Hotel California

Hotel California brings a playful, resort-style escape to 2.5 fenced acres above Morongo Valley. Made for friends and families who want to spend as much time at home as exploring the desert, this colorful five-bedroom retreat pairs a private pool and hot tub with a sauna, mountain-view yoga deck, outdoor bathing and a detached game room. Between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, it’s a place to spread out, settle in and enjoy the day at your own pace. At Hotel California, the outdoors feels like an extension of the house. Wide mountain views surround a sprawling pool terrace, winding paths lead to tucked-away places to relax, and two painted water tanks add a playful landmark to the desert landscape. Inside, warm neutrals meet terrazzo, patterned tile and unexpected splashes of rust, navy and green. The design feels relaxed and full of personality, equally suited to a laid-back afternoon in the sun or a lively weekend with friends. The main house brings everyone together with comfortable living spaces, a bright kitchen and four bedrooms, while a detached guest suite offers another place to sleep, play and unwind. With room for ten across five bedrooms, the layout makes it easy to vacation together without spending every moment in the same room. -Highlights- ► Private in-ground pool, approximately 4 feet deep, with heating available for an additional fee during cooler months ► Built-in hot tub with no additional heating fee ► Private sauna for a relaxing wellness experience ► Elevated yoga deck with panoramic mountain views ► Outdoor bathtub and shower ► Sunken propane fire pit with curved seating ► Propane BBQ and covered outdoor dining area ► Poolside sun loungers and outdoor lounge seating ► 2.5 fully fenced acres with 360-degree mountain views ► Detached guest suite with a separate entrance, private bathroom, loft bedroom and game room with pool table ► Five bedrooms, seven beds and four bathrooms, accommodating up to ten guests ► Three smart TVs for streaming entertainment ► Fully equipped kitchen with Café appliances and coffee maker ► Dedicated workspace and satellite Wi-Fi ► Air conditioning, heating, washer and dryer ► Large gated driveway with on-site parking -Outdoor Amenities- The pool terrace is the heart of Hotel California, with open mountain views, plenty of room to lounge and a built-in hot tub just steps from the water. Spend a sunny afternoon moving between the pool and loungers, or settle into an Adirondack chair while the rest of the group swims. The pool is approximately four feet deep, with optional heating available during cooler months for an additional fee. Beyond the pool, the property invites you to explore. A raised wooden yoga deck looks out toward the surrounding mountains, offering a peaceful place to stretch or practice with an uninterrupted view of the landscape. The private sauna, outdoor shower and open-air bathtub create another way to enjoy the desert, whether you’re warming up, cooling off or taking your time over a long soak. Closer to the house, a timber-covered patio with string lights and a generous dining table gives the group a comfortable place to share meals outside. Fire up the propane BBQ, settle onto the outdoor sectional or find a shady spot to read. When evening arrives, the sunken propane fire pit becomes a natural gathering place. Its curved seating faces the house and illuminated pool terrace, with mountain silhouettes and the changing desert sky beyond. Across the 2.5 fenced acres, native vegetation, winding pathways and colorful architectural details make the grounds feel like a destination of their own. -Living Area- Inside, Hotel California trades formal interiors for inviting spaces with warmth and character. A generous cream sectional, rust-colored pillows, chunky knit throws and natural wood furnishings create a comfortable place to put your feet up. Soft daylight moves across the walls, while sculptural details and earthy accents give the room a distinctly creative feel. It’s a welcoming space for catching up after an afternoon outside, watching a movie or simply relaxing together. Three smart TVs throughout the property offer entertainment when it’s time to retreat indoors. And with a separate hangout in the detached guest suite, the group doesn’t have to agree on how to spend the evening. Some can settle into the main house while others head over for a game of pool. -Kitchen and Dining- The kitchen has a fresh, playful personality, with white cabinetry, a terrazzo-patterned backsplash, brass accents and warm wood shelving. Café appliances give the space a polished finish, while the generous island provides a casual spot to sit and talk while meals come together. You’ll find a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, cookware and dining essentials for preparing meals at home. Whether it’s breakfast before a day exploring Joshua Tree or dinner with the whole group, the kitchen is designed to make cooking together feel easy. Outside, the covered dining patio offers another inviting setting for meals. Gather around the long table beneath the timber pergola, with the desert landscape and late-afternoon light setting the scene. -Bedrooms and Bathrooms- Hotel California accommodates up to ten guests across five bedrooms and seven beds, with four bedrooms in the main house and a fifth in the detached guest suite. Each bedroom in the main house has its own personality, with colorful arched headboards, warm textiles and thoughtful decorative touches that echo the home’s modern desert aesthetic. Bedroom 1 features a king bed, as does Bedroom 2. Bedroom 3 offers a queen bed, while Bedroom 4 has two queen beds. Bedroom 5 is located in the detached guest suite, where two queen beds occupy the loft above the game room. This separate accommodation has its own entrance and private bathroom, providing extra independence for guests who appreciate having a space apart from the main house. There are four bathrooms in total, with patterned tile, arched mirrors and warm finishes that continue the home’s colorful design. One bathroom features a freestanding bathtub, ideal for unwinding after a long day. -Detached Guest Suite & Game Room- The detached guest suite brings an extra layer of fun and flexibility to the stay. With its own entrance, bathroom and loft sleeping area, it’s a useful retreat for guests who prefer a little separation from the main house while remaining part of the group. Downstairs, the game room centers around a wood-framed pool table, with an orange sofa and playful décor giving the space a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Challenge friends to a game, spend an evening catching up or let different parts of the group enjoy their own activities. The loft upstairs contains two queen beds, making this a distinctive fifth bedroom rather than simply an additional recreation space. -Sauna & Outdoor Wellness- One of the pleasures of staying at Hotel California is having several ways to slow down without leaving the property. Start on the elevated yoga deck, where the mountains stretch across the horizon and there’s room to enjoy a quiet practice in the open air. Later, step into the private sauna, refresh under the outdoor shower or ease into the outdoor bathtub beneath the desert sky. These spaces are spread throughout the grounds rather than confined to a single patio, making a walk around the property part of the experience. Alongside the pool and hot tub, they give the house an easygoing wellness atmosphere that feels especially inviting after hiking, exploring or a busy day with friends. Hotel California is equally rewarding as a home base for exploring Palm Springs and Joshua Tree or as a place to spend an entire day without going anywhere at all. -Surrounding Area- Hotel California sits in the mountains above Morongo Valley, between two of Southern California’s best-known desert destinations. Head down the Morongo Grade to Palm Springs for restaurants, galleries and mid-century architecture, or up into the high desert for Old Town Yucca Valley, Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown and downtown Joshua Tree. Spaghetti Western, an Italian restaurant in an old Western building, is another good choice for dinner. The entire house and property are yours to enjoy! Please note that a few supply closets stay locked to store rental supplies. A personal vehicle is necessary to get around in this area - rideshare apps are not guaranteed. Hotel California is in a remote mountain location, and the road to the home includes unpaved sections. Low-clearance vehicles are not recommended. Please drive slowly, as conditions may include bumps and ruts, particularly after rain or high wind. The road just outside the property gates is a private easement belonging to the neighboring property. You may drive across it to enter and exit, but please do not walk, gather or park on it. The gated driveway fits up to 10 vehicles, and all vehicles must be parked inside the property gates. -Outdoor Amenity Updates- Pool umbrellas are not provided, because high winds can damage them and create a safety hazard. The outdoor mini refrigerator shown in older materials has been removed; the full-size indoor refrigerator remains available. -Desert Wind- Morongo Valley can see periods of strong wind. Please secure personal belongings and take care in the outdoor areas when it’s windy. -House-Specific Rules- ► External speakers are not allowed. ► Please shower before and after using the pool or hot tub, and rinse away oils and lotions before entering. Pets are not permitted in the hot tub. Keep food, alcohol and glass away from the water. Keep the hot tub cover secured when not in use, and never stand or sit on it. Additional cleaning or maintenance charges may apply if the pool or hot tub is left excessively dirty or damaged. -Pool Heating Fee- Should you wish to have the pool heated to 85 degrees, please notify us in advance of your arrival, as there will be a supplemental charge per day for this service due to high fuel costs in this area. If you’d like the pool heated for multiple days, we ask that days be consecutive to conserve energy, thank you! Pool heating is not usually necessary May through September. Please note that we will need at least 24 hours’ notice to heat the pool. ► $400 first night, $150 each night after During the winter months, please be aware that colder outdoor temperatures may cause the pool to feel cooler than its maintained temperature of 85°F. We kindly ask that you ensure this temperature meets your comfort level before submitting a request, as refunds cannot be issued on this basis. -Hot Tub Heating- No fee to heat the hot tub! The hot tub is not heated continuously, to conserve propane. Please message us through the OTA thread about two hours before you plan to use it so we can turn on the heat, and message us again when you’re done so it can be turned off. -Pool and Hot Tub Service- The pool and hot tub are serviced Tuesdays and Fridays, which may fall during your stay. The technician will access the outdoor area briefly without entering the house. Please avoid using the pool or hot tub immediately after service, as chemical levels are higher than usual for a short time. -Pet Policy- We welcome your dogs! There is a $100 per dog per stay fee, limit of 2 dogs maximum. Please note on your reservation how many dogs you are bringing. There is an unauthorized pet fee of $500. Please use the provided dog sheets before allowing your dogs on any furniture. Cats and other pets are not allowed. -Local Experiences- We’ve handpicked an incredible selection of local vendors to enhance your Joshua Tree stay, offering a mix of relaxation, adventure, and everything in between. Whether you’re seeking relaxation with sound baths, yoga sessions, meditation guides, in-home massages, facials, aromatherapy or the convenience of a personal chef or caterer, you’ll find options to elevate your experience. For thrill-seekers, explore rock climbing adventures, dune buggy rides, or horseback riding. Other unique experiences include guided stargazing tours under the breathtaking desert sky or guided hikes accompanied by mini donkeys! All vendor details are available in our guidebook upon booking, making it easy to craft your ideal getaway. Many services can come directly to the house, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable stay! -Wildlife & Safety- The desert landscape is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty, offering a unique connection to nature, but it’s important to be mindful of the creatures and plants that call this area home. Guests may encounter a variety of wildlife during their stay, and while direct encounters with dangerous animals like coyotes, snakes, scorpions, bobcats, mountain lions and other desert dwellers are rare, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to keep a safe distance from these creatures when spotted. Additionally, the desert is dotted with sharp cacti and other spiky plants. For your safety, always supervise children, pets, ESAs, and service animals while outdoors. Dogs should remain on a leash at all times and be watched closely while outdoors, as they can wander into potentially unsafe situations with wildlife or plants. By booking this property, guests acknowledge the potential for wildlife encounters and assume responsibility for their safety and the safety of their group. By respecting the local environment and staying aware, you can fully enjoy the magic of the desert. -Security Camera- For your security, there are exterior cameras on the property, which monitor vehicles and occupancy. There are no cameras inside the home or facing any private areas, including the pool, hot tub, sauna and outdoor bathing areas. -Satellite Internet and Cell Service- The home’s internet runs on a satellite connection. It works well for everyday use, but speeds and reliability can vary with weather. Cell reception may be limited depending on your carrier. -Damage Waiver Policy- Each reservation requires either a refundable security deposit or a non-refundable damage waiver. License number: CESTRP-2023-00447