Last Updated on September 29, 2024 by Katrina

The Inn at Death Valley

Sprawling across 3.4 million acres on the western California border, Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous U.S.. It is home to epic sights like the inspiring sunrises at Zabriskie Point, the dramatic Badwater Basin, and colorful desert wildflowers. Since the park is so huge, the best places to stay are hotels within the park’s boundaries. Alternatively, stay at the chains and independent hotels within an hour of the park (you’ll find the closest options on the Nevada side). Here are the best hotels near Death Valley.

The Inn at Death Valley (CA-190; 760-786-2345) Death Valley

This first hotel in Death Valley opened in 1929, and grew to become part of The Oasis at Death Valley, comprised of two hotels. The Inn is the more upscale option and Travel+ Leisure likes the “mission-style updated rooms and refreshed lobby, restaurant, and cocktail lounge. Don’t miss its Tranquility Spa—there’s nothing like an invigorating massage adjacent to the spring-fed pool.” To a certain extent, you are paying for the location, according to a Tripadvisor user, who says “the room was typical of a mid-priced chain, but the national park location meant it was not mid-priced.” >> Book this hotel for less

The Ranch at Death Valley (CA-190; 760-786-2345) Death Valley

Travel+Leisure calls this 275-room, midcentury-modern-style hotel within the Oasis resort is the “more casual” option. But it also has its own spring-fed swimming pool, a playground and easy access to both the national park’s Visitor’s Center and a golf course. One Google reviewer likes that it is “right in the middle of Death Valley, with attractions such as horseback riding and bike rentals.” A Tripadvisor user describes the rooms as “a little basic” but another likes the “greenery and open spaces. Loved sitting on our private balcony every morning to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the birds.” >> Book this hotel for less

Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel (51880 Highway 190; 760-786-7090) Death Valley

“What a wonderful, delightful surprise this little hotel was,” writes a Google reviewer of this 82-room, Old-West-themed motel within park boundaries. “The location is fantastic with great views of the mountains and dunes. The food in the restaurant was delicious and hats off to the chef for the great vegetarian options. The saloon was fun, warm and inviting.” A Trip Advisor notes that staying here puts you “near Mosaic Canyon, the Sand Dunes and 45 minutes from Badwater. You’re across the street from the General Store, plus the least expensive gas in Death Valley.” >> Book this hotel for less

Longstreet Hotel Casino & RV Resort (8750 NV-373; 775-372-1777) Amargosa Valley, NV

Located just over the Nevada state line, this resort offers a choice of 60 rooms and 51 RV hookups,. There’s also a pool, two restaurants, a bar and a casino. “It is about a 30- to 40-minute drive outside of Death Valley National Park, a reasonable tradeoff as the cost was a lot lower than staying within the park,” writes a Tripadvisor user. Other online users love the quirkiness. “The decor is somewhat dated but the beds are comfortable and dogs are welcome,” writes a Google reviewer. “The casino is small but filled with tons of cool stuff including a statue of Napoleon and an original Wurlitzer jukebox.” >> Book this hotel for less

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pahrump (861 S Nevada Highway 160; 877-697-0473) Pahrump, NV

Just over the state line into Nevada, Pahrump makes an affordable home base for Death Valley adventures. (The park is roughly an hour away.) “Pahrump and this Holiday Inn Express were the best choice for our trip,” writes a Google reviewer, “as we preferred having modern amenities, and lots of retail (Chipotle, Starbucks, Albertsons, etc. all within three-minute drive of hotel).” The hotel has a pool and a free breakfast, which a Tripadvisor user likes for its “quality items including bacon, omelets, oatmeal, whole fruit, and yogurt. Highly recommend!” >> Book this hotel for less

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