9 Palms Inn

73193 29 Palms Hwy, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, Twentynine Palms, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 3.7 / 5

Overview

9 Palms Inn is a low-rise, 2-star motel set in a colorful building dating from the 1940s, located along Twentynine Palms Highway amid open desert. It's an unfussy, budget-oriented property whose retro exterior paint job gives it a quirky, rustic character rather than a polished chain-hotel feel. Rooms are accessed via exterior corridors, motel-style.

Rooms

Guest rooms are described as bright and casual, each equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, coffeemaker, minifridge, and microwave. Reviewers note the rooms are generally clean and comfortable despite the modest, dated exterior, with some noting a rustic but charming feel.

Amenities & Policies

On-site parking is available, though guests mention the lot has sand at the entrance and a bumpy, hillside paved surface that can be tricky for motorcycles. Pets are welcome for an additional fee, and kids stay free when accompanied by an adult, making it a flexible stop for road-trippers with pets or families.

Location

The inn sits about 6 miles from the mountains of Joshua Tree National Park and roughly 2 miles from Tortoise Rock Casino, with the Oasis of Mara Nature Trail Trailhead and 29 Palms Art Gallery both within about 2 miles. Numerous Joshua Tree points of interest -- including Barker Dam, Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead, Skull Rock, Arch Rock, Jumbo Rocks Campground, Ryan Mountain, Keys Ranch, Wall Street Mill, and Wonderland of Rocks -- are within roughly 11-18 km, making the inn a practical base for exploring the park's rock formations and trails.

Best for

This motel best suits budget-conscious road-trippers, hikers, and Joshua Tree National Park visitors who want an inexpensive, no-frills base close to the park's trailheads and rock formations. It's also a good fit for travelers with pets (welcome for a fee) and families with kids (who stay free with an adult), given its simple, practical amenities like minifridges and microwaves for self-catering.

Travel tips

Since the inn is off Twentynine Palms Highway surrounded by desert, a car is essential for reaching Joshua Tree National Park sights, most of which are 11-18 km away. Arrive with some daylight if possible, as the parking lot has a sandy entrance and a bumpy, hillside paved surface that can be tricky to navigate, especially by motorcycle. Because rooms are accessed via exterior corridors, pack accordingly for desert weather and expect a straightforward, motel-style layout rather than interior hallways.

What guests say

Guests frequently describe 9 Palms Inn as a quirky, colorful, and rustic motel that surprises visitors with clean, comfortable rooms despite an unassuming exterior. Several reviewers specifically praised clean bathrooms, including one with a tub appreciated after a day of hiking, along with a friendly owner and reasonable pricing. On the negative side, some reviewers cited inconsistent housekeeping, with complaints about dirty bathrooms and management issues, suggesting service quality can vary between stays. The parking lot's sandy, bumpy layout was also flagged as a practical annoyance, though most reviewers still considered the property a safe, convenient, and worthwhile stop near town and Joshua Tree.

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