LODGING LOW DOWN

Scoot & I just returned from a very productive visit to Joshua Tree where we gathered copious amounts of info for your planning delight.

Luckily, there is an abundance of very cool places to stay within a fair range of pricing. Not to worry, this photo is not a part of any places listed! Here is the detailed low down:

The wedding site, Rim Rock Ranch, is 10 minutes off Highway 62 (a.k.a. 29 Palms Hwy), at about 4500' elevation and just past Pioneertown. The closest town after Pioneertown is Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, then 29 Palms (all off Hwy 62...super easy layout). In closest order to wedding site:

Pioneertown Lodge and Stables
http://www.pioneertownmotel.com
PROS: This is going to be your closest and 2nd most affordable option, unless you go for a big group housing deal somewhere. Most cabins have kitchenettes. Extra bonus: directly behind Pappy & Harriet's so you can safely stumble right home to bed. Owners Rachel & Bingo are very nice young rockers defected from LA. Oh and if you happen to bring your horse, you can lodge him for free.
CONS: Not exactly the lap of luxury but high marks on character!

Joshua Tree Inn
http://www.joshuatreeinn.com
Really basic but fun & charming, in its own run-down but Graham Parsons-took-his-last-breath-here cool-factor-goes-a-long-way-here kind of way.
PRO: Cheapest option with a shockingly big pool (pools are strangely hard to come by in the desert?). Super cool owner. Room 8 is haunted by Graham's ghost. Trust us, we speak from experience!
CON: A little busted but way Rock-n-Roll. We didn't block anything out so if you want it, book now.

Joshua Tree Highlands Houses
http://www.joshuatreehighlandshouse.com
PROS: Private Desert Vacation Rentals each on 5 acres with panoramic mountain views AND their own outdoor hot tubs. These are all GORGEOUS, all are visible to each other and within 20 walking or 3 driving minutes, complete with mod furnishings, adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park for easy park access, did we mention they are GORGEOUS? Oh and the owners are super. Lots of group options. Pet Friendly. We especially heart Villa Rocosa. Swank!
CONS: not many. About 20 minutes from the wedding site. Maybe a tad spendy but you get what you pay for here...style AND quality. They ask for full payment up front when you book but our family has been able to talk them down to 50% so make sure to request that if helpful to you. We couldn't block these out so get them while you can!

Rattler Ranch (Joshua Tree)
http://www.rattlerjoshuatree.com
PROS: Very cute with a little bit of an arty vibe. Owner Diane is great. The Casita sleeps up to 4 people and the Mustang up to 3, with a discount for booking both ($275). Resident Tortoise on site. Pet Friendly. Both held aside for the Neubacher-Caligure party.
CONS: another 5 minutes up highway 62, making it about 25 min from Rim Rock Ranch.

Spin & Margie's Desert Hideaway (Joshua Tree)
http://www.deserthideaway.com
PROS: To stay at Spin & Margie's is to love Spin & Margie's. Just ask us! These folks do it right and are as nice as could possibly be (kind of a running theme in the high desert it seems). 5 cute-as-heck cabins on a GREAT piece of property. We toured each cabin and they are ALL fab. Kitchens, personality, private & shared patios, communal grill, bocce ball court, desert found-object art, even a resident barn owl. This property would be PERFECT for a bunch of friends. We were able to block out all 5 cabins, yay! But Mindy asks that you book asap before attendees of the Roots Festival being held that same weekend start banging down their door. Saved under Neubacher-Caligure wedding.
CONS: about 27 minutes from the wedding site but conveniently right off Highway 62.

Green Acres Ranch (Joshua Tree)
http://www.thegreenacresranch.com
PROS: A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E. Walking distance from Spin & Margie's so a group booking would extend over here very well (discount for booking both). I fell in love with this place. It has so much warm vintage charm and every detail is thought of. Two very homey cabins on fantastic property. Sits on a large, totally private parcel and both cabins have awesome patios (the Road Runner cabin even has its own giant koi pond!). Can walk right onto Park grounds from property. Pet Friendly but only outdoors (cute dog houses with their own protected mini yards).
CONS: Heated by wood-burning stoves (this could be a PRO, too, depending on your taste for the rustic). Maybe a tad more $ than other places considering they are only double occupancies but wow, what a sweet treat to yourselves! Website does not do this place justice. Both are held under Neubacher-Caligure.

Desert Lily Bed & Breakfast (Joshua Tree)
http://www.thedesertlily.com
We ran out of time and didn't make it here but spoke with owner Carrie and she was very nice and very proud of her place.
PRO: Bed & Breakfast usually means cozy and yummy. $155 a night seems reasonable.
CON: No first hand accounts to go by.

Hope this is enough to wet your whistles!

P.S. BIG UP to Ms. Jamie Street for our lovely Save the Dates and for ALL of her amazing help. A great inspiration she is!