The Desert Lily

Loved it! Great location, peaceful, wonderful breakfasts, Carrie was a fantastic hostess. I was traveling solo and I met other interesting fellow travelers. Rooms are small, as other reviewers pointed out, but sooo nice. And, well, why do you need big rooms in such an amazing place like Joshua Tree? Aren’t you supposed to be outdoors? And the two communal rooms just outside the building offered me extra cozy space for yoga and reading.

Wir (Meine Frau, unsere Tochter und ich) waren Anfang Juni für 3 Übernachtungen in der Desert Lily. Wir nutzten nicht das Bed&Breakfast sondern hatten das Biltmore Bunkhouse als Selbstversorger gemietet.
Wir können die Desert Lily nur wärmstens empfehlen!
Das Bunkhouse bietet gut Platz für 3 Personen. Ein größeres Elternbett im hinteren Bereich und eine kleine Schlafcouch im Eingangsbereich. Für 3 Tage völlig okay.
Der Wohnbereich bietet ebenso ausreichend Platz um zusammen zu Essen oder zu spielen. Ebenso lässt die Ausstattung keine Wünsche offen: Alles was man braucht war vor Ort. Geschirr, Haushaltsgeräte, etc. Eine Klimaanlage, die den Innenraum auf eine angenehme Temperatur runterkühlt, ist auch vorhanden.
Der Außenbereich ist schön angerichtet und das Bunkhouse besitzt neben der Hängematte im Außenbereich noch eine 2. Ebene. Dort befinden sich nochmals 2 weitere Schlafplätze die man dazubuchen kann, sowie eine kleine «Dachterasse». Tagsüber war es uns dort zu heiß, aber abends war das definitiv der Platz der Wahl. Dort oben zu sitzen, den Sonnenuntergang und danach den Mond und die Sterne zu betrachten, war mit ein Highlight in unserem Urlaub.
Mit Carrie selbst haben wir nur gute Erfahrungen gemacht. Sie war freundlich und zuvorkommend — musste uns sogar einmal abends nach 22:00 mit einem Nachschlüssel aushelfen weil wir uns irgendwie ausgesperrt hatten… :) Und zur Begrüßung gab es sogar eine Flasche Wein. Wir hätten sicher mehr Kontakt knüpfen können — zu ihr und den anderen Gästen — aber es war abends eben viel zu verlockend auf unserer «Dachterrasse» zu sitzen… :)
Tagsüber lockt natürlich Yukka Valley und der Joshua Tree Nationalpark — welcher in unmittelbarer Nähe liegt. Generell ist die Lage der Desert Lily unschlagbar. Außerhalb der eigentlichen «Stadt», abseits der Haupstrasse, hat man das Gefühl das man wirklich irgendwo in der Wüste übernachtet. Da die Umgebung fast ländlich ist, kann man viele Roadrunner und Hasen aus nächster Nähe beobachten.
Einziger Manko: Gegen Abend (speziell nach Sonnenuntergang) kam extrem viel Wind auf. Ich weiß jetzt nicht ob es am Wetter oder an der Jahreszeit gelegen hat, aber wir hatten teilweise wirklich das Gefühl im Windkanal zu sitzen. Andererseits war das auch eine Erfahrung… :)
Fazit: Wer vor hat den Joshu Tree Park zu besuchen und auf der Suche nach einer Übernachtungsmöglichkeit ist, sollte definitiv checken ob in der Desert Lily noch was frei ist :))

We (Family of five with three kids) stayed in Rancho Rincon over spring break, we had a wonderful time. Carrie was great to work with and the property, location, size, amenities and setting were all perfect. The cowboy hot tubs were the highlight for our kids. It’s a special place and I highly recommend it.

During a quick Spring Break visit to the desert, we brought our kids to Joshua Tree. We stayed in the Casa Rosita of the Desert Lily. The price was comparable to two hotel rooms and it was a much, much better way to go for our family. Three kids shared the queen bed in the bedroom and we adults stayed on the hide-​a-​bed in the family room. At sunset we enjoyed the patio looking out on the desert. When the sun went down, we set up a game of monopoly on the dining table. After the game, we turned off all the lights to go look at the stars. My son and I did our star gazing from the hammock. The location gave us surprisingly quick access to the National Park, considering that it felt so remote and quiet, on an unpaved road. Within 5 minutes drive we were in the park and within about 20 minutes we were climbing on the rocks at Hidden Valley. Great place to stay, especially for a family vacation.

What a wonderful place. We really enjoyed our stay as the home was immaculate and very nicely decorated. Carrie is a wonderful host and has treats all over for the guests. The grounds were beautiful and the view spectacular. Carrie was so helpful and informative, as we had not been to Joshua Tree before. She had guidebooks to borrow, her own label of wine and even S’mores kits to use at the fire pit. There is a hammock outside for relaxing. Breakfast was wonderful and every bit of our stay was great! Thank you Carrie.

The Desert Lily B&B is a romantic little compound located just minutes outside the west gate of Joshua Tree National Park. There are several guest rooms in the main building and two self-​contained cottages nearby.
The owner Carrie lives on premises and is available to lend assistance, as needed. We stayed in one of the guest rooms in the main building. It was a small room, but very comfortable.
Carrie has done a wonderful job decorating the rooms and the common areas, using many examples of folk art and native plant species. We stayed at this property for two nights. Each morning we enjoyed a gourmet breakfast, thoughtfully prepared and served with a healthy dose of good cheer and pleasant conversation.
We are looking forward to our next trip to Joshua Tree NP and plan to return to Desert Lily when that time comes.

This place is great. Awesome breakfast every day, and a really nice property. Other friendly people, mostly hikers and outdoorsy-​types. The main area is open 24 hours a day and soft music is playing; no pressure to go to bed. There are no TVs in the individual rooms but I quite enjoyed that fact.
***IMPORTANT: If you are driving, bring a SUV or truck of some sort! It’s on a SUPER bumpy dirt road, not conducive to most city cars! Big dips.****

Amazing getaway! My wife and I were a bit reluctant to go to a bed & breakfast but Carrie was so hospitable and kind that she made our two day vacation a true delight. From the comfy bed to the refreshing shower our room felt like a home away from home. Not to mention the delicious breakfast! Carrie made a triple berry stuffed French toast with two slices of bacon. Fresh coffee and tea ready too! Definitely coming back.
To those complaining about the return policy: this isn’t a best western. This is a beautiful home offered to the public for a reasonable fee. So don’t treat it like a hotel franchise that can afford returns!

My boyfriend and I had a wonderful, relaxing vacation here this past weekend. The room was clean and the place is very cute — fire pit in the back, hammock under the stars, cute property way off the beaten path, the only sound the occasionally howling wind or crickets. The food was AMAZING. Carrie is an amazing cook — she killed it with the strawberry stuffed french toast. She respects your privacy and is really laid back and sweet.
I think the two negative reviews about Carrie seem a bit overdramatic. Carrie had two opportunities to be less than pleasant when we 1.) were told we should arrive between 4 – 6 and came in around 1am instead (we had a late work day and a long drive from LA, but we let her know ahead of time that we’d be checking in late so she simply left us our room key and a welcome letter). 2.) Boyfriend lost the room key and panicked that we wouldn’t be able to get in but when we texted Carrie she was totally cool about it and helped us get in promptly. The thing people don’t always understand is that a B & B is not a hotel, it is someone’s home, and therefore more respect and care is required by the host and tenant. You gotta clearly read the rules and the cancellation policy and as long as you are communicative and ask questions when you aren’t sure whats on and off limits everything will go smoothly. I found Carrie to be a lovely person with some serious world wisdom.
I should also mention she fresh baked cookies every day and they were soooo good.

Caroline, the inn keeper is a a very harsh person. We planned for months a trip to Joshua tree for a romantic weekend getaway. A reservation was made originally over the phone. We were corresponding over email several times. Because I am a physician in the middle of escrow on a house I had to make a couple changes to our original plan. The changes were made over email well within the 2 wk cancellation policy. Evidence of this was provided to Carrie when she claimed an email was never sent regarding a change to Sat/​Sun rather than Fri/​sat/​sun. She refused to acknowledge this even though there is concrete evidence of the email being sent. She said regardless of this «I am on the hook for friday». As I attempted to compromise this she cancelled our reservation completely. She ruined our weekend and being a very busy doctor this vacation is what I rely on to release stress. Our last conversation discussing this she rudely hung up on me.
I do not recommend this place and I wish that all people realize that this person has a strange evil side. Beware

Buyer beware of this Owner/​Innkeeper. She cancelled my reservation today after accepting it earlier in the day. I have her confirmation e-​mail. After selecting the Quail Haven cabin I was bounced 2 times to other cabins before she cut me loose. She agreed to waive the 2 night minimum for a Tuesday night. She called to cancel saying «the owner» did not accept the reservation. I am very upset that I have to suffer her change of mind and there is nothing I can do about it. Not cool.

A truly Amazing.Amazing.Amazing B&B…

The Desert Lily is great. It’s very near the entrance to the park but honestly i could have just hang out here and enjoyed the view. Carrie was out of town but her friend Tammy took care of us with awesome hospitality. Warm cookies when we arrived and an incredible breakfast in the morning. There is a stack of firewood to make a fire outside.

The Desert Lily absolutely delighted me and it was the most perfect start to our vacation! Even though Carrie touts her establishment as a B&B, and she does serve breakfast, it felt like a blend between a cozy Inn and your best friend’s house. B&Bs in my eyes sound boring and stuffy and tacky and this is not.
She has thought of everything and I greatly appreciate that! I’m an overpacker so I pretty much had it all covered, but she keeps items such as backpack, ice cooler, Navajo lap blanket, sunscreen, extra lotion, bug spray… you name it… it’s in the room for your use if you forgot to pack it.
The drive to DL was an adventure in of itself. Tucked into the middle of the desert and residential homes, the road is sand and dust and boulders. It was very fun (and still capable in my low BMW).
The main shared living area is complete with books and chilled wine and all of the comforts of home.
TIP: Carrie recommended Pappy & Harriets and we highly recommend this off-​the-​beaten bar/​restaurant for lunch or dinner. Oh my goodness we loved that place! Carrie will tell you how to get there. It’s not too far.

After a last minute decision to take a road trip to the Grand Canyon my wife and I «yelped» for a place to stay in Joshua Tree and came across the Desert Lily. All I can say is YES! Carrie is awesome and this place is so special! If you are near the area or just want a true desert experience this is the real deal! #do-​it-​now

This is not your typical B&B. Me and my husband were thrilled to find this gem. The rooms are spacious and cozy and then open up to the magical landscape of the desert mountains. The hostess, Carrie, keeps wine and beer and cookies stocked for the guests. We would drink red wine and star gaze each night. The large room is decorated beautifully in rich colors and folk art from Mexico. Carrie is a warm and gracious hostess and a divine cook! If you are going to Joshua Tree, this is place that you can’t miss. It was an amazing visit and we plan to go again.

Here are the bullet points:
— Rooms: Cozy and clean. There were also plenty of clean towels, robes, guide books, a backpack, slippers, and extra pillows. The rooms also have an air conditioner built in, which we didn’t use but it was nice to know it was there if we needed it.
— Hospitality: Carrie, the innkeeper, was very welcoming and friendly. She also cooked us a delicious breakfast the morning after we stayed.
— Amenities: Freshly baked cookies and port are included.
— Price: Very reasonable. Cheaper than other options in the area.
— In summary: Great place to stay at a reasonable price.

If you want a home away from home while you are exploring Joshua Tree, Carrie Yeager & The Desert Lily B&B are it. What a relaxing way to travel! It is basically just like visiting a good friend. The B&B has a great living room stocked with music, snacks, drinks, wine and a back yard for wandering.
It does not have a pool and because of B&B ordinances you can’t exactly prowl around the kitchen appliances and cook yourself a late night snack, but everything else is there. From loaner backpacks to water bottles as well as a wealth of knowledge about the local area and free wi-​fi there isn’t much else to ask for.
Breakfast is relaxing and timed nicely so you can either sleep in or head off for sunrise at the incredibly nearby Joshua Tree National Park and be back for a relaxing breakfast. But you’re always welcome to turn the coffee pot on early so I was fully equipped with a thermos of coffee when I went to brave the dawn but was still back in time for some innovative cuisine.
I’ll be back there again for sure.

I guess one could say I’m not your typical traveller, my best friend and I took a sisterhood weekend to celebrate our birthdays and get away from our busy lives. I was sort of disappointed when I realized there was no pool (i got it confused with another place) and the room was smallish. But that’s a mea culpa, I was cranky, tired, and hungry, and not very receptive to our gracious host Carrie.
But aside those 2 little things, The Desert Lilly lives up to it’s name. The room was gorgeous, comfy, and had air conditioning and thankfully no
keep us from Exploring the local area. Carrie rents out 3 private rooms and a few little houses, each room has a kiva chimenea out on the cute little porch and a nice table to sit and sip wine. She keeps each room stocked with comfy robes, personal care supplies, games and magazines.
The «big room» is an open area for guests where she keeps wine, home-​made cookies, dishware, games, and local info for guests. It’s a great comfy place to eat and lounge and share drinks with other guests.
Carrie is a warm, welcoming hostess preparing snacks and chatting with her guests as well as making reccomendations for a special trip. SHe has «meditation rooms» availible to lounge, read, burn incense, meditate and give her guests extra privacy. If you just want to spend time quietly on your own, let her know, don’t be ornery like I was.
Carrie’s a good cook and I really enjoyed her nouvelle California huevos rancheros. Coming from a Mexicana that’s pretty good. Her chocolate chip cookies, and port are a smash!
Bottom line, if you like meeting new laid back people, travelling like you’re in an International style pensione but with a warmer, colorful Joshua Tree feel, this is a place for you.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!

How lovely to hike around all day in the park, to return to a outdoor patio with a gorgeous view overlooking the hills, delicious private label wine (courtesy of the innkeeper, Carrie Yeager), and engaging conversation with the other 2 guests staying there and the innkeeper herself. If you seek more privacy — no worries… this will be respected. There are great guide books on loan and even a small backpack and sunscreen provided for our hikes in the park.
The house was spacious, inviting, clean, and quiet and there was no need to go anywhere else, other than the park. I was thankful for the lack of florally curtains and cutesy typical B&B paraphernalia. I looked at a lot of other places in or around Joshua Tree and this is the only one I would recommend. The first night my husband and I were there, we were so relaxed we never made it out for dinner, but alas, Carrie shared with us 2 tamales she bought and couldn’t finish. Washed down with some good wine, and later, some port. After that, we were lulled to bed by howling coyotes.
And I can’t compliment Carrie enough on her cooking… For breakfast on day one she made a healthy version on huervos rancheros (veggies, cheese, sausage, and all sorts of great things), alongside yogurt and fresh fruit, coffee, juice, and OJ. Day 2 was lemon ricotta pancakes with some delicious jam to top it off, with the yogurt and fruit as a first course.

This was our very first B&B experience and it was an absolute delight from the moment we arrived. The proprietor, Carrie, was charming, fun and hospitable, just like the place itself.
Our room was tastefully decorated and had all the extra conveniences we could think of – even a spare backpack to use while hiking.
The common areas were spacious and delightful — none of the over-​the-​top cutesy décor for which I’ve heard B&Bs are notorious. Carrie bakes fresh cookies every day, and provides complimentary white wine, tea and sherry. The breakfasts were delicious.
The other two couples staying there were great fun. Maybe we just lucked out, but I think this place has a vibe that attracts a certain kind of clientele.
I highly recommend The Desert Lily if you’re planning on exploring Joshua Tree.