The Inn at Death Valley is the grande dame of the park and the most atmospheric place to sleep inside it. Built in the 1920s by the borax company that once ran wagon teams across the valley, the inn sits on a hillside above Furnace Creek in Mission Revival style, with stone walls, tiled roofs and terraced gardens that hold date palms and flowering shrubs. The setting is the draw: from the terraces and many of the rooms, the view runs across the valley floor to the Panamint Range, glowing at sunset. A spring-fed pool is a natural cooling-off place after a day in the heat. This is a hotel for visitors who want character, quiet and a sense of place, and for couples, anniversaries and photographers who value the sunrise and sunset light from the terrace.
Location
The inn is at Furnace Creek, the park's central hub, which puts the main sights within easy reach. Zabriskie Point and Golden Canyon are a short drive east, Badwater Basin is about a half hour south, Artists Drive is on the way, and Dante's View and the dunes are within an hour. The Furnace Creek visitor center is close by. Having a base here saves the long drives that gateway towns require, and the sunrise and sunset viewpoints are right on your doorstep.
Rooms and dining
Rooms vary between older main-building styles and newer garden or terrace wings, and the views differ, so ask for a valley view when booking. The inn typically has a formal dining room and a more casual option, and the resort area nearby has other places to eat.
Prices tend to be well above those in the gateway towns, which reflects the location and the limited supply of rooms in the park. Like most hotels in the park, the inn can book out in the cooler months, so reserve early for spring, autumn and holidays.
Seasons
The inn is generally a cool-season hotel, open from autumn to spring and closed during the hottest months. Summer visitors should look instead at other park lodging or at gateway towns, and check what is open when they book. In the open season, evenings on the terrace with a drink and a sunset are a highlight, and the dark sky above the hotel is a bonus for stargazers.
Who it suits
Couples, history lovers, photographers and anyone who wants a sense of occasion. Families are welcome, but the sister property nearby, the Ranch, has more family-oriented facilities. Amenities are typical for this type of property and should be checked when you book.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic 1920s hillside setting
- ✓Spring-fed swimming pool
- ✓Terraced palm gardens
- ✓Valley and mountain views
- ✓On-site dining room
- ✓Close to Furnace Creek visitor center
- ✓Sunset terrace
- ✓Dark-sky stargazing from the grounds
Good questions
Is the Inn at Death Valley open all year?+
It is generally a cool-season hotel, closed in the hottest months. Check the dates when you book.
How close is it to the main sights?+
Zabriskie Point is a short drive, Badwater about a half hour, and the dunes and Dante's View within an hour.
Is it good for stargazing?+
Yes, the park is a dark sky park and the grounds are far from city lights.