For some people, the idea of visiting the hottest place on Earth doesn’t sound ideal. When you picture such a place, you might imagine a dry desert with nothing but sand. But that’s not the reality!
Over in Death Valley National Park, which also takes the prize of the largest national park in the contiguous US and can be found in both California and Nevada, you’ll find sights you can’t see anywhere else. From rolling hills naturally painted in a beautiful array of colors to scenic waterfalls, there’s beauty all around you. Death Valley may be a scary name, but the park is hardly devoid of life.
Planning a trip to the hottest place on Earth and looking for where to stay? We compiled a list of the top hotels near Death Valley as well as a few options within Death Valley National Park to help you plan. Stick to this list, and you’ll have an amazing time on your scenic getaway.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
Where to Stay Near Death Valley National Park
First things first – we can’t talk about Death Valley without talking about the heat. If you’re planning a trip to Death Valley, stick to between mid-fall and mid-spring. In some cases, accommodations and attractions may not even be open in the summer due to the excessive heat.
If you go any later in spring or summer, be sure to bring plenty of water or avoid hiking when the heat is at its most intense. I’ve previously traveled to Death Valley in early May, which was great for avoiding the crowds that come earlier in spring, but we made sure to hike before the sun really rose. By 9 am, it was already over 90 degrees!
If you’d like to go camping, Death Valley has nine National Park Service campgrounds. Six are open year-round, but three close in the summer months. The campgrounds typically fill up fast, so make sure you have a reservation.
There are few accommodations within Death Valley aside from camping, so expect that you may have to drive a ways before you reach the national park. You also may want to stay outside of Death Valley if you want to escape the heat at the end of the day.
That said, you’ll need a car regardless of where you stay. The park covers over 3 million acres. While some areas are only accessible on foot, others are better off being driven through, like Artists Drive.
The Top 12 Hotels Near Death Valley National Park
1. The Inn at Death Valley
The Inn at Death Valley is one of the few hotels actually located inside Death Valley National Park, making it one of the best Death Valley hotels if you want to wake up in the morning and start your day immediately in the park. This historic inn is part of the Oasis at Death Valley. Dating back to 1927, the inn is a resort that provides luxury accommodations that will keep you cool even when faced with Death Valley’s notorious heat.
The rooms feature a timeless style that’s a unique mix of rustic design and Old Hollywood class. Wake up to stunning views of the desert or the Panamint Mountains. Amenities include air-conditioning, TVs with cable and premium movie channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, terry robes, fridges, and complimentary bath products.
For more privacy, you can book a Casita. In addition to a living room with a sleeper sofa, staying in a Casita also gets you access to a golf cart to help you get around the property with ease.
Work up a sweat on one of two tennis courts, hike through the scenic grounds featuring natural springs, or work out in the exercise room. Then, cool off in the tiled, spring-fed swimming pool. For even more relaxation, you can book a massage or another spa treatment.
Looking for a bite to eat? Grab a snack at the Pool Café or dine in style for either breakfast or dinner at the Inn Dining Room.
2. The Ranch at Death Valley
Also a part of the Oasis at Death Valley, The Ranch at Death Valley is another one of the best places to stay near Death Valley National Park if you’re looking for plenty to do and a soothing place to rest your head after your day of adventuring around the park. Built in 1933, what was once a working ranch is now a luxury retreat that will make you feel like you traveled back in time or stepped into a classic Western movie.
Standard rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and either patios or balconies. The hotel also offers one-bedroom Cottages for more comfort and privacy, which come with an additional living space.
This hotel is more than a hotel. It’s basically its own little town. Step inside the town square and find an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, a coffee bar, a general store, a restaurant, and a saloon.
Hop on a horseback ride or go for a romantic ride in a carriage. After that, rent a Jeep to explore the park or play a round of golf. And if you’re looking for even more activities, take a dip in the spring-fed pool, or take your little ones to play on the children’s playground. Adults can also play a round on the tennis, basketball, or volleyball courts.
3. Panamint Springs Motel & Tents
Located along the western edge of the national park, the Panamint Springs Motel & Tents is one of the top hotels near Death Valley, thanks to its convenient location and variety of accommodations and amenities.
Need to fuel up your car for your drive around the famous Artists Palette? There’s a gas station on-site. Need some groceries or forgot some hiking essentials? Head to the general store.
You have your choice of so many accommodation options at this location. From motel rooms to tent sites to cabins to cottages, you can camp or glamp, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Amenities vary by which style of room you choose, but some rooms offer views of the stunning sand dunes or the Panamint Mountains.
Breakfast is available Monday through Thursday, or you can stop by the on-site restaurant to grab some traditional American comfort food and a cold beer throughout the week.
4. Exchange Club Motel
Found just a 15-minute drive to the entrance of Death Valley, the Exchange Club Motel is one of the most convenient places to stay near Death Valley National Park if you’re looking for accommodations with cozy amenities. And the hotel only promises to get better as they are hard at work on a Steampunk-themed casino, coffee shop, and speakeasy!
But in the meantime, as we await these additions to open, there’s still plenty to enjoy at this motel, starting with its in-room amenities. The hotel’s comfortable guest rooms offer flat-screen TVs, fridges, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The motel is also adding a King Suite, which comes with additional amenities like a jetted tub.
5. Amargosa Opera House & Hotel
Amargosa Opera House & Hotel is one of the most unique hotels near Death Valley if you want to be close to the park without breaking the bank or going camping. It’s also a good fit if you like a little kitsch. This budget-friendly inn is just a 15-minute drive to Death Valley National Park.
This opera house and hotel have a rich backstory. In fact, they’re even on the National Register of Historic Places! Built between 1923 and 1925, the hotel’s rooms were originally meant to house visiting investors of the Pacific Coast Borax Company. But in 1928, they got a facelift and opened to the public. And don’t worry, all rooms are air-conditioned!
Guests can get a good night’s rest in their hotel room and can stop by the dining room at any time for a quick coffee or tea. Dining room amenities for guests include a fridge, freezer, ice maker, toaster, microwave, toaster oven, filtered coffee, hot water, and tea.
In addition to the hotel, this complex houses a historic opera house, which is available for tours, and a retro-style cafe, which comes in handy because there aren’t many restaurants in the area, as the town of Death Valley Junction is a bit of a ghost town! But if you love exploring historic places (and don’t mind a few resident ghosts), staying here is a perfect fit.
6. Tarantula Ranch Campground & Vineyard
Don’t let the name scare you. The Tarantula Ranch Campground & Vineyard is one of the most unique hotels near Death Valley National Park if you’re looking for a luxury glamping experience. If you’re more of a glamper than a camper, you’ll find that this campground fits your needs perfectly. And the best part is that you’re just 20 minutes from Death Valley.
When you stay here, you can stay in one of the campground’s private units situated around their small family-owned vineyard. Inside each unit, you’ll find a fully-equipped kitchen with a dining area, a fridge, an electric teapot, and a microwave. Some units also come with air-conditioning, a terrace or patio, and a seating area.
Staying here is also a great option if you’d like to connect with some of your fellow travelers. Meet your fellow glampers in the Wine Hall. Other community amenities include an outdoor kitchen and an outdoor shower. The vineyard has also recently introduced a new experience for glampers – a workshop on winemaking, which is available on select dates.
7. El Portal Motel
Looking for an unfussy but super convenient place to rest up after a day of adventuring around Death Valley? El Portal Motel is a small, family-owned hotel that’s under a 20-minute drive to the park. Though it’s an unassuming place to stay near Death Valley, the family behind the motel takes great pride in creating a cozy, pleasant experience for all guests.
Rooms feature either one, two, or three queen-size beds, making this hotel a great choice for those traveling with larger groups who don’t want to have to pay for multiple hotel rooms. Inside each room, you’ll also find free Wi-Fi, a microwave, a mini-fridge, a flat-screen TV with DirecTV, and a coffee maker. Some rooms also include a seating area or workstation.
Between May and October, you can take a dip in the hotel’s seasonal pool. Oh, and keep an eye out for the friendly herd of wild burros that tend to hang out at the motel. While some hotels have resident pets around, here you get to see incredible creatures you’ve never met before!
8. K7 Bed & Breakfast
Located about an hour from the east side of the park, the K7 Bed & Breakfast is one of the best Nevada hotels near Death Valley if you’re looking for a homey place to rest your head. This rural escape offers you everything you need for a relaxing getaway.
This inn is a perfect choice for those who want some peace and tranquility. Each room has its own private entrance and private bathroom. Other amenities include a mini-fridge, a microwave, a coffee maker, air-conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV.
Although this inn doesn’t offer free breakfast, there is a restaurant on-site serving up cozy comfort food for both breakfast and dinner. Also on-site is a lounge to hang out with your fellow travelers and a beer garden.
9. Longstreet Inn & Casino
Just under an hour’s drive from Death Valley is the Longstreet Inn & Casino, which has everything you need for your Death Valley trip and more. And while there’s a casino on-site, don’t think that this hotel is for adults only. Kids are not only welcome, but they’ll also love the on-site petting zoo, swimming pool, and horseshoe pits.
The guest rooms in this inn feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, workstations, fridges, and air-conditioning. Balconies are also available in some rooms, and cribs are always complimentary. Some rooms feature mountain views, while others offer lake views.
If you’re looking to make the drive to Death Valley, you’ll appreciate that this inn has its own 24-hour gas station. Also available 24 hours a day are the on-site bar, mini-mart, laundry room, and casino. Jack’s Cafe is also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
10. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pahrump
Located just under an hour’s drive from Death Valley, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pahrump (an IHG Hotel) is one of the best Nevada-based hotels near Death Valley National Park.
This hotel offers you the best of both worlds. You’re not only close to Death Valley, but you’re also near other scenic outdoor adventure spots, like Red Rock Canyon. However, you’re also near wineries and restaurants, where you can unwind after your day out in the hot sun.
This hotel’s cozy and unfussy guest rooms include blackout shades, in-room heating and air-conditioning controls, workstations, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, tea makers, flat-screen TVs with cable and premium channels, and free Wi-Fi. Suites offer an additional living space to stretch out in.
Greet the day with a free hot breakfast to fuel up before your day in Death Valley. If hiking around Death Valley isn’t enough, you can work out in the fitness center 24 hours a day. Or relax by taking a dip in the heated pool and hot tub, which are open all year round.
11. Historic Dow Hotel
It may be a bit of a longer drive, but the Historic Dow Hotel is just over an hour away and offers you something very unique for your Death Valley trip. This hotel is located in Lone Pine, right near Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous US. If you want to see both the highest point in the contiguous US and the lowest point, Badwater Basin in Death Valley, on one trip, staying here is a great way to do it.
This historic hotel features in-room amenities like central heating and cooling, fridges, coffee makers, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with DirecTV, and a small sitting area. While most rooms come with their own private bathroom, you can also book a room with a communal bathroom for a reduced rate. Suites also come with a sofa bed for additional guests.
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, you can take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool any time of day or night. And no matter when you’re visiting, you can always relax in the year-round hot tub.
12. Quality Inn Lone Pine
Another great option if you want to see Mount Whitney on your trip is the Quality Inn Lone Pine, which features views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This unfussy hotel offers cozy amenities, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more scenic location, though it is a bit further from Death Valley than the Historic Dow Hotel.
It’s also worth noting that Lone Pine is significantly cooler than Death Valley’s scorching heat, making this hotel and the Historic Dow Hotel good options for those hoping to escape the heat at night.
The straightforward rooms at this hotel include flat-screen TVs, fridges, microwaves, a seating area, air-conditioning with in-room controls, and coffee makers. Some rooms feature patios or balconies, and many have stunning mountain views.
In the mornings, wake up and chow down on a free hot breakfast to fuel your day in Death Valley, or take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub!
And there you have it! The 12 best hotels near Death Valley. What’s your favorite place to stay near Death Valley National Park? Let us know in the comments!
Didn’t find the perfect Death Valley National Park hotel? Try searching here:
Booking.comPlanning a trip to California? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST
