Starry Skies & Retro Vibes: Hacidena Del Sol – Your Unique Borrego Springs Getaway

I am always a sucker for a cute roadside motel, especially if it’s in the desert and has upgraded interiors. Hacienda Del Sol in Borrego Springs, California has all of that and more. 

My bestie and I just came back from a wonderful weekend exploring Anza Borrego Desert State Park and we both cherish unique hotels. When I saw Hacienda Del Sol, I immediately booked us a casita cabin for our desert getaway. 

This Borrego Springs hotel is right downtown and easy to find with its iconic retro sun hotel sign that stands out against the Santa Rosa Mountains. We even lucked out and got to see an actual rainbow right from below this motel sign during our visit!

Hollywood History

Hacienda del Sol in Borrego Springs boasts a Hollywood history (like many of these hidden desert towns to!) Built-in the late 1940s by architect Richard Zerbe, this iconic motor lodge has served as a haven for travelers seeking a unique desert escape on the tail end of the Salton Sea resort town era.

Many Hollywood stars including Marlon Brando frequented the lodge during the golden age of cinema, adding to its mystique. Today, the thoughtfully renovated property offers modern comforts while preserving its vintage charm, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for guests in the desert. 

Spacious, Creative Rooms

Hacienda del Sol offers a variety of rooms to suit your travel style, with a third style undergoing renovation and will be available at the end of 2024.

Choose from classic motel rooms or unwind in a spacious casita. The motel rooms are smaller, but still pack that desert charm with a Bluetooth speaker for playing tunes, retro-inspired artwork and large beds (either Queens or Kings).

Each casita boasts a king bed, a full kitchenette with a retro fridge for whipping up meals, and a private bathroom. When we walked in I was blown away by how large this casita was which is always nice when you are traveling with a friend and want some space to yourself. 

The casitas also have a private front porch with chairs so you can enjoy the afternoon sun right from your deck, or sip morning coffee outside while gazing at the epic views of the Santa Rosa mountains. I even saw another rainbow from the porch of our casita and It truly have never seen so many rainbows in one place in the United States outside of Maui. 

While Justina and I don’t have dogs, all the rooms are dog-friendly and we even got to pet a very good boy in the lobby. So, if you are looking for a dog-friendly hotel in Borrego Springs, this is it!! 

Beyond Your Motel Room

Step outside and soak up the desert sun by the refreshing pool (perfect for those summer days). You can bring your own floaties and drinks to set up shop all day under the sun. 

Mingle with fellow travelers under the starlit sky at the communal fire pit, complete with chairs, string lights, and a hygge atmosphere. Feeling competitive? Challenge your travel buddies to a fun game using the provided lawn games which are free for any guests to use. Guest reviews rave about these! 

The lobby even boasts a collection of old-school arcade games, adding a touch of retro mid-century modern fun. But note, this is only available when there is a front desk person onsite. 

Additional Hotel Amenities To Enhance Your Stay:

• Dog-friendly (bring your furry friend along!)
• King beds and Queen size beds for a comfortable sleep
• Small retro fridges and coffee makers in all rooms
• Coffee is available in the lobby each morning
• Bluetooth speakers for playing your favorite tunes
• Free parking on-site
• Casitas have full kitchenette (fridge, stove, sink, etc)
• Retro mid-century modern decor throughout all rooms
• Casitas have a large front porch with chairs
• Communal fire pit and lawn games
• 40′ pool open in the summer
• A/C for the hot summer days
• Coming Fall 2024: The Rancho Room, a larger casita with a cozy wood-burning fireplace!

While the Wi-Fi can sometimes be temperamental, cell service provides a reliable backup if you have Verizon. Honestly, the lack of TV in the rooms might have been a blessing in disguise, encouraging a well-deserved digital detox in the serene desert landscape. (Though, Justina and I do love our bedtime TV time). 

Nearby Top Borrego Springs Things To Do

What thing we really loved about Hacienda Del Sol was how central it was. Hacienda del Sol’s prime location makes exploring Borrego Springs a breeze. A short walk to Christmas Circle and the Mall for shopping at artisan stores like Fredericks Ancient & Ethnic Art. It’s across the street from The Center Market, the only grocery store in town for restocking tasty hiking snacks, and nearby other top other local restaurants which meant we didn’t have to drive to eat. 

This was especially wonderful for dinner when we walked next door to Pablitos and ended up having a few too many mango margaritas with our burritos! 

All of Borrego Springs is pretty easy to drive around and explore, which is something we appreciated as this was our first time visiting the area. We came to view the famous colorful Anza Borrego wildflower blooms, which were a quick 10 minute drive from the hotel at Henderson Canyon Road.

Later during our weekend trip, we explored the famous Slot Canyons, Anza Badlands and of course the iconic larger-than-life metal sculptures in Galleta Meadows, all of which were central to the hotel. 

No matter your interests, Borrego Valley offers something for everyone, and Hacienda del Sol provides the perfect central location for exploring it all on your desert getaway. Plus, it’s all just 2 hours from San Diego. 

Hacienda Del Sol was everything we wanted from a desert motel experience. From vibrant shops and delicious restaurants within walking distance to the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park just a short drive away, Hacienda Del Sol Borrego Springs resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

Ready to experience the magic of the desert? Book your stay at Hacienda Del Sol today!