Driving through the desolate Death Valley desert abysses, you will suddenly come upon a gleaming palm tree oasis. As you near the lush landscape – you’ll rub your eyes, second guess, and be in sheer disbelief of what you’re seeing. It’s not a mirage – this my friends, is the Inn at Death Valley. Built on a higher rock elevation, the Inn at Death Valley has a stunning view of the desert. It’s hard to find the words to describe how beautiful this place is. It is breathtaking.
Not just a view! Here you can wander through towering palm tree gardens, stroll by bubbling natural springs and waterfalls, watch a glorious desert sunset, or enjoy a cool drink from Stargazers Deck underneath a twinkling galaxy of stars as you’ve never seen it before. Our favorite: the spring-fed swimming pool that is right out of an interior design showcase.
While in Death Valley, we had the opportunity to stay at the Inn at Death Valley. If you are looking for a true luxury experience, look no further than this incredible property.
Behind the Inn
The Inn at Death Valley is part of a larger complex called the Oasis at Death Valley. The Oasis isn’t just a carefully chosen name. The resort is built over a natural, REAL oasis where 80,000 gallons of water rise to the surface of the desert every day.
This water used to cause flooding, which helped create a precious (and highly sought after) material called borax.
In the 1800s, bountiful deposits of borax were discovered in Death Valley (a mineral often referred to as white gold). As gold seekers and travelers took to the area, word got out about this precious mineral. Thousands of acres were bought up by the Pacific Borax Company so they could start mining the area. Soon, a railroad was built to help transport the material. The company made a sizeable fortune.
Realizing that the demand for borax would not last forever, and as an attempt to save their newly built Death Valley Railroad, The Pacific Coast Borax Company ultimately turned to tourism.
The Furnace Creek Inn was built in 1927 and was an engineering masterpiece. Fun Fact: the Inn opened with only 12 guest rooms, a dining room, and a lobby. Room rates were $10 per night and included meals.
Two years later, the neighboring Travertine Springs were tapped for electricity and water for a new swimming pool. Additional rooms were continually added until the Inn reached 66 rooms in 1935. The Inn quickly gained attention and became an elegant hideaway for celebrities. The Inn at Death Valley was once the exclusive desert escape for such Hollywood elites as Marlon Brando and Clark Gable.
The New Inn – Inn at Death Valley
Today the Inn continues its reign as a luxury oasis with its recent $100 million renaissance. The AAA-rated four-diamond resort’s meticulous renovation included many floor-to-ceiling updates that can be seen throughout the resort. These include refreshed rooms, an updated pool, fresh landscaping, and new furnishings. In addition, the lounge, lobby, and bar area have all received extensive updates, including a completely new bar.
The Inn also had added a Library adjacent to the lobby. The beautiful space is the perfect place to lose yourself in your favorite book while enjoying the gorgeous desert views.
Rooms – Inn at Death Valley
The rooms at the Inn at Death Valley beautifully marry the charming historic details with modern amenities. The luxury resort offers several room options, such as standard hillside rooms, garden rooms, and rooms that take advantage of the stunning desert view.
Suites offer separate living rooms, fireplaces, and other unique amenities. Our room had a fireplace and access to a shared balcony overlooking the property. It was breathtaking. Be sure to catch the sunset; it is a moment you will not forget.
If you are looking for a unique experience, the Inn also offers private Casitas. These small luxury homes are situated under the towering palms and next to a lush garden. The unique accommodations are an excellent option for those who would like more privacy or a family who would like extra space.
Each Casita offers a large bedroom and living room with a sleeper sofa and a wet bar, perfect for fixing your evening cocktail. Even more unique – as these rooms are not accessible by cars, each Casita comes with a golf cart for guests to use around the property during their stay. YES, you get to drive a golf cart around the property at leisure.
Dining at the Oasis – The Inn Dining Room
Stone floors, gorgeous wood-beamed ceilings, and a fireplace await you at The Inn Dining Room. The restaurant offers fine dining for breakfast and dinner and an evening small bites and cocktail menu in the lounge. The menu includes fine dining entrees such as filet mignon, salmon, pasta, and chicken dishes and stunning views of the desert and Mountains. Weather permitting, service is available on the Inn Terrace. Reservations essential.
Seeing Stars – Stargazers Deck at the Inn Death Valley
Death Valley is a Dark Sky National Park and the largest Dark Sky Park in the country. As per definition, this means that Death Valley has “an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment,”
You have never seen a night sky like this. Nighttime at the Inn is spectacular and a surreal experience. Looking to the atmosphere feels like you are walking in a space-aged movie set, as the stars and planets are beyond imagination. Milly Ways, shooting stars, and constellations can be easily seen and are DIRECTLY overhead. It’s beyond words.
To help its starry-eyed guests, the Inn at Death Valley brilliantly built a stargazing deck on the roof. Here you will find a gigantic open-air deck with ample seating. The door and window leading to the deck have black-out curtains, making it the perfect dark-sky situation and ultimate star watching station. It’s the perfect nightcap – bring a glass of wine and enjoy Mother Nature’s sky show.
The Pool and Gardens – Inn at Death Valley
The stunning spring-fed pool is the undeniable centerpiece of the resort. Gorgeous tiles, stone-arched walkways, and swaying palm trees invite you to the pool complex. With its cliffside positioning, it offers jaw-dropping views of the desert landscape. The pool is spring-fed and kept at a warm 87 degrees year-round. Here you can take shade under the umbrellas or enjoy a cocktail at the many striped chaise lounge chairs.
In the pool area, you will also find a spa and gym. Even if a workout routine isn’t part of the plan – be sure to peak into the gym to see the gigantic palms. The designers built the gym around two of the towing palm trees that shade the pool, the trunks will be next to you during your workout!
We loved walking around the gardens during our visit. How amazing to see this lush landscape in the desert! Perfect for a relaxing stroll, the gardens include a bubbling stream and waterfall. It’s paradise.
A Desert Community – Oasis at Death Valley
The Inn’s sister property, The Ranch at Death Valley, is just a short drive down the road. Here you will find causal accommodations, several restaurants, a general store, an ice cream parlor, and a saloon. The Ranch at Death Valley is also the home to golfing and an incredible riding stable that offers horseback riding. Read more on the Ranch HERE.
Important Info – The Inn at Death Valley
Location:
Highway 190, Death Valley, CA
Two hours west of Las Vegas and four hours northeast of Los Angeles
Hotel Reservations:
Website: https://www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/
Toll-free within the U.S.: (800) 236-7916
Outside the U.S.: (303) 29-PARKS (303-297-2757)
Golf Reservations:
Furnace Creek Golf Course: The World’s Lowest Golf Course. Open to the public!
Call (760) 786-3373 or click here for reservations.
Sincere thanks to The Inn at Death Valley for sponsoring our visit.
As always, all reviews and opinions are our own
