Mojave Sands Motel

This place is really cool! Super comfy bed, room really cute and comfy, free coffee in the room and great record collection! The design of the place makes me wish I lived here! The owner is very nice. Really loved staying here. I only wish it had a pool.

Spent a night here with my husband and small daughter. We stayed in the small suite (room 1). It was very tastefully decorated and had a great, relaxing ambience. The shower was hot and the kitchenette had a fridge, two hot plates, coffee maker /​grinder and all the equipment needed to whip up a delicious breakfast in the morning. The grounds are well kept and the beautiful yard would be perfect for a birthday party or other kind of celebration with a group of friends.
All communications was via text so I never meet Susan but she answered all my questions promptly and was very helpful. We will definitely be back soon!

We stayed here on a one-​night stopover after visiting Joshua Tree and heading to Nevada. Communication was mostly through text, which was easiest, most of the time. It’s a gated parking lot that you need a code or key to get into. We were roomed in Room 3, and quickly took notice of the beautiful courtyard. There is no wifi or TV, so if you have work to do, this place may not be for you. The room was concrete flooring, which was actually quite dusty and we had to wear our shoes (it was an exceptionally windy day outside). The bathroom was unique, a modern rustic type with a waterfall shower head. The toilet is in the same enclosure and the bathroom has very little room if there is more than one person, and even if there is one person – though bare minimum appears to be the theme here. There is a record player in the room, so we enjoyed the nostalgia of David Bowie while sipping coffee from the coffee machine in the room – nothing special. There was one chair in the room for two, and our curtains were fabric draped and restrained over the windows, which didn’t entirely cover it. There was also not a covering for the round window on the door, so total privacy you do not have – though really, it would be difficult (but not impossible) to see in from the courtyard. There is a small private front porch/​patio area with a falling water fountain. We could easily hear the noise from the next room over (#2?), so I was awoken a few times during the night. I think we officially stayed there without ever meeting who was in charge of running the place, as the key was left for us after hours, and we left our key in the room and dropped a text upon leaving. We do appreciate the listing of local places to go, it’s unfortunate things close earlier. If you’re looking for hotel-​like accommodations this place isn’t for you. It was an interesting place to visit, for sure.

Charming and quaint, but it needs a little more work.
We had room #4. The bed was horribly uncomfortable. The slightest move made it squeak loud enough to wake anyone. The room was also quite bare; no area rug or anything to tie the room together. More difficult, there were a couple of chairs, but no coffee table or breakfast table or any kind of table, aside from the one the coffee maker was sitting on. The heater was also incredibly loud (warm the room up before you fall asleep and then turn it off). The design and everything was great, it just needs a bit more effort so the rooms feel inviting.

Wonderful! I fell in love with this place& will definitely be back. Susan rules!

Thanks Susan for the stay. We had a great time and my daughter learned how to use the record player (under my watchful eye of course) and play card games! Perfect daddy daughter getaway!
The details make the place from the fireplaces to the record players… no phones! no TV’s… perfect

Really dug this place. Just needed to get away to the desert for the weekend and the Mojave Sands was perfect, peaceful, and comfortable. I enjoyed the architecture and furniture design in the rooms. It was convenient to get into the park from. Good basecamp if you want to explore Joshua Tree and get up to Pioneertown too. I accidentally left my phone charger in the room and the owner was kind enough to mail it back to me when she found it, thanks!

I reserved a room for my girlfriend and I at the Mojave Sands during the weekend following Thanksgiving. I received a text message from Susan the day before our check-​in providing directions and an access code to the gate. Text is a great method to communicate as sometimes email gets lost.
We arrived at The Mojave Sands Motel around 2:00 pm Friday — a wonderful 5 room motel with a rustic modern décor. Complete with a lounging pool (don’t bring your bathing suite, it’s for looks only) and eclectic collection of necessities (e.g. record player and type writer), we were stoked!
The experience was one of the best out of all the motels/​hotels I’ve stayed in across the world. There was no check in, or having to deal with anyone. We walked 50 steps from our car to our room and got settled in. There’s no lobby — so if you’re needy, this may not be the place for you.
The décor was well done — everything jived. From the reclaimed wood, to the metal gate on our rooms patio, the attention to detail is phenomenal. I liked that they provided soap/​shampoo from Dr. Bronner and a local soap maker.
The room is quite small (a bed, one chair, one small table, a small refrigerator) but cozy and clean. As of this writing, there’s no TV or Wifi.
A few minor issues: the interior of the room needs more lighting, it’s way to dark at night. I would have enjoyed using the fire pit in the lounging pool (wasn’t working as of this writing). It took me a few minutes to figure out the heating/​cooling system. Perhaps add simple instructions on how to operate.
The motel was about 7 minutes from Joshua Tree National park — easy access!
I appreciate what the owners accomplished — this is certainly more than just a place to stay. It’s a place to experience and enjoy. This can’t be said for most motels/​hotels. I’ll definitely be back again one day. I’m so glad I didn’t let a couple of the cranky reviewers deter me from staying here!

Stayed here for a quick trip to Joshua Tree and it was great! Really nice suite (5) — loved the outdoor shower — and not sure if they’ve upgraded the kitchen since the other reviewers complained, but it felt fully equipped to us. Great design, great outdoor space. We had a wonderful stay. We couldn’t get the coffee maker (there’s a grinder too, with beans) to work, but we had to hit the road early anyway and grabbed breakfast and coffee at a nice local spot down the road. The location was perfect for a quick visit to the park. Would definitely stay here again!

This place is so great for a weekend getaway! The owner is so nice and helpful, very accommodating. The rooms are beautifully furnished, and the grounds are a perfect desert landscape.

There is no WIFI… No TV… and that’s exactly why this place is awesome.
We were planning a short trip with a couple friends to see and show at Pappy and Harriets and came across this place. I thought it looked rad so I booked it, I wasn’t planning on staying for two nights but after our visit I would be happy to any time we return.
We absolutely loved the Mojave Sands. If what you are looking for is a peaceful escape in a cozy zen compound this is it. The rooms were perfectly clean and extremely well decorated. If you go make sure you get a suite for the outdoor bath and shower. Make sure to talk to Susan (she runs the place). She is not only extremely helpful with the motel but can also introduce you to some very interesting people and recommend things to go see (such as Bobby Furst’s amazing artist compound)

A beautifully designed place to rest your head while visiting Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas!
The photos of this place did not do it justice as it truly a diamond in the rough of the desert. We saw a show at nearby Pappy & Harriets and Mojave Sands Motel was just a few minutes drive away which was perfect.
They have a spacious outdoor yard with fireplaces, a BBQ, and lounge areas. One night we made S’Mores with one of the fireplaces which was a nice treat.
Susan (co-​owner, manager) was also kind, very attentive and kept open communication throughout our stay, making sure that we had everything we needed. If not, she was only a stones throw away if we needed any assistance.
Highly recommend for anyone wanting a unique, beautifully designed and equipped motel to stay while in the desert. I can’t wait to stay there again!

Wow! I just received this note from who I assume is the owner:
«It is always amazing how some people are so rude and negative. I am surprised you would post this since it seems you and your girl friends are so cool and together. That is no size 6 or 8 knee. Looks like it would fit well in your big mouth too.»

Getting kicked out of a hotel is such a rock star move. It feels kind of badass. Like you are one badass rockstar that is worthy of hate by a rich authoritarian corporate greed hog. Some badass reasons that would have qualified for getting kicked out of Suite #5 at the Mojave Inn:
1. Catching the koi fish in the bond and grilling them over the pitfire
2. An orgy in the glass lined living room or in the outdoor shower
3. Lighting records on fire and frisbee golfing between the living room to and bedroom.
See? Valid reasons to get kicked out.
We had the fancy suite #5 reserved for Christmas, three nights and three thirty-​something single women ready for a relaxing time, for $ 300 a night. Unfortunately, on the morning after the second night, we got a terrible call from the owner of the place, who called us «complainers» and kicked us out of the property. With a promise to fully refund our cost. Here’s what we complained about
1. We had booked suite #5 for 3 nights. They instead had double booked the room and kicked us into the smaller suite #1 for the 3^rd night. They did NOT tell us they double booked when we initially booked the room. They did NOT mention they would decrease our cost for the double booking. They did offer to help us move our bags from one room to the other. Whoop tee doo.
2. We were promised a full kitchen so we brought food to cook. Instead, we found only one pot and one tea kettle. No oven. Only two burners. And one burner was broken. No full fridge — just a half fridge and half freezer. There was only one big pot. No frying pan. No sponges to wash the dishes.
3. The wifi was broken. We were there for a writing/​work retreat which was impossible without the internet. The first day we were there, they said they were going to go down the hill to get a new router — but it never happened.
4. The gorgeous steampunk-​ish décor was cool. But functional it was not. Particularly when we were sitting eating dinner, and Jas was sitting on the tall stool. The steel leg suddenly bent in and knocked her off the chair, dinner ruined, her leg bruised.
5. So they double booked, and moved us into room #1 on Christmas Eve morning at 11am. As we packed and moved in to the smaller no seating room — I sat down on the orange sofa. And sneezed. Because it was COVERED in dog hair. I’m terribly allergic to dog dander, and I was astounded that a place would allow pets and then not properly clean up after letting dogs stay in the room. Most establishments ask for pet deposits for this very reason. Though the manager said she was going to find a blanket to throw over the sofa, by then it was too late.
For a $ 300 a night establishment, you expect $ 300 a night quality and amenities. Frankly, I would price suite #5 at $ 150 a night max, if all the amenities were actually there. Plus, they lied to us on numerous factors. And they didn’t show the bit of remorse when someone was injured on their property.
Finally, the owner of the property got on the phone, and YELLED at us. She said that we were complainers, that we need to «just relax and enjoy yourself because it’s Christmas Eve» and «If we couldn’t relax we needed to get out of there». Literally. I’ve never been yelled at by a business before. It was absolutely the most bizarre thing I’ve ever experienced. We had to hastily pack our things and find another hotel to stay at. ON CHRISTMAS EVE. Happy Holidays, right?
So… don’t go here. They are terrible and mean people. And if you do go here, steal all their stuff and wreck that place up like a rock star would. Because if you are going to get kicked out, you better make it worth it.

We had an AMAZING time. So beautiful. So peaceful. Blake and Susan are great! I can’t wait to visit again.

This review is overdue but I still think about the wonderful weekend we spent at the motel in September of 2012. The owner Blake, is an awesome guy. He upgraded us to the suite knowing that it was our first year wedding anniversary. He also provided us with fresh flowers in the room. On top of that, he had a cancelation from another guest and offered us to stay one more night for free. Amazing!
Having the vinyl/​record player in each room and the outdoor showers in the suite creates such a retro feel to this place. We also soaked up in the aluminum pools by day to keep cool and sat by the fire at night to stay warm. Overall, a great little getaway in the desert!
I can’t wait to come back again!

Pros:
Beautiful spot right by one of the main entrances to Joshua Tree Nat. Park. Feels more like your own private cottage as opposed to a «motel». The attention to detail in the room and entire properties design is amazing. There’s an old typewriter and record player in the room as well which was very cool. We listened to Sinatra vinyl in the morning while packing up.
Cons:
We had to mill around for 20 minutes until we found the care keeper watering a plant to let us in.
Room could have been a bit cleaner.
All said and done I look forward to staying again and would recommend in a heartbeat.

LOVE this place!
Going again for my Anniversary — couldn’t be more eager!

Spent an incredible first weekend out in the desert (ever in my life) in October ’12 at probably the most beautiful, intimate, accommodation I’ve ever been to. Yes it’s called a motel but the property feels like your hanging out with some of your closest friends at this beautiful designed oasis that just happens to have an abundant amount of grills and fireplaces outside your door. We were in one of the more «standard» rooms and felt like we were in a suite. We came in to find a record player with The Temptations waiting for us! And a typewriter!
I was lucky enough to get to chat with Blake the morning my friend and I were leaving and he is a super friendly, respectful, funny guy.

One thing I appreciate most about a business is when the owner is completely invested in its success and this is definitely the case at the Mojave Sands. It’s been mentioned many times in these review, but Blake is one of those owners. His passion for the smallest of design elements was evident the moment we stepped on the property.
I have seen a few complaints regarding how hard it is to access. This is the case if you are someone who doesn’t do any form of planning at all. I simply texted Blake and told him we’d be arriving around 10pm. He promptly responded with instructions on how to open the gate and informed us that our key would be in the door. He had both A/​C units cranked down and the room was the perfect temperature for our arrival.
As others have mentioned you can spend hours just exploring the details of the room if you are someone that enjoys that type of thing. We were tired from a long flight and only spent a few minutes doing this our first night. The custom built king platform bed was as comfortable as it was cool.
Blake bought the property directly behind the motel and is currently converting that into a high-​end communal kitchen/​gathering area. He also has a cool old trailer attached to the kitchen. He invited us over the second night to visit and meet his dogs. I wish we’d had more time to talk, but we’d spent the entire day hiking and were off to San Diego first thing the next morning.
My only TINY suggestion would be hammocks in the garden area. It is so inviting but the only options are cool chairs. It was screaming for me to take a nap on a warm afternoon.
Do yourself a favor and book a trip now. I have a feeling Blake will have moved on to his next big project sooner rather than later and the Sands will lose its greatest asset.