Now let me qualify the title - we (my wife and I, 12 year old son, twin 3 year old daughters) DID end up there because of the Gram Parsons connection. Having read quite a bit about the legendary country-rock pioneer, we knew all about his death in Room #8 of the Inn - and that perhaps his spirit remains. What we found during our three night stay in Room #12 in November was more than enough to bring my wife and I back for her birthday (and a few nights in Room #8!) in December and is bringing all of us - plus my brother and his girlfriend - back this coming March. So why three trips in a matter of 4 or 5 months? And with the other accommodations available to us, why limit ourselves to the Joshua Tree Inn?
The Inn has the feel of a rustic Spanish outpost amid the uniqueness of the Joshua Tree desert. Built in 1950, its limited number of rooms - 10 to be exact - all open onto an enclosed courtyard and look out on the original swimming pool. Tables and chairs outside the rooms encourage guests to enjoy the privacy of this courtyard and mingle among themselves as well as simply sit and enjoy the positive and peaceful vibe of the place.
The respective rooms have a range of amenities including refrigerators, microwaves, fans, A/Cs and heaters, with two of the rooms - including our #12 - providing full kitchens and ample space for a family. They're comfortable and unique to each other, each having a private patio and their own design feel. We found viewing the pictures of each of the rooms on the Inn website a benefit prior to booking our first stay.
Each morning a "Continental Breakfast" (included in the very reasonable cost of the room) is served in a common dining room however the proprietors over deliver here with a range of food choices including omelets, breakfast meats, hot and cold cereals and a variety of fruits, breads, coffee, tea, and other drinks. The common area again encourages the guests to mingle and we were able to enjoy some great conversation with others over the morning meal.
Bringing it all together are Larry and Stephanie Fike, the managers of the Inn. They'll do whatever they can to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable, including bringing in food items of your choosing. In fact, when I booked the room the first trip, Larry asked simply if I had any special requests - I did and he saw to it they were met. That they are genuinely nice and interesting people is a bonus - I'm not sure either of them has ever met a stranger.
The Inn is located close to the Park Avenue entrance to the Joshua Tree National Park, an absolutely amazing and not to be missed experience. It's close too to plenty of restaurants, both in Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, Pioneertown and a host of other unusual attractions.
Now look - this place is not the Waldorf-Astoria. Quirky, funky, rustic, bohemian, quaint, all of these and more would apply to the Inn. It's nearly 60 years old and does show its age in places however for my money, this adds to the appeal rather than detracts from it. But then again, if you're looking for a Waldorf experience, you're not looking to come out to Joshua Tree.
My wife and I agree there's no place else in the area we'd rather stay. While falling in love with the Joshua Tree National Park was a fantastic unplanned experience, so too have been our stays at the Joshua Tree Inn.