Where To Stay In And Around Death Valley – Best Hotels (2026)

Planning a trip to Death Valley and wondering where to stay? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll explore the best hotels in and around Death Valley. This way, we can optimize the driving times required in and around the park to have a well-planned road trip.

I was actually surprised by how huge Death Valley is, and at the same time very bare. You could consider your overall road trip route when looking for a place to stay, or choose a hotel based on proximity to certain attractions you’re interested in.

I’ll also share some recommendations for nearby cities if you’re looking to stay outside the park on your way to your next destination.

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What are the best hotels in and around Death Valley?

• Best location to see popular attractions: Furnace Creek
• Best overall value in Death Valley: Stovepipe Wells
• Best for rustic experience in Death Valley: Panamint Springs
• Best between Death Valley and Yosemite or Sequoia: Ridgecrest
• Best between Death Valley and Las Vegas: Beatty
• Best between Death Valley and Lake Tahoe: Lone Pine

Is it even worth staying inside Death Valley National Park?

Yes! It’s best to stay inside the park for more convenient sunrise and sunset expeditions.

In fact, there are so many spots that are great for dawn and dusk, so staying inside the park gives you lots of flexibility. If you’re into stargazing, you’ll also love the fact that Death Valley is so secluded and has minimal light pollution. Why not head out after dinner to try some astrophotography too?

In addition, since there aren’t many gas options near the Death Valley entrances (or they’re really expensive), staying inside the park helps to save on gas.

Since the landscape is very desert-like, having a hotel inside the park can be nice for taking an afternoon break on warmer days.

Furnace Creek – Best location to see popular attractions

Furnace Creek is the heart of Death Valley, and serves as a gateway to many of the park’s most well-known attractions. If you’re short on time, staying in Furnace Creek could be a strategic move to save time on driving in and out each day. Nearby attractions include:

• Badwater Basin: Salt flat in North America’s lowest point
• Zabriskie Point: Viewpoint for sweeping vistas of the valley floor and surrounding mountains
• Golden Canyon: Hiking trail through the sculptured canyon
• Artistes Palette: Colorful hills due to the various iron compounds in the rocks

The Inn at Death Valley

Since 1927, The Inn at Death Valley was once an exclusive luxury resort that Old Hollywood stars loved to visit. After the recent renovation in 2019, this resort is now the highly sought after oasis with Casitas and refreshed rooms.

When I first saw this hotel, what blew me away was how much lush greenery there was. You’ll be welcomed by the date palms along the landscaped driveway. There’s a spring-fed pool to dip in during hot afternoons and cabanas to take shelter under. You can also hang out here to watch the sun set over the mountain range. Even as you return at night, you’ll be able to spot the warm lights illuminating the elegant resort.

The Inn At Death Valley is a stark contrast against the hard and dry landscape around it. If you’re staying in one of their classic Casitas, you’ll even have access to a golf cart to get around the resort. Talk about luxury!

The Ranch at Death Valley

The Ranch at Death Valley is one of the larger hotels in Death Valley with 275 rooms. It has a Spanish Colonial style architecture that is eye-catching even for something that’s been around since the 1950s.

The Ranch at Death Valley is just beside the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, so you can easily head down to gather information for your daily activities.

There are a few amenities here to enjoy, including a restaurant, ice cream and coffee bar, and general store. If you’re into the Old West vibe, you need to check out the Last Kind Words Saloon. With communal fire pits, sports courts, a pool, and a playground for kids, you’ll feel right at home.

There are several activities you can participate in here, including golfing at the Furnace Creek Golf Course. You could even take a tour of the surrounding foothills on horseback, which is guaranteed to turn a few heads. I saw a horse-riding group pass by us and heard the guide sharing about the wildlife and landscape from afar.

Stovepipe Wells – Best overall value

Stovepipe Wells is north of Furnace Creek, but is still well within the Death Valley National Park. It’s located along Highway 190, between Panamint Springs and Furnace Creek. There is a general store here that sells firewood and ice among other grocery items. You can also get gas here if you’re running low.

Some popular attractions near Stovepipe Wells are:

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Windswept dunes, perfect for sunrise and sunset photography
• Mosaic Canyon: Narrow passages formed by water erosion, with mosaic-like patterns in the rocks

If you want to explore further north, Stovepipe Wells is a convenient rest stop. For example, you can drive up to see:

• Ubehebe Crater: Hike up to a volcanic crater and admire its size
• The Racetrack: A mysterious dry lake bed that seems to have “sailing stones” that move and leave a track behind

The Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel

The Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel is a rustic yet comfortable hotel with cozy rooms and convenient amenities for travelers. The Toll Road Restaurant serves reasonably-priced food compared to other options in Furnace Creek. There’s also an outdoor pool that can be refreshing during warm afternoons.

This hotel is pretty much a no-frills experience, with hints of the Old West in The Badwater Saloon. Not much landscaping and modifications are done here, giving you the full Death Valley experience.

I recommend staying here if you want to head out too for a stargazing or sunrise expedition, since you won’t need to travel far for it.

Panamint Springs – Best for rustic experience

Further to the west, you’ll find the Panamint Springs area. The Panamint mountain range is a prominent feature in the scenery here. If you’re looking to explore some of the mountain hikes, or perhaps just to get away from the main crowds, Panamint Springs is a suitable choice. Some attractions here include:

• Darwin Falls: An unexpected oasis with a spring-fed waterfall
• Telescope Peak: The highest point in Death Valley National Park with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness
• Wildrose Charcoal Kilns: Beehive-like structures built in 1876 that still smell like smoke

Panamint Springs Resort

Panamint Springs Resort offers a quiet and rustic lodging experience in Death Valley’s western wilderness. It’s a slight detour for those heading towards Ridgecrest, but will be on the way if you’re going to Lone Pine.

There are many types of accommodations to choose from, such as a glamping safari tent, cabins, or regular rooms. Families can also consider a cottage which can fit 5 to 6 people. If you’re looking for a good view, check out the Miner’s Cabin which has its own special location.

You can dine at the restaurant and bar, and refuel at the gas station in town. There’s also a general store in case you need any additional supplies.

Ridgecrest – Best between Death Valley and Sequoia or Yosemite

Death Valley is about 6 and 8 hours from Sequoia and Yosemite respectively (assuming winter routes where Tioga Road is closed). Hence having a place to rest along the way is a good idea so you’ll have energy to enjoy your next destination.

• 2.5 hours from Death Valley
• Near Trona Pinnacles if you want to explore that
• Less likely to run into rush hour traffic compared to Bakersfield
• Small town vibes with all you need for a rest stop (gas, convenient stores, food)

Beatty – Best between Death Valley and Las Vegas

Although a Death Valley day trip is possible if you’re visiting from Las Vegas, sometimes you may want to stay till late and save the drive for the next day.

• 1 hour from Death Valley
• Near “ghost towns” that people like to visit
• More desirable and slightly nearer Death Valley compared to Pahrump
• Decent dining options

Lone Pine – Best between Death Valley and Lake Tahoe

The journey between Death Valley and Lake Tahoe is about 6 hours long. It’s a nice and scenic drive down Highway 395, famously known views of the Eastern Sierra.

• 2 hours from Death Valley
• Near Alabama Hills which is a famous site for movie filming
• Small town alternative to Bishop which is further north

Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Death Valley

Although there are limited options for places to stay in Death Valley, you can still get great deals if you plan your trip early. If you want to narrow down your hotel choices with more specific requirements, here are some tips that might help.

Which hotels in Death Valley are pet-friendly?

Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel and Panamint Springs Resort are pet-friendly.

Which hotels in Death Valley have a pool?

You can find pools at The Inn at Death Valley, The Ranch at Death Valley, and Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel.

Which hotels are best for stargazing?

Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel has the best location for guided stargazing tours in the nearby Mesquite Sand Dunes. Alternatively, Panamint Springs Resort is likely to have less traffic and light pollution from passing cars because of its more remote location.

The Inn at Death Valley vs The Ranch at Death Valley

The Inn at Death Valley is more expensive, given it’s the more luxurious 5-star option and feels more private. On the other hand, The Ranch at Death Valley is a 4-star resort that appeals to families and groups who are looking for a more affordable option within the park.

The Ranch has more activities (like horse riding), and tends to have more food options including the saloon. The Inn is located on a sloping hill with amazing views facing west, while The Ranch is on mostly on flat ground.

Both The Inn and The Ranch have pools and sports courts.

Which cities are closest to Death Valley?

• Ridgecrest (South)
• Lone pine (West)
• Beatty (Northeast)