The Inn at Death Valley

4 night stay for photo workshop. Location is great! Yes it is cheaper to stay outside the park, but nothing beats the convenience of coming back to the hotel for lunch and napping before heading out again. The room is clean, I think they remodeled. keurig coffee maker and fridge. Lots of towels. Bed is comfy. I wish they had a microwave as I bring all my food. So I can’t tell you about the restaurants.

The newly remodeled Ranch at Furnace Creek is really nice. The new design keeps with the Old West history of Death Valley. The motel units have not been remodeled and are a bit tired. They are clean and close to all of the amenities. The food and beverage service needs a redue. Restaurant choices are limited to a buffet and an eating facility located within the old west bar. Food choices are limited and way over priced even taking into account the location of the Ranch. A pint of beer is $9.00, due the strong economy the resort is having a hard time hiring staff. Close to the Park Visitor center. Great pool, horseback riding, game courts, and jeep rental. Even with the high prices probably should be on your bucket list.

The place has just finished remodeling so all public areas are brand new. With three restaurants, a huge gift shop/food store, and a gas station (the most expensive in Death Valley), it's a self contained full service resort. Nice outdoor swimming pool - large enough for laps swimming (although no lanes), two tennis courts which we didn't know about, or would have brought rackets, and a golf course. Historic photos of movie stars and posters adorning the walls of the corridors, very interesting to look at. The rooms are not yet renovated although ours seems to be in good enough condition. We had #642 with two queens in one of the two story buildings towards the back. Quite spacious, low ceiling with ceiling fan, tastefully furnished in classic style, including a little round table and 2 chairs, comfy bed and good quality cotton quilt bedding. Pleasant decor with iconic photos of Death Valley scenery on the walls. Mid size fridge, closet with full length mirrors, sink outside bathroom (no drinking water provided in room but there is a water fountain near the registration hall). Best feature about the 2nd floor room is the balcony - we had a view of mountains through the trees - a good place to sit and relax after a busy day touring. Room's very quiet even though right next to the outside staircase. Aircon - an under the window unit - works well and doesn't make too much noise, the fridge hums a bit but can be turned off if you don't need it. Only things that could use some improvement are the pillows, bouncy and uncomfortable, shower hot but with thin stream of water. There is free WiFi in room which is more than expected, a bit slow at times but pretty good considering the remote location. Service is good, housekeeping cleans the rooms early. If visiting Death Valley for a few days, this is a great place to stay (much more affordable than the more posh inn on the other side of the road), as so many sights in this area are within a short drive and it's a luxury to be able to return mid day to eat or rest before going back out for the sunset.