Must-see hotels in The Deserts

With no TV, no wi-fi and soft mattresses, don't come to this sprawling motel looking for luxury. But what it lacks in comforts, it makes up in kookiness…

History oozes from every nook and cranny in this old-timey inn on the ancient Oasis of Mara. Choose from air-conditioned 1934 adobe bungalows, outfitted…

First-come, first-served Mahogany Flat has only 10 spaces and, being located at 8200ft, the distinction of being the park's highest campground. Making it…

This immaculately kept 1950s motel, run by the charming Ash, was where U2 stayed while working on the Joshua Tree album. It has a small pool and seven…

Close to 29 Palms Hwy/Hwy 62, this campground accepts reservations for tents and RVs via phone or www.recreation.gov from October to May (first come,…

At this rustically elegant inn, you can wrap your days tucked into rooms filled with Southwestern knickknacks and Native American weavings or into a…

This congenial inn helmed by the friendly Cynthia has hostel-style bunks and eclectically decorated rooms in vintage trailers, all with private bathroom…

Teensy Thorndike is one of four free first-come, first-served campgrounds in the mountains. With only six sites at an elevation of 7400ft, you'll likely…

Fancy sleeping among glowing wig heads, in an Airstream or a horse stall? Then check into one of nine wackily decorated vintage trailers (and one cabin)…

The charming Carrie presides over this three-room adobe retreat and will turbocharge your day with scrumptious breakfasts if you're staying in one of the…

Palm Springs goes Hollywood – with all the sass, sans the attitude – at this former Howard Johnson motel turned hipster hangout. The 176 rooms (many with…

This Rat Pack playground has been given a boho-cool makeover and sparkles brighter than ever. Expect the full range of mod-cons in nearly 400 rooms amid…

Rooms are snug but modern and come with black-out draperies and triple-paned windows at this three-story, 65-room motel near the freeway. There's a pool…

At this 1947 gem, designed by William F Cody, groovy lobby tunes usher you to a saltwater pool and ineffably chic mid-Century Modern rooms. The pricier…

Turn back the clock at this romantic B&B where rooms are spread across an arts-and-crafts lodge and a dozen cozy cottages are spaced around a garden with…

Want to hit the tables without driving to Vegas? Then this tribal-owned casino will happily let you woo Lady Luck with its full range of gaming options…

Charismatic Hotel Nipton occupies a century-old adobe villa with wraparound porch and five rooms sharing two bathrooms along with 'eco-lodges' (tent…

Wear a Pucci dress and blend right in at this Spanish-style miniresort with 13 bungalows done up in sleek black-and-white Hollywood Regency style. After a…

Cradled by big boulders, this is the most central and popular campground despite having no water, no shade and only pit toilets. Rock climbers especially…

A fashionable (but not party) crowd makes new friends poolside before retiring to one of the 34 elegantly minimalist rooms around a pool. Some have…