Hostel Crashpod Hostel

16530 Vía Corto E, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240, Desert Hot Springs, United States

Guest rating: 4.0 / 5

Overview

Crashpod Hostel is a budget-oriented hostel set in a residential area of Desert Hot Springs, California, about 7 miles from Interstate 10. It offers a relaxed, communal atmosphere with a mix of dorm-style and private accommodations, positioning it as a low-cost alternative to the resort hotels of nearby Palm Springs.

Rooms

Compact dormitory rooms are furnished with bunk beds and share communal bathrooms, while private rooms can sleep up to three guests. Some rooms feature colorful, individualized decor, and select quarters include air conditioning and/or sofas for extra comfort.

Amenities & Common Areas

Guests have access to a communal kitchen, guest laundry facilities, two indoor lounges, and two outdoor patios for socializing or relaxing. There is also a designated outdoor area where marijuana smoking is permitted, and on-site parking is available for those arriving by car.

Location & Surroundings

The hostel sits roughly 55 miles from Joshua Tree National Park, making it a workable base for desert exploration. It is also within a 10-to-20 kilometer radius of numerous Palm Springs attractions, including Cabot's Pueblo Museum (the closest, about 3.6 km away), the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Art Museum, Kaufmann House, and the Agua Caliente Casino.

Best for

This hostel suits budget-conscious travelers, backpackers, and solo guests seeking a communal, social atmosphere with shared kitchen and lounge spaces rather than a traditional hotel experience. It also appeals to those visiting Joshua Tree National Park or Palm Springs-area attractions who want an affordable base with parking and basic self-catering facilities.

Travel tips

Having a car is recommended, since the hostel is in a residential area about 7 miles from Interstate 10 and the nearest named attractions, like Cabot's Pueblo Museum, are several kilometers away, with most Palm Springs sights 10 miles or more distant. Guests planning a Joshua Tree National Park trip should note it's roughly 55 miles away, so plan for a drive of an hour or more. Take advantage of the communal kitchen and shared lounges to save on dining costs during your stay.

What guests say

Guest feedback is mixed and polarized. Many reviewers praise the friendly, family-like staff, affordable pricing, and well-stocked communal kitchen with complimentary coffee and eggs. However, a notable subset of reviews raises serious concerns, including reports of non-functioning showers and kitchen facilities, allergy issues linked to on-site cats, unresponsive management regarding refunds, and claims that the property has housed homeless individuals. This split between highly positive experiences around value and hospitality versus significant complaints about facility upkeep and responsiveness suggests inconsistent quality from stay to stay.

Check availability · Booking links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure