T+L was the first in at the brand-new Hotel Wren, a high desert hotel in greater Palm Springs and the perfect home base to explore Joshua Tree National Park.
Hotel Wren
- This is the only elevated hotel experience in an area otherwise limited to campsites, motels, and Airbnbs.
- The design, with natural hues, minimal furnishings, and lush outdoor landscaping, promotes high desert rest and relaxation.
- Rooms are generously sized and feature kitchenettes, allowing guests to cook with provisions from the hotel’s terrific Windsong shop.
- Hotel Wren is just a 10-minute drive from the less-crowded north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park and its visitor center, where guests can buy park tickets in advance.
California’s
Twentynine Palms
has long been known as a military town and the less-busy entryway to
Joshua Tree National Park
. However, this high desert community is in the midst of a rebrand, featuring a burgeoning art scene, eclectic restaurants and shops, and now, its first boutique hotel.
Just a few minutes’ drive from the town’s main business district and the park’s rugged landscape,
Hotel Wren
It feels like a personal hideaway, surrounded by nature. This tranquil haven is perfect for those seeking relaxation; the old 1940s motor court has been transformed into an exclusive 12-suite style hub by Jessica Pell, who founded Los Angeles-based Manola Studio.
“The absence of noise is incredibly rare in the city. It was all about allowing that quiet and the noises of nature to take center stage,” Pell explained.
Travel + Leisure.
It took her three years to convert the fire-engine red American-style motel into a contemporary desert retreat, integrating Santa Barbara-styled stucco walls, rough-hewn wooden elements, and woven rattan details, along with a palette inspired by the surrounding desert landscape: sands, sages, adobe pinks, and ocher tones.
The hotel’s unspoken motto seems to be “no hurry,” and as soon as my spouse and I entered the welcoming lobby filled with a cozy ambiance—complete with a blazing hearth and uniquely crafted round windows showcasing the majestic Joshua Tree Mountains—we began to unwind after our journey and release all the tensions accumulated during the week. Before long, armed with Madre tequila mixed with hibiscus soda drinks, we immersed ourselves fully in the relaxed atmosphere of the desert surroundings. After slipping into our swimwear, we reclined on lounge chairs outdoors, listening intently to the soothing whisper of palm fronds swaying above us.
In the morning, we savored our free breakfast—which included local Canyon Coffee, 29 Loaves bagels, and steamed eggs—whilst enjoying the melodies of birds and observing the hotel’s namesake wren protecting its nest.
Here is my complete review of the Hotel Wren located in Twentynine Palms, California.
The Rooms
The Hotel Wren features four King Standard rooms, two Queen Double suites, and six King Deluxe accommodations. For group gatherings or private events such as artist residencies, the mid-century styled Wren House—a cozy retreat boasting two bedrooms and two bathrooms adorned with artisan craftsmanship—provides an excellent option.
The furnishings vary somewhat from one room to another, featuring elegant cherrywood beds alongside bespoke vanities, hanging lamps reminiscent of those designed by Isamu Noguchi, antique decorative items, and artwork personally selected by Pell, including a sketch of Joshua Tree National Park by architect Richard Neutra.
The apartment-like areas offer a homey ambiance, complete with enclosed porches featuring gas fireplaces, as well as kitchenettes equipped with all essential cooking amenities.
Ceramic artist Michelle Blade from L.A. personally painted the delightful tiles found in the bathrooms and tubs, whereas Parachute linens, soft robes, and Wonder Valley bath items elevate the luxurious experience.
Several personal outdoor areas lead straight to the exterior space and feature comfortable integrated benches for enjoying sunsets along with fire pits during cooler weather conditions.
Food and Drink
Although there isn’t a dedicated bar or dining area, guests can enjoy a free daily breakfast in the lobby’s living space. The on-site shop called Windsong provides gourmet pantry items such as frozen dumplings and pizzas, pancake mixes, eggs and butter, pasta with sauces, regional cheeses, and cured meats for purchase. Additionally, the mini-bar and in-room snacks feature products sourced from various local and independent producers, adding an extra touch of delight.
Activities and Experiences
The hotel offers organized hikes led by a nearby outfitter. We embarked on a leisurely yet highly picturesque trail through the park to visit Arch Rock and Heart Rock, as suggested by the hotel’s general manager, Jared.
The property does not have an onsite gym; however, each room comes equipped with yoga mats and meditation blankets. Most guests prefer spending their time at the saline swimming pool and the hot tub instead. Outside, you’ll find a verdant garden filled with indigenous Californian flora along with ample seating near a shared fire pit and cascading water elements, providing spaces ideal for either peaceful contemplation or gathering with others.
Spa
Hotel Wren does not have a spa facility, however, guests can arrange for in-room massage treatments. Windsong provides an assortment of wellness literature, essential oils, along with various beauty items from labels such as Ten Thousand Waves and Mojave Desert Skin Shield.
Accessibility and Sustainability
There is one ADA-compliant queen double guest room and one ADA-compliant parking space. The hotel has electric car chargers and donates a percentage of proceeds to the Mojave Desert Land Trust and other local organizations.
Location
Twenty-nine Palms offers several attractions such as an active Saturday farmer’s market, the Old Schoolhouse Museum detailing the region’s pioneer past, and a collection of trendy shops.
One night, we went out for an enjoyable meal at the nearby gastropub.
Grnd Sqrl
, where we tasted some local brews and appreciated the eclectic murals adorning the buildings throughout the area. Also,
29 Palms Beer Co.
features a great Smashburger, and
Campbell Hill Bakery
attracts crowds eager for its pastries and pizzas.
La Copine
is a reliably brilliant daytime eatery that justifies the queue to enter.
Another converted motel,
Kitchen in the Desert
This spot specializes in Caribbean-inspired cuisine, offers a vibrant atmosphere, hosts an indoor-outdoor bash, and features a Desert General store stocked with books, handcrafted Mojave Mercantile tie-dyed canvas caps, and playful souvenirs.
In more distant locations, artist Noah Purifoy’s open-air exhibition of what he termed “junk art” offers a remarkable encounter. The vintage Hollywood charm of Pioneertown adds another layer of fascination.
Pappy and Harriets
The saloon has welcomed some of the greatest musical talents from around the globe, featuring artists like Paul McCartney, the Arctic Monkeys, and Andre 3000.
Ways to Maximize Your Experience During Your Visit
Hotel Wren is not part of any rewards programs. The daily rates at
Hotel Wren
beginning at $330 per night.
Each T+L hotel review is penned by an editor or journalist who has personally visited the establishment, and every chosen hotel meets our criteria.
core values
.
Read the initial report in the article below:
Travel & Leisure
Leave a Reply