Pioneertown Motel
Wild West wonder
Sandswept serenity
Star power is Pioneertown Motel’s not-so-secret weapon. For a start, its dark skies are ideal for stargazing on peaceful evenings by the fire. And then there are the movie stars such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers who stayed here when the town was still a working Western set. These days, it’s music stars you’re more likely to bump into, playing sets at neighbouring Pappy & Harriet’s, where everyone from Arctic Monkeys to Paul McCartney have filled the house. The hotel's abiding star quality, though, is its lo-fi loveliness – inviting you to slow down, take a hike, ride a horse. There’s no tech or TV – just sprawling desert grounds, a horseshoe pit and coffee on tap.
Facilities
Rooms
19
Checkout
11am, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 3pm.
More Details
Rates exclude breakfast.
Also
Today’s hotel owes much to the labours of locals including furniture maker Dan Anderson, landscaper Tony, builders Aaron, Harrison and Ryan, and artist-photographer Jane Wilder. Music buffs should aim to check in on weekdays during Coachella, when bands from the festival with downtime serve up sets at Pappy & Harriet’s.
Free Internet Access
Pet Friendly
At the Hotel
Lounge, horseshoe pit, wood-burning stove and outdoor seating, water refill station, gift shop. In rooms: free WiFi, mini fridge, camp chairs, Grateful Desert bath products.
Our Favourite Rooms
With beamed ceilings, chunky wooden furniture, rustic woven throws and cowhide rugs throughout, all rooms beguile equally and only differ in the set-up of beds. King Rooms at the rear of the hotel have juniper-dotted desert views that stretch all the way to the San Bernardino mountains on the horizon. If you want to stay where Gene Autry once gambled the night away playing poker, request room nine.
Poolside
There’s no swimming pool at this desert hotel.
Packing Tips
Boots not sandals (they’re bound to stay dusty); denim, ponchos and plaid, and something embroidered or embellished to wear for an evening at Pappy & Harriet’s.
Also
The hotel has an ADA-compliant room with ramp access and an adapted ensuite including a roll-in shower.
Children
Welcome. Extra beds ( for over-twos, US$35 a night) can be provided in most rooms; you'd need to bring your own cot for those younger than two.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Hotel Restaurant
There’s no restaurant at the motel, but room one is the Canteen, where coffee and tea are on tap and free, 24/7, and you can refill your bottles with spring water.
Room Service
There’s a mini fridge in every room where you can store breakfast basics, as well as beer and wine.
Planes
Palm Springs (PSP) is the nearest airport, 40 minutes away by road. From either San Diego or Los Angeles (traffic allowing) international airports, the hotel is a two-and-a-half-hours drive away.
Trains
You’re in the high desert now, with no railroads near enough to be relevant.
Automobiles
The hotel offers free parking on site.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
In the High Desert of California, this is a place for stargazing, hiking and horseback riding. Explore the trails in Pioneertown Mountains Preserve or nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Head to Yucca Valley for a spot of shopping or to take one of the local studio’s yoga classes. You’re less than an hour from Coachella here – ideal for when the world-famous musical festival comes to town annually in April.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
