, this hotel is about a mile from the NP so it's an excellent choice for anyone going there. It's also not too far from town so you're not too far from stores and cafes. I am definitely planning on staying here again!

AMAZING RENTAL!! Definitely the best place to stay while visiting Joshua Tree National Park!…read moreLocated only one mile from the West Entrance. We stayed in the Onyx room. There's only two rooms but each are beautifully decorated w so much attention to detail! Both have their own private outdoor area that is huge. The outdoor area have their own shower and tub which has a window that you can open to view the sunset. There's also a queen size bed outside for stargazing or tanning. Don't worry there is an indoor bathroom as well with an amazing shower. Everything was so well thought out! Each room has a fridge that is stocked up with large bottles of water, k cups, teas, creamers and sugar. They give you plenty of towels. There's also bath salts to use for when you enjoy the outdoor tub. They make sure the check in process is smooth and easy. There's also housekeeping available (free only if you stay 3 nights or more). There is a beautiful common outdoor area with a fire pit, swings and seating. There is also a common area with a large living room that has a microwave. I can't stop singing praises about this place! Sacred Sands absolutely rocked it!

Stayed here while visiting Joshua Tree and really enjoyed the experience. It's about a 15-minute…read moredrive to the park, which made it a great home base without being right in the crowds. The bungalow itself was thoughtfully designed -- clean, modern, and very comfortable. Loved the natural light, cozy seating area, and the overall desert-modern aesthetic. The bathroom was well done and felt spa-like, and everything was laid out in a way that made the space feel calm and uncluttered. The property was quiet and relaxing, especially in the evenings, and check-in was smooth and easy. Great spot to unwind after a long day of hiking or exploring the area.

Pool facilities were closed. No notice. Upgrades we would have opted for (it was our 30th wedding…read moreanniversary) were offered 24 hours prior but with a 72 hour notice to actually book, so could not opt for them. Nobody onsite. Room was lovely.

My friends and I really enjoyed our two night stay here. We stayed in the three bed/two bath home…read more The home was very cozy, clean, and comfortable with all necessary amenities. There was plenty of space to hang out, a full kitchen with fridge, a cowboy style pool, and a gas grill, if you're the type to make dinner yourself. They were very quick to respond to questions while we were there. While we didn't use their room service or fire pit, all of those things are a nice extra touch. It was also easy to let ourselves in and out with the automatic lock, so we never had to worry about keys or being locked out. I would stay here again if I were to go back! Lovely stay.

Man I wish I knew where I could write a review for others, but I went through booking and I'm not…read moresure how that works. So here I will explain and give my honest input. I planned to arrive earlier but I was late :( though it seemed like everyone was in bed already we had the nice host come up to us and guide us on checking in. He let us know that we are IN FACT able to park the car on the drive way close to the location so you don't have to carry your stuff to your spot.. designated parking in my opinion is actually very smart and very thoughtful because who wants to see a bunch of parked cars in such a nice view?! So I got the tiny home container.. and let me just say IT WAS THE BEST THING I HAD EVER DONE! I actually didn't know which one of the containers I booked but the one I got was the best one! Everything and I mean everything was included. Fridge, microwave, coffee maker, AND ac!!!! The roof top? BEST FREAKING PART! Watching the sunset was amazing solo time. As well as watching all the stars you never get to see in the city. The bathroom had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Towels were provided, pillows and sheets. I mean these people thought of it all! They are very clear about their instructions and how they want things done upon checkout and it was smooth.. I guess my ONLY "thumbs down" would be the center pool. I personally liked it.. it's a shallow sit down cool down tub and it works for when you just want to dive and sun bathe. Other than that, I have nothing negative to say. I really enjoyed my stay. And if you're someone who doesn't go camping or even glamping, don't stay in a yurt? When it's hot it's HOT when it's cold it's COLD.. it's not rocket science. Choose wisely if you want to enjoy your stay and really unwind. Overall, I 150% will be back and stay here in case I need a moment to reset my brain.

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.

Guests, BE AWARE of the roads into this enchanted canyon. The trip rewards you with a unique…read moregrouping of well-spaced cabins set in a gorgeous little canyon, but do know you will have to navigate 1.6 miles of poorly maintained BLM dirt roads to get there. The dirt roads should not be a big deal if you are expecting them, but at the time of our booking, this was not disclosed, and it threw us a loop. An SUV or 4WD are not required, but I didn't love putting my pampered Honda Accord through the wringer, and I suspect during monsoon season (July thru Sept) or any heavy rains, the roads would be a mess. We just went slowly, following Siri directions, and it was fine. I cannot imagine any horse trailers making it up the roads safely, horses being alluded to on the webpage. There are paddocks at the site that look run-down but sufficient, but I would think given the road, one would need to ride in. We stayed at Muse, a quaint little cabin with patio set overlooking the canyon. Overall it was special staying in the wilderness, and any difficulties we had (most notably, the electronic door lock locking us out the first night) were handled beautifully by husband and wife team Crystal and Dan, and Crystal comped us the first night for our inconvenience. I cannot speak for the other cabins, but Muse has a two-burner induction stovetop, mini stainless fridge and freezer, stainless sink, microwave, toaster oven, wood kitchen table with two chairs (not 4 as in the photos), and plenty of place settings, flatware, coffee mugs, glassware, and kitchenware, plus an outdoor stainless BBQ. The queen bed was comfortable enough, as was the full-length futon sofa that my husband switched to mid-sleep when he wanted more room. The futon would be perfectly acceptable as an extra bed. There was a standing fan, a couple games, deck of cards, and a few paperback books in the room, which are a nice touch and practical if in need. Internet and Wifi worked well, and the room has a modest-sized well-loaded smart TV. The bathroom being a non-temperature controlled add-on felt almost like psuedo camping, albeit high-end, and truly if I were camping and ventured upon a sink, shower, and tub with hot water (plenty of very hot water), I'd have done cartwheels, but as I was not camping, I found the unheated bathroom during my nighttime restroom visit rough, and I imagine it would be a bear in there in the summer heat. There is a small air exchange unit to help share some heating and cooling from the main room, but I found it insufficient. You will want to just keep the door closed as needed. I do suspect it would be really nice during warmer weather to take an evening bath with the barn-door window open, or to take a shower in the outside stall. There are no electrical plugs by the bathroom pedestal sink and mirror, but the mirror was small and light enough (tiny!), it was easy to slip off the wall when I wanted to do my hair and use elsewhere; you can either move it on the other side of the bathroom where there are outlets, or as I did, use propped up on the shelving units in the main room. This was a minor inconvenience but not worrisome. I enjoyed the long teak (or teak-like) bench in the bathroom, as well as the shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, liquid wash, and make-up remover wipes. Cleanliness was comparable to most privately owned B&Bs in which we have stayed - not up to hotel standards but nothing feeling remotely dirty or uncomfortable. There was a very nice and new-looking stainless French press coffee maker in the room, plus coffee, sugars, and a small selection of teas. Our coffee container was empty, but a quick walk down to the main center - the name escapes me at the moment - provided extra coffee and wow, there were ALL KINDS of amenities from a full fridge of condiments, extra cookware, and a whole variety of miscellaneous items worth checking out. We snagged some butter and two beers from the fridge and left $10, though leaving the ten was our choice. The extras there are a perk and presumably left over from someone's function. As any B&B, I would be wary of things like opened mayonnaise and other condiments, yikes, but it was great to have the options, and I can see people having parties or reunions in that space. There is one each publicly accessible (outdoor) washer and dryer there. There are lots of connected trails onsite, and we ventured on a short one past a fascinating old corral/outdoor rock seating amphitheater to an overgrown old disc golf course and up to a little sitting bench. The pool is only solar-heated, so realistically too chilly for most in the winter, and the whole pool area was a bit overgrown and in need some of some TLC, but the pool water looked super clean, and to have an infinity pool in the midst of a canyon is pretty special. Overall, the setting makes this place. The dirt roads and any imperfections are worth navigating to enjoy the striking beauty and peacefulness of the high desert canyon and sky.

I'll be honest, I didn't want to write this review. I wanted to keep this beautiful place to…read moremyself, lol. However, I can't express how awesome this place is. If you want to get away and off the grid, then this is the place for you. Hidden Passage is a ranch with 5 cottages, with Zeus being the largest with 2 rooms & a bathroom with kitchen & living room. It also has trailer spaces if you want to bring your tent to rough it. The common infinity pool area is small but amazing. The pool is solar powered, so it's warm & feels just right. The ranch is in the process of upgrading the internet service to Frontier. Ours is one of the last ones that they were working on. We went into Joshua Tree once to get groceries we forgot, and after that, we just stood at the airbnb. The cottages are named after greek gods. There are also outside bathtubs and showers. This place is perfect for star gazing and for hiking. They have private hiking trails you can enjoy. Also, bring your fur babies. They are welcome. Each cottage has a BBQ for your use and a patio. The stoves are induction, and you can use the pot and pans they provided. The kitchens come with everything you need plus a fridge, coffee maker, & a toaster so bring your stuff to cook. The AC works amazing. There were some games to use for families. The beds are comfy & so are the pillows. I highly recommend booking this place for a weekend getaway.

I've booked with Homestead Modern multiple times now for staycations with my husband and our dogs,…read moreand every experience has been amazing. The booking process is always seamless (easy from start to finish on their website) and they send you all the info you need well in advance. From access codes and parking instructions to thoughtful recommendations for local spots, everything is laid out clearly. Each property we've stayed in has been spotless, beautifully maintained, and truly stunning in its design. The architecture of the spaces I booked feel so intentional, effortlessly blending into the desert landscape and creating a sense of calm that's hard to describe. It's the perfect escape from the noise and pace of city life in LA. Peaceful, grounding, and exactly what we needed each time. Any time I had a question, the Homestead Modern team was quick to respond via text (always within a few hours) and super friendly every time. You can really tell they care about creating a great experience. We're already looking forward to our next trip!

Terrible! Misleading photos for amenities. I feel so much more sane seeing these reviews. Seriously…read morethink they pay for their Airbnb reviews. Sickening. I was expected to clean out a cowboy tub lined with sludge, rinse, and refill which was mentioned nowhere in listing. The hose had zero pressure; I would have had to be on my hands and knees to clean it out. The drain knob was also so tight I couldn't even get it undone. Pictures mislead to look like outdoor fire pit was wood burning. They let you know it's propane after you confirm booking. So disappointed. No response from them or Airbnb. Now I have disputed with my credit card.

Do not book your event or stay here. We felt nickel-and-dimed throughout the experience, and the…read morecommunication was rude and unprofessional. We were instructed to wipe down kitchen counters with dish soap, but paper towels were not even provided. There were also not enough bath towels for guests. The overall experience added unnecessary stress and negatively impacted our event.

We just returned from 3 nights at Pipes Canyon Lodge. Everyone had an amazing time - we had 2…read morefamilies in our party (4 adults, 4 kids, 1 dog). When I looked at the photos on VRBO and Google (search "pipes canyon lodge wedding"), I was impressed by the 20 5-star reviews and the gorgeous weddings held at the property. In my mind, if this place is nice enough to be a wedding venue, it must be well worth $700+/night. At that price, I was expecting a 5-star property. It IS a charming house with a great layout, views, and amazing staff (see other VRBO reviews), but I left disappointed. Here's why: 1. It's dusty. REALLY dusty. Considering that the profile lists "low allergen environment" as a selling point, we were surprised to find that we couldn't even sit on the couch in the living room without having an allergy attack. There was a layer of dust on the lampshades and art in my friend's room and I woke up with a completely clogged nose and watery eyes when I slept on the twin beds. This place is in need of a serious deep cleaning. I suggest getting the living room couch and all bedroom throw pillows professionally cleaned and covering everything with bed sheets in between guests. 2. Rats outside. There were NONE in the house. However, one side of the patio was covered with rat droppings in the morning. From the porch, we watched rats scamper from one cactus to another. I would suggest putting rat traps on the side of the house to help with this. Our dog had to stay inside because she kept eating the rat droppings. 3. No black out curtains in the bedrooms. Ok, this is a desert house. The sun is in full swing by 6:30am every day. For the comfort of your guests, please hang up some black out curtains. Not everyone wants full sun at the wee hours of the morning. Considering the price we paid, it is not unreasonable to expect to sleep past 6:30am. 4. Great kitchen, but no staples. Sugar? Coffee? Napkins? Sponges? Nope! The kitchen had a very nice selection of pots, pans, and appliances, but we had to buy even the most basic items. When guests arrive at 7:30pm, it'd be nice to have some coffee available for that first morning. 5. Cigarette butts all around the yard and on the porch. It's a rental, I get it. I expected a "Non Smoking House" to clean that up.   6. Beat up furniture inside house. Beds gave us backaches. I paid a premium expecting a luxury rental or at least something nicer than my own house. May want to consider different pricing for weddings vs. families.