Best hotels in Death Valley National Park

Furnace Creek, California

Pretty much as good as you're going to get for being right in Death Valley National Park. A little expensive and a little outdated, but it is the best game in town if you've got the money. There is a pool and it is more protected from dust than others. If you want to stay somewhere as central as possible to the park, this is it.

Amargosa Opera House and Hotel

A place with history. Also a little creepy, well, make that quirky. The Amargosa Opera House and Hotel is nonetheless a place to stay in Death Valley, replete with the instant coffee and dubious sheets. Still, not that bad. Apparently it was originally made as accommodation for employees of the nearby Borax mine. Hrmmm.........

Hotel Stove Pipe Wells Village

Much cheaper than Furnace Creek, and generally garners positive reviews. They also allow camping for cheap, which may be the way to go if you can deal with the heat (i.e. you didn't come in the summer.)

It is quaint, well-located near the sand dunes, and just generally a good deal. Top of the list for the more budget-minded.

Stagecoach Hotel & Casino

The national Park Service recommends this place.....but it isn't in the National Park proper. No matter, I guess, and it has the added bonus of GAMBLING, being in lovely Nevada.

And it is the entrance" to Death Valley National Park.

That's about all one needs to say. Rooms are passable. Restaurant is actually quite pleasant (or maybe I was really hungry.) Either way, serviceable.

Panamint Springs Resort

Whereas Stagecoach is on the Nevada side of the park, Panamint is on the western side, in California. It has absolutely stunning views, and the food is supposed to be fantastic.

However, it is also supposed to be insanely expensive. Which is why I didn't stay here. Also, a little far away for my tastes. But if money isn't a problem, this would be the place to go.

Phoenix Inn

Now called the Atomic Inn, if you're looking to stay an hour out of the parks, on the Nevada side, this might be the place to do so. Definitely quirky, good rates, and a fine sense of humor. I can't wait for the upcoming "Atomic Inn cinema", which supposedly will screen exclusively campy 50's b-movies sci-fi and cold war hysteria.