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Reviews of Turtle Back Mesa Bed & Breakfast

3 out of 5
Turtle Back Mesa Bed & Breakfast
28700 Hot Well Road, Desert Hot Springs, CA

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 59 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 59 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 59 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 59 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 59 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very nice and the room was clean and very comfortable. The property was beautiful
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Ernest on 6 May 2024
Desert Greetings Debbie,Thank you for your nice review.. Enjoyed having you share the wonderful experice at Turtle Back Mesa.. Looking forward to your return visit..

10/10 Excellent

Jack

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ernest is a great host.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Ernest on 11 Mar 2024
Hi Jack,Glad you and your daughter enjoyed the BN Goldielox and I I enjoyed your stay..If you connect with Kay let me know.Thank for your review.. Erenest

2/10 Terrible

Julie

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

April

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quiet place to relax out in the desert
This is a cozy quiet place to stay out in the desert. The on-site host was very sweet and attentive. The property was very clean and the room we stayed in was nice and roomy. My only suggestion would be to put up a shower curtain in the shower for privacy, a larger trash can for trash and a small fridge in the room for guest to store drinks, etc. Also the larger spa was empty and not ready to use as pictured on the listing. It would expect that all amenities would be available to use if they are listed when booking. We did enjoy our stay and plan to go back. Thank you
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rose

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ernest is a great host. He made sure that we were comfortable in our short stay. The property was peaceful and does feel like home. We would stay here again if we are in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Ernest on 2 May 2023
Hi Rose Thank you for your kind review. Hope you enjoyed your first time at Stagecoach and maybe next year you can stay longer..

10/10 Excellent

Nino

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Ernest on 20 Apr 2023
Hi Nino,Glad you got to experience Turtle Back Mesa and enjoyed Coachella Fest.Ernest

10/10 Excellent

Vera

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Response from Ernest on 16 Feb 2023
Desert Greetings Vera & Olga,Hope you both enjoyed the rest of of your Desert Journey that that you had NO more problems with your JEEP car rental. Looking forward to your return trip.

10/10 Excellent

Denise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Martha

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved this place. Ernest was a wonderful host, made us a delicious breakfast, the day of our departure and urged us to use the wonderful mineral springs hot tub. One thing I would suggest is that Expedia change the location of this spot to Indio rather than Desert Hot Springs. It is a good 20 miles from Desert Hot Springs. Had our host not let us know ahead of time we would’ve gone directly there with no dinner and nowhere nearby too get dinner or groceries.
Response from Ernest on 6 Nov 2022
Hi Martha and David,I enjoyed having you Share the Wonderful Energy of TBM. Glad you made it home after that 9 hour drive,I have asked Expedia to change our location to Indio Hils BUT they wont do it. Fondly, Ernest

8/10 Good

Jermaine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Peaceful and relaxing
This is a great place for couples to relax. The environment is peaceful and comfortable. Ernest is a warm and friendly host. He is hospitable, but non-intrusive. I’m glad that I returned to visit Turtleback Mesa. Despite the hot tube not working, it was still a nice stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from Remember to ask friends about their Trust. Ernest on 31 Oct 2022
DESERT GREETINGS JERMAINE AND VALERIE,IT WAS GREAT TO SEE BOTH OF AGAIN AND SORRY THE HOT WATER WELL WAS DOWN.. NEW SPECIAL PUMP AND PIPES WILL BE HERE LATER THIS WEEK.

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Response from Ernest on 1 Nov 2022
Desert Greetngs John and Micherlle,Thank you for your Nice Review. Hope you enjoyed all the casinos.This week the New pump ( from Germany) and motor will be arriving so we will have our Natural Hot Mineral Water ready to fill the spas. Enjoy the upcoming Holidays.. Ernest

10/10 Excellent

Mercedes

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from Ernest on 3 Oct 2022
Thank you Mercedes..Enjoyed having you and George visit us and I wish the NEWLYWEDSa long and hasppy Mariage..

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel was such a charming place to visit. It was a pleasant change of pace from the sterile chain hotels I've stayed at in the past. There are only three rooms so it's pretty quiet and cozy. The hot water bath is probably the nicest I've used in the states. This location is situated out in the country away from bigger cities/towns so definitely bring what you need since its a bit of a drive to get any last minute items from the store.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

8/10 Good

Amber G.

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An eclectic mix of artistry and natural hot springs makes this place a unique B&B... relaxing and rejuvenating. The shared shower is designed thoughtfully, creating a space that is both private and natural. Comfortable bed, warm shower, and a delicious breakfast. A communal style setup encourages new experiences and a nice setting for meeting other travelers for good conversation. The host was kind and welcoming, thank you Ernest!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022
Response from Ernest on 24 Feb 2022
Desert Greetings Amber and Rob.. Thank you for your very nice review.. I enjoyed having you share the Healing Powers of Turtle Back Mesa.. And our other guests enjoyed you both as well.. Hope to see you again on your next visit to the Desert.. Stay Safe and Healthy... Ernest

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a wonderful place to stay and relax. Ernest is a great host and wonderful person and goes above and beyond to make sure you are happy with everything. He even made us breakfast! The rooms are spacious and the hot spring pools are excellent. Highly recommend Turtleback Mesa!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022
Response from ERNEST on 21 Feb 2022
Desert Greetings Nancy.. Thank you for your very nice review.. Glad you got to experience the Healing powers of our Special B&B and The Mineral Water Spas.. May 2022 be a SAFE AND HEALTHY year for you ..Ernest

10/10 Excellent

Jeffery T

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The owner/host (Ernest) was wonderful And very attentive. We’re recommending it to our friends!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Response from Ernest on 10 Feb 2022
Desert Greetings Jeffery and Julipa, Glad you enjoyed your stay with us and experience the Hot Mineral Spa, Special hike to the Oasis , the Preserve and Moorten's Botanical Garden. Look forward to your next visit with your friends.. Best regards, Ernest and Goldielox

10/10 Excellent

Dan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You cannot stay at a quieter place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Response from Ernest on 25 Jan 2022
Good Morning Dan, Glad you and Lincoln enjoyed your stay at our Peaceful bed and breakfast. Look forward to seeing you at Lincoln's next tournament.. Ernest

10/10 Excellent

Elaine

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ernest is a super friendly host, can’t ask for more.very quiet area with private hot spring jacuzzi. He waited for me and my daughter to come back at night time to made sure we are safely back to the hotel, and hot jacuzzi was ready for us when we returned. Very flexible hours, excellent home made bread. Definitely will recommend to anyone
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021
Response from Ernest on 19 Jan 2022
Desert Greetings Dan, I enjoyed having you and Lincoln stay with us and VERY EXCITED that His Team WON Their Division. Hope you enjoyed hiking in the Indian Canyons..Stay SAFE... Ernest

10/10 Excellent

saranathan

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fairly remote so very quiet. The hot tub was excellent. The main house has a kitchen for cooking supper. The creosote room was great, very spacious and tastefully decorated. The shower was a bit weird (no curtains, water was lukewarm) but not a big deal.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021
Response from Ernest on 27 Dec 2021
Holiday Greetings Saranathan, Glad to know you enjoyed youse;lf and experienced the Energy of Turtle Back Mesa. Since the Creosote guest room was built for handicapped guests there is NO CURTAIN on the shower so wheelchgairs can roll in with no problem. Happy New Year, Ernest

2/10 Terrible

naoaki

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I made 2 rooms. My one reservation was canceled by Expedia when I arrived hotel. So I requested to cancel another room but owner said MUST pay $27 to cancel. Why I have to pay his commission from my pocket even I didn’t stay there. And there were a lot of daphnia pulex in the pool. I will not recommend anyone this Turtle Hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Response from ernest on 9 Dec 2021
We had two RESERVATIONS from this guest using DIFFERENT NAMES.. When one of the NAMES did NOT RESPOND W#e contacted EXPEDIA that WE COULD NOT GET a RESPONSE AND RXPEDIA suggested to cancel THE reservation and JUST KEEP the one that HAD responded. THEIR NOT RESPONDING WAS THEIR PROBLEM NOIT OURS.. Thank you

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay out in God's country!
Ernest is the coolest old dude around & our stay out in the boonies was most excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Response from Ernest on 3 Dec 2021
Holiday Greetings Scott, Enjoyed having you stay at TBM.. the ADVANTAGE of living in the BOONIES is to have land that had your HOT NATURAL MINERAL WATER in the spas.. Looking forward to your next visit. Stay SAFE/// Ernest

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Au Naturel Soaking Desert Haven
Ernest welcomes you at the door and shows you the grounds and your room. It is very quiet here and calming. The bed is comfortable and the AC works well. Breakfast was a fresh fruit salad and wonderful omelettes. We will visit again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021
Response from Ernest on 28 Sept 2021
Hi David.. After I received your nice review on Sunday I CALLED AND THANK YOU.. Just got your voice mail.. See you on your next visit to the Desert.

6/10 Okay

Patrick

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jose Y

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a fantastic stay on Turtle Back Mesa.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Response from Ernest on 29 Apr 2021
Desert Greetings Jose and Elizabeth, Enjoyed having you stay and EXPERENCE Turtle Back Mesa.. Hope to see you on your next trip to the desert... Ernest

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The owner Ernest is a very nice man. He is attentive to all the needs of the guests.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Response from Ernest on 29 Apr 2021
Desert Greetings.. Glad you enjoyed your stay at Turtle Back Mesa.. Hope to see you on your next trip to the Desert..

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The personal service by the host and the mineral water hot tub were exceptional. The decor and atmosphere of all the rooms was very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Response from Ernest on 17 Apr 2021
Good Morning, Thank you for your kind review. Glad you enjoyed your stay. Come back soon

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Healing hot springs and a great peaceful environment, great breskfast!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Response from Ernest on 17 Apr 2021
The Hot Mineral Water is a GIFT from our 425 Ft. well and is WENT to share ..

10/10 Excellent

Dennis, Houston

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were greeted like a family here, Ernest (the owner) showed us the place and shared a bit of history about the house and the mineral spring. We were the only guests in the house for that night, Ernest called us in advance to check if we wanted to have mineral bath and what temperature we prefer, which was extremely nice of him. The room was immaculate, very cozy, with nice hand made furniture and a lot of little details that added up to the comfort of the place. We totally loved it. We booked because of the mineral hot spring, and the bath was amazing - clean, warm, located outdoor with very little light pollution - so we could watch the stars and the moon while soaking in the mineral water. What a special experience!!! In the morning Ernest cooked us a filling breakfast, so we had a great start of the day. We went hiking in Joshua tree National Park, which is located 30 minutes away from the property. Next time we are in the area, we will definitely stay at Ernest’s place again, what a great experience!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic Bed and Breakfast. The hospitality was wonderful. The hot tubs were beautiful. Magical place.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

6/10 Okay

Mark

Disliked: Room comfort
Nice experience but not what is normally expected.
The host is a nice gentleman who wants to make the stay pleasant. The difficulty is that it is like staying in your parent's home: the atmosphere is congenial but a little too close for most people relating to strangers. The hot pool is a nice treat.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Me and my wife found that their rooms were quite spacious and clean. It had a rather unique shared bathroom that made it seem like each room had it own. The facility was clean and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Turtle Back Mesa
The owners have a beautiful home on a beautiful site. They were very attentive, and breakfast was yummy.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Antony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hot tub under the stars!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Thank You Ernie and Marilyn Great breakfast and great conversation, made us feel like family.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful experience. Be sure to use the hot tub at night under the stars.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Hideaway
Amazing place, beautiful views, incredible staff/owners!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Response from Ernest anf Marlyn on 3 Jan 2019
THANK YOU ROBERT..Hope you enjoyed time with your family. See you in December/ Ernedst

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Soak Your Troubles Away!
Amazing mineral pool! Charming area!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Anastasia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely house with lovely hosts
My husband and I had a very pleasant stay here during Coachella week. The hosts were extremely friendly and welcoming and provided us with everything we needed. The location was 10 minute drive from Indio itself. Would definitely recommend staying here

10/10 Excellent

Caroline, Pasadena, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everyone made me feel at home,but on vacation. The food was great, my room was clean and everyone there was absolutely fantastic. I look forwards to going back!!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2017
Response from Ernest on 25 Jan 2018
Thank You Canto and Maria for your kind words. We enjoyed having you and hope on your next visit you will make time to soak in our Natural Hot Mineral Water spas.. Best regards, Ernest & Marlyn

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
The outdoor hot tub is really nice and relaxing. Very quiet and nice house.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Sridhar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We truly enjoyed our brief stay!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Denise, Santa Clarita, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely small place with natural hot springs spa.
Charming proprietor and a charming hacienda type home. We were not there long enough to appreciate fully. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Freedom in the desert
Just wonderful time with spectacular view and amazing staff. Don't forget the surprising bathroom. Thank you for that mind-blowing experience. Philipp.

10/10 Excellent

Matthew, Jackson, MS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Welcoming & relaxing!
The host we're absolutely wonderful, warm and welcoming. The place was very relaxing and helped unplug for a bit. Would stay again!

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxing visit in the desert
My husband and I stayed one night at Turtle Back Mesa after watching the Indian Wells tennis matches. We loved taking a bath in the hot spring tub at night, and slept wonderfully. Breakfast was delicious and filling. We'd gladly return!

10/10 Excellent

phil, northern CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hosts Ernie and Marlyn were great. Breakfasts were excellent. The large naturally heated spa was fantastic and Ernie has it filled to the exact temp you want, a great place to sky watch

8/10 Good

Jenna, Los Angeles, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxing solitude in the middle of the desert
Turtle Back Mesa was an incredible place to stay. The owners are very friendly and courteous. They also make great breakfasts. The hot spring water was amazing. Even though we were busy during the day, Ernie had the hot tub ready for us upon our return each night, and we soaked in the relaxation. Great weekend destination for some peace and quiet. The star watching is phenomenal.
The hot tub
The pool