Sands Motel

The outside view from our room was great, and I like that it's an old motor inn. Service was good and the room looked nice, but the TV was barely audible. Maybe they keep the volume down because the walls are thin. We ended up using our hotspot to watch a movie on a laptop instead. At $106 for one night, I thought it was overpriced. The ceiling and walls had blood that needs cleaning, and the small shower had mold. Better amenities, including good soap, would help. I'd stay again if it cost less.

We were on a tight budget and most nearby hotels were asking around $160. Even Super 8 quoted $180, which seemed like highway robbery. Sands Motel offered $60 by phone, and when we arrived the owner gave me a key to look at the room before we booked. We were satisfied. The room and its furnishings were older and cheaper, but that's what I'd expect from a budget motel just outside Joshua Tree NP. The shower had plenty of hot water, the bed was comfortable for both of us, and we slept well. We've seen some really bad budget places, and this one wasn't close to that. We'd definitely stay again. I highly recommend the Sands Motel.

The place looks quaint from outside, but inside it was awful. We paid $60 and I almost threw up when we took our bags in. The beds sagged, the sheets and blankets were stained, and there were no towels. The bathroom smelled like rotten feces. There were holes in the walls and finger streaks of who knows what on them, plus chairs so filthy with dark stains you couldn't tell their original color. I didn't want to sit on the beds or take off my shoes in case I got scabies or something. I checked for bedbugs and didn't find any. The owner is a nice man, I'll give him that, but the room wasn't fit for people to use. Please learn the hygiene needed to meet legal health standards if you want to stay in business. I asked for a refund so I could leave and got only half of my $60 back. We were there for all of 30 minutes while I used my laptop to find another hotel, so at least the wireless was great. There, I said something nice. I wish them luck, but please learn to clean properly.

I stayed for a week and found the motel and its grounds very clean, including the room and bathroom. The owner was helpful and understanding. The setting is beautiful and scenic. I highly recommend it.