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6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel Daily News
Hotel Wren opens in Twentynine Palms
Hotel Wren reimagines a 1940s motel into a design-focused, nature-inspired retreat, offering guests a serene high desert experience. TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIF. – Hotel Wren, a meticulously reimagined 1940s roadside motel, is now open in Twentynine Palms, offering a design-driven stay at the gateway to Joshua Tree's north entrance. Designed by Jessica Pell, founder of Los Angeles-based Manola Studio, the 12-room hideaway blends historic motel culture with modern craftsmanship, embracing the rugged beauty and quiet magnetism of California's high desert. Set just 10 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, Hotel Wren is more than a place to stay – it's a space designed for stillness, where the vastness of the desert meets a considered, intimate retreat. Here, architecture and landscape exist in quiet conversation, inviting guests to slow down, take in the shifting desert light, and experience a place that feels both timeless and deeply connected to its surroundings. A Love Letter to the Desert 'Hotel Wren is my love letter to the desert, a place that still recenters me every time I return,' says Jessica Pell, founder of Manola Studio. 'Joshua Tree has a way of making you feel both small and completely at home – its ancient rock formations shaped by time, the endless horizon, the sky burning gold before deepening into a field of stars. It quiets the noise and makes you listen. I wanted Wren to reflect that stillness, a space where architecture and landscape exist in quiet conversation, where every material and every detail is chosen with care and intention.' A Harmonious Blend of History and Modern Design Once a 1940s roadside lodge, Hotel Wren has been reimagined with care and restraint, preserving its original layout, restoring steel casement windows and architectural character, while introducing timeless materials and custom craftsmanship. The 12-room property balances rustic warmth with refined simplicity – where hand-troweled plaster meets custom terracotta floors, carved woodwork, and hand-painted tiles inspired by the high desert's flora and fauna. The interiors mirror the desert's shifting hues – cream, sand, sage, adobe pink, rust, and deep ochre—colors that evolve with the changing light. Santa Barbara-style plaster coats the walls inside and out, while Saltillo tile and fossilized flagstone ground the space in a distinctly Californian vernacular. At the heart of the hotel, the lobby serves as both a welcome space and a living room, where guests gather, linger, and take in the mountains that cradle Joshua Tree National Park. A fireplace, framed by warm custom millwork with hand-carved motifs by Nik Gelormino, anchors the space, celebrating the rhythms of nature. Above, a mural by artist Kim Swift stretches across the walls in homage to the surrounding landscape. Custom metal and glass doors frame the view, while vaulted ceilings create an airiness that lets the desert light in. The space is layered with a curated mix of vintage, custom, and locally sourced pieces, and bookshelves, hand-selected by Pell, hold volumes on astronomy, geology, hiking, birding, philosophy, and nature – an invitation to engage more deeply with the land and sky. Suites Designed for Slow Living Each suite-style guestroom is designed to feel like a private residence, a space to unwind, reset, and take in the stillness of the desert. King or Queen beds are dressed in Parachute linens, and rooms are stocked with Wonder Valley bath products, a yoga mat, a meditation blanket, and a pantry of artisanal teas and Canyon Coffee – small luxuries designed to encourage ritual and rest. Half of the rooms face the western desert, with bathtubs and private patios that open directly to the vast landscape. The remaining rooms offer enclosed patios and showers, creating a more secluded, intimate retreat. All feature built-in banquettes and gas fireplaces, inviting guests to sink in and stay awhile. In keeping with the hotel's commitment to reflection and presence, rooms are designed without televisions, offering a rare chance to unplug. Hotel Wren is also a 21+ property, fostering an environment of quiet connection to nature, to self, and to one another. Windsong: A Curated Bodega of Provisions and Objects More than a shop, Windsong is an extension of Hotel Wren's ethos – offering provisions, handcrafted wares, and objects that deepen a connection to place. Located just off the lobby, this carefully curated bodega blends desert essentials with keepsakes that carry the feeling of this landscape beyond the stay. Shelves are stocked with ceramics, textiles, natural apothecary, rare books, and handcrafted goods from independent makers, alongside a well-edited mix of pantry staples, wine, and provisions meant to be enjoyed under the desert sky. Whether selecting something for a hike, a home, or a memory, Windsong exists as a quiet invitation – to slow down, appreciate beauty, and take a piece of the desert with you. A Thoughtful Approach to Hospitality At Hotel Wren, luxury is about intention, not excess. It's felt in the warmth of a welcome, the ease of a well-considered space, and the quiet details that make a place feel personal. The hotel was designed to feel like stepping into a home – where every element has been chosen with care, and hospitality is rooted in connection. Guests are welcomed with a cocktail, invited to linger in the courtyard, and encouraged to settle into the rhythm of the desert. Evenings unfold naturally, with impromptu gatherings, shared conversations, and moments of stillness by the fire. Hotel Wren was created to foster a sense of belonging – where design, experience, and hospitality come together with thoughtfulness and ease. An Invitation to Experience the High Desert Long known as the quieter gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms has always been a haven for artists, adventurers, and those drawn to the raw beauty of the high desert. Now, a new energy is taking root, as a wave of design-forward stays, eclectic gathering spaces, and locally-driven businesses are reshaping the town's identity. Historic spots like 29 Palms Inn, a beloved adobe retreat from the 1920s, remain at the heart of the town, while Kitchen in the Desert, Out There Bar, and Mas o Menos have created new gathering places for artists, musicians, and travelers. The dusty 1930s and '40s motels, old adobes, and scattered homesteads that define the town's architectural landscape are now being carefully restored or reimagined, blending raw, utilitarian charm with a more refined, design-driven sensibility. As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, Hotel Wren embraces and contributes to this evolving landscape, pledging a portion of proceeds to local organizations focused on land conservation, habitat restoration, and ecological preservation. More than just a place to stay, Hotel Wren reflects the spirit of Twentynine Palms – where history, design, and desert magic converge.
Vogue
20-05-2025
- Vogue
Why Joshua Tree and California's High Desert Towns Are Having a Moment
Though just an hour's drive from Palm Springs, the region around California's Joshua Tree National Park feels like a totally different reality. Of course, that has a lot to do with its otherworldly terrain—perched thousands of feet above sea level where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, the landscape is both brutal and beautiful, offering endless vistas of boulder-strewn mountains, cactus-studded valleys, and wide-open skies. Known to locals as the High Desert, the area—which includes Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Pioneertown, and the unincorporated community of Joshua Tree—has been home to indigenous peoples for millennia. It's also been drawing visitors for centuries; legend has it that Mormon settlers gave the region's endemic yucca trees the biblical name of 'Joshua' in the early 19th century. And who could forget that the iconic band U2 named their seminal 1987 album after the desert region? Recently, a new wave of visitors has discovered the charm of the High Desert—and many have decided to stay. Lured by the promise of wide-open spaces and more affordable homes, people from Los Angeles and beyond flocked to the area during the pandemic—an in turn, further fueled an already-thriving creative scene and set up a host of new businesses along the way. 'Artists and seekers have long been drawn here, and it's exciting to watch the area evolve further and to be a part of such a lovely and welcoming community,' says Jessica Pell, founder of the design firm Manola Studio and owner of the recently opened Hotel Wren in Twentynine Palms. 'There's something incredibly humbling about the High Desert and how it holds silence, space, and time differently. There's an ache and a beauty in the contrast: the softness of light against sharp rock, the resiliency of wildflowers blooming in impossible soil, the brilliance of its creatures designed to endure such extreme conditions.' With all that spellbinding natural beauty and a host of newly opened shops, restaurants, and lodging options—rumor has it that a Joshua Tree outpost of Miami's Faena is also soon to arrive—it's no wonder the High Desert holds everlasting appeal. Below, a look at some of the best places to stay, eat, and play should you decide to make the trip yourself. Just a word of caution to the heat-adverse: In the summer, temperatures can reach triple digits, so you may want to plan your trip for the cooler months between October and April—or, at the very least, make sure you have access to a very cold pool. Where to Stay Courtesy: Autocamp Courtesy: Autocamp For those who crave a quintessential camping experience without any of the discomfort, AutoCamp's Joshua Tree location offers 47 custom Airstreams and eight sleek, tiny-home cabins. Nestled within 25 acres adjacent to the National Park and its West Entrance—and a stone's throw away from the village of Joshua Tree's main strip—it makes for an ideal launch pad from which to explore the area's many delights. (So much so that it also served as the base for Vogue's June 2025 cover shoot featuring Hailey Bieber, photographed by Mikael Jansson.) And no wonder: Aesthetes and nature lovers alike appreciate both the high design and the attention to detail, which includes original art from local artists, dark sky-compliant lighting, native landscaping, organic-modern architecture by HKS, and handcrafted interiors by Narrative Design. In the mid-century modern-inspired Clubhouse, for example, you'll find floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-slat walls, a free-standing fireplace, and plenty of clean-lined furniture in natural materials that echo the landscape outside.
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06-05-2025
I've Been to At Least 15 Palm Springs, California, Hotels—This New Adults-only Retreat Is Among My Favorites
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 feels like a private retreat, immersed in nature. An oasis of calm for chill seekers, the former 1940s motel has been reimagined as an intimate 12-room design destination by L.A.-based Manola Studio founder Jessica Pell. 'The sound of silence is such a rarity in the city. It was about letting that and the sounds of nature come forward,' Pell told Travel + Leisure. She spent three years transforming the fire engine–red Americana-style motor lodge into a desert-modern escape, incorporating Santa Barbara-style plaster walls, textured wood and rattan accents, and a desert-inspired color scheme of sand, sage, adobe pink, and ochre. The hotel's unofficial slogan is 'no time to rush,' and from the moment my husband and I walked into the lobby living room—with its crackling fireplace and custom circular windows framing the mountains of Joshua Tree—we started to shake off the drive and let go of the week's stresses. Soon, with Madre tequila and hibiscus soda cocktails in our hands, we were embracing the laid-back desert vibe. We put on our swimsuits and settled onto loungers outside, tuning into the meditative rustling of the palms overhead. In the morning, we enjoyed our complimentary breakfast—local Canyon Coffee, 29 Loaves bagels, and steamed eggs—while listening to birdsongs, and watching the hotel's namesake wren guarding its nest. Below, my full review of Hotel Wren in Twentynine Palms, California. A King Deluxe guest room interior. Hotel Wren has four King Standard rooms, two Queen Double rooms, and six King Deluxe rooms. The midcentury Wren House, a two-bedroom two-bathroom retreat with artisanal finishes, is a wonderful choice for groups of friends and can also be booked for special events and artist residencies. Furnishings are slightly different in each room, with handsome cherry wood beds and custom-made vanities, Noguchi-style pendant lights, vintage accent pieces, and Pell's own collected artworks, such as a Richard Neutra drawing of Joshua Forest. The suite-style spaces have a residential feel, enclosed patios with gas fireplaces, and integrated kitchenettes stocked with cooking necessities. L.A. ceramicist Michelle Blade hand-painted the charming tiles in the bathrooms and bathtubs, while Parachute linens, plush robes, and Wonder Valley bath products enhance the luxe experience. Some private patios open directly to the outside and have cozy built-in banquettes to catch the sunset and firepits when the weather turns chilly. Long tables set up outside for al fresco dining. While there is no bar or restaurant, a complimentary daily breakfast is served in the lobby living room. Gourmet pantry necessities are for sale at the on-site store Windsong, including frozen dumplings and pizzas, pancake mix, eggs and butter, pasta and sauce, local cheeses, and charcuterie. The mini-bar and in-room snack offerings are a treat, offering products from many local and independent brands. Lounge chairs around the salt water pool and hot tub. The hotel can arrange guided hikes with a local outfitter. We went on an easygoing but immensely photogenic park hike to Arch Rock and Heart Rock, which was recommended by the hotel's general manager, Jared. There is no on-site gym, but rooms are stocked with yoga mats and meditation blankets. Guests tend to gravitate toward the saltwater swimming pool and hot tub. The lush outdoor garden features native California plants and plenty of seating around the communal fire pit and bubbling water features, offering opportunities for quiet reflection or socializing. The exterior of a guest room. Hotel Wren has no spa, but guests can book in-room massages. Windsong also stocks wellness books, essential oils, and other beauty products by brands like Ten Thousand Waves and Mojave Desert Skin Shield. 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. Twentynine Palms has several spots worth visiting, including a robust Saturday farmers' market, the Old Schoolhouse Museum chronicling the area's homesteading history, and a cluster of cool stores. One evening, we ventured out for a fun dinner at the local gastropub Grnd Sqrl, where we sampled local beers and enjoyed the funky murals on the buildings around town. Also, 29 Palms Beer Co. has a solid smashburger, and Campbell Hill Bakery has people lining up for its pastries and pizzas. La Copine is a consistently dazzling daytime restaurant that's worth the wait to get in. Another converted motel, Kitchen in the Desert, is the place for Caribbean-influenced food, a sexy scene, an indoor-outdoor party, and a Desert General store selling books, locally made Mojave Mercantile tie-dyed canvas hats, and cheeky gifts. Further afield, artist Noah Purifoy's outdoor installation of 'junk art,' as he called it, is an incredible experience. Pioneertown's old Hollywood history is enchanting, where Pappy and Harriets saloon has hosted some of the best musical acts on the planet, including Paul McCartney, the Arctic Monkeys, and Andre 3000. Hotel Wren does not participate in any loyalty program. Nightly rates at Hotel Wren start at $330 a night. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
