The Bungalows at Retreat by Homestead Modern
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The Bungalows at Retreat by Homestead Modern · Joshua Tree, United States
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Expert Review: The Bungalows at Retreat by Homestead Modern
The Bungalows at Retreat by Homestead Modern: A Serene Mid-Century Modern Oasis in Joshua Tree
The Bungalows at Retreat by Homestead Modern, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a "wonderful" and unique desert escape in Joshua Tree, blending impressive mid-century modern design with the tranquility of a spiritual retreat center. Guests consistently praise its secluded atmosphere, well-appointed accommodations, and stunning natural surroundings.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for The Bungalows is overwhelmingly positive, with an average "wonderful" rating of 9.1 out of 10 based on over 400 reviews. Guests frequently highlight the peaceful atmosphere, stylish design, and convenient access to the area's attractions. The property is celebrated for providing a luxurious yet authentic Joshua Tree experience.
2. Key Highlights
Guests particularly love the thoughtful interior design, the feeling of privacy, and the proximity to nature.
- Design: The bungalows are impressively restored mid-century modern buildings by architect Harold Zook, offering a "sunny Palm Springs lodging that pined for stark scenery and a cowboy lifestyle". The design features big windows, concrete floors offset by colorful drapery and pop art, and stylish furnishings.
- Location: Situated on the sprawling 130-acre campus of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, the property offers a serene and secluded environment. It's just a few minutes' drive from Joshua Tree National Park, making it an ideal base for exploration.
- Amenities: Each unit feels like a freestanding mid-century home, featuring full kitchens or kitchenettes with modern appliances, private patios with expansive desert views, and outdoor dining areas with fire pits and grills. Guests also have access to the Retreat Center's swimming pool, hot tub, and meditation areas. Complimentary bicycles and an electric vehicle charging station are also available.
3. Room Quality
The 14 rooms, studios, and suites are beautifully renovated and designed with comfort and aesthetics in mind. They boast concrete floors, full-length windows stretching from floor to ceiling, and a bright, airy feel. Each suite includes a plush bed, air-conditioning, heating, and high-speed internet. The full kitchens or kitchenettes are well-equipped with a fridge, freezer, stove, microwave, and all necessary kitchenware, including a French press and local coffee. Many guests appreciate the absence of a television, encouraging a true disconnect and appreciation of the surroundings.
4. Dining Experience
While there isn't a dedicated hotel restaurant at The Bungalows, reflecting its residential concept, guests have several convenient options. Each bungalow comes with a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. For dining out, the Joshua Tree Retreat Center has its own vegetarian café for breakfast or lunch. Additionally, the surrounding area offers a variety of fine dining options, including local gems like Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown, the Copper Room, and the veggie-friendly Frontier Cafe.
5. Service & Staff
The property largely operates on a self check-in system, with easy communication via text message for key codes and other information. While the "Staff" rating on Booking.com is slightly lower than other categories at 8.4, this may be attributed to the intentionally limited interaction inherent in the self-service model. Guests generally find the communication clear and the process smooth, highlighting the "ease of self check in". Housekeeping is available on request.
6. Location & Accessibility
The Bungalows are nestled within the historic Joshua Tree Retreat Center, a serene and expansive campus known for its unique Lloyd Wright-designed buildings. This location provides a peaceful setting with stunning desert views and easy access to hiking trails and meditation areas right on the property. Joshua Tree National Park's west entrance is not far, making it convenient for park visitors. Palm Springs International Airport is approximately an hour's drive away.
7. Value & Pricing
With a "Value for money" rating of 8.7, guests generally consider The Bungalows to be worth the cost. While specific pricing can vary, stays are noted to start around $329. The comprehensive amenities, including full kitchens and private outdoor spaces, contribute to the perceived value, offering a more residential and luxurious experience than a typical hotel room.
8. Common Complaints
No recurring major complaints are consistently highlighted across the reviews. The primary area with a slightly lower score is "Staff" (8.4), which is likely a reflection of the property's self-check-in, minimal-contact service model rather than dissatisfaction with staff performance. Some guests might initially find the property a bit secluded or require clear directions for navigation within the larger retreat center.
Sources
Google Reviews
42 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Laura Powers
The bungalow was fine. The locarion is very good. Close to the park, restaurants, etc. The bungalow was comfortable and reasonably well appointed but they are much smaller and less private than the website implies. You are right on top of your neighbors and the outdoor seating areas all look at other bungalows. The unit contained one small table for eating, two dining chairs and one small armcha...
Response from the owner
Laura, thank you for your review of your stay with us. I am sorry to hear you felt our space was not spacious enough for our guests and they were all on top of each other. We do hope you give us anoth...
Kacie R
This is essentially an elevated Airbnb - no reception, totally remote, no employees there to assist. Visited in 2022 - google reviews had been deleted so reposting. Rooms were well decorated but could have been cleaner. We had issues with mice in our room - they were in the bedrooms and bathrooms. Had a very difficult time getting in contact with staff to get another room. Eventually we did, but w...
Steven M. Nowick
Beautiful, unique, modern small hotel, nestled within the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, with spectacular views of the surrounding desert through wide picture windows! The unit was spacious, immaculate and interesting, with comfortable furniture, a quiet split-ductless cooling system, room-darkening curtains, and a wide open living and dining area. The retreat grounds were fascinating, with archite...
Response from the owner
Steven, thank you for the kind review of your recent stay with us. It was such a pleasure to host you, and we look forward to hosting you again soon.
Janice Eshleman
Awful experience. Booked a room in the afternoon. Arrived just after 8pm. There was nobody on site to assist us. Called and spoke to a woman who had us send credit card picture, drivers license picture, various checks, several texts and phone calls. An hour later, still sitting in the parking lot in the cold she was unable to let us in a room or give us a refund. We went down the road and found a ...
TK Tisha Galvan
Such a lovely place. Would go again. The accommodations are beautiful and have so many gorgeous design details. I love how the kitchen provides all we could need plus some extras. The staff is amazing. Very knowledgeable and quick via text and in person at their managers office. I really appreciate the kindness, insight and walking my friend and I over to a couple areas to show us some beautiful p...
Response from the owner
Tisha, thank you for the kind review of your recent stay with us. It was such a pleasure to host you, and we look forward to hosting you again soon.
Karen H
We had a wonderful stay at the Bungalows by Homestead Modern. We have stayed at their properties before and they never disappoint. The Bungalows are located in the Joshua Tree Retreat Center and what a location it is! Our suite was well appointed, roomy, full of light and the bed was super comfy. We spent so much time wandering the property and gazing at the stars. The Retreat Center is conve...
Response from the owner
Karen, thank you for your kind review of your stay with us. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Marriott
