While many visitors opt for a day trip to Death Valley, there are several advantages to staying overnight. Firstly, with so many things to do in Death Valley, staying nearby for a night or two lets you check out all the sights.
Moreover, Death Valley is conveniently located next to Las Vegas, so you might want to combine your nature break with a fun city getaway in Las Vegas which is an easy 2-hour drive away.
What you plan to do on your vacation will determine where to stay in Death Valley. Read on to discover the best areas around this national park and the top-rated hotels here. Take note that if you are visiting during the summer, it’s best to book your Death Valley accommodation well in advance.
Best Areas to Stay in Death Valley
Although there are a few accommodation choices within the national park, many visitors opt to stay in the nearby towns to access all the amenities they need. Moreover, bigger cities further afield are a fab option for those combining their Death Valley visit with a city break.
- Furnace Creek: Best for first-time visitors
- Beatty: Best for convenience
- Pahrump: Best for families
- Lone Pine: Best for nature lovers
- Las Vegas: Best for entertainment
Don’t miss: If national parks are your jam, there are more guides to California’s national parks too, including a detailed Death Valley travel guide!
Best Places to Stay in Death Valley
We’ve handpicked the top motels, inns, and hotels with the highest customer satisfaction to guarantee you an enjoyable stay. We’ve also included options for all price points so everyone can plan their perfect Death Valley itinerary.
Furnace Creek
Best area to stay in for first-time visitors
Furnace Creek is located inside the national park, so it is an excellent choice for first-time visitors and anyone who wants to maximize their time in Death Valley. By staying in Furnace Creek, you’ll be able to enjoy the excellent sunrise spots and get a head start on the Death Valley hiking trails before the rest of the tourists arrive.
There are only a few hotels in and around Furnace Creek, so we highly advise you to book in advance if you want to stay within the national park. Also, note there are very few amenities here, so you’ll be limited with dining choices unless you go further afield for mealtimes.
Top Picks for Furnace Creek
Luxury: The Inn at Death Valley
You wouldn’t expect to find a lavish 5-star hotel inside a national park, so The Inn at Death Valley comes as a great surprise to visitors. Along with providing a luxurious stay, The Inn features all the facilities and amenities you’ll need, meaning you won’t need to leave the park at all.
Along with a 24-hour reception, The Inn at Death Valley boasts a large outdoor pool and wellness facilities, including a sauna and a fitness center. There is also an on-site restaurant catering to all dietary requirements.
The inn is an excellent choice for couples, too, as their detached ‘casitas’ give total privacy. These homely villas have seating areas with comfy sofas, ensuite bathrooms with showers, and private patios.
Mid-range: The Ranch At Death Valley
The Ranch At Death Valley is a popular Death Valley hotel thanks to its comfortable rooms, excellent facilities, and reasonable rates. This 4-star hotel is a top choice for families as it features a large outdoor pool, children’s playground, and cottages that sleep up to 8 people!
Also on-site is a traditional-style restaurant that caters to everyone’s needs, a bar, and a mini-mart. The well-kept grounds are another highlight, with several outdoor seating areas. All rooms feature air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, comfy beds, and priceless mountain views.
Budget: Amargosa Opera House & Hotel
If you want to stay close to Death Valley but prefer to save your money for things other than lavish resorts, check out Amargosa Opera House & Hotel at Death Valley Junction. This quirky budget Death Valley hotel is a short 15-minute drive to the park.
Although the hotel does not look that impressive from the outside, it provides a cheap and cheerful stay to budget-conscious travelers. It has uniquely decorated rooms with air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Plus, there is a wonderful cafe next door serving reasonably priced breakfast and lunch along with fresh coffee and ice cream.
Beatty
Best area to stay in for convenience
Beatty is a small town just past the Nevada border and a 10-minute drive to the Death Valley National Park sign. As a result, it’s a great alternative to Furnace Creek if you want to stay super close to the attractions.
What’s more, although it is a small town, you will find a few more amenities here, including a number of decent cafes and diners. Even so, Beatty has a very sleepy feel, so don’t expect to find much open after dark.
Top Picks for Beatty
Luxury: Death Valley Inn
Although not a luxury hotel by any means, the Death Valley Inn is one of the area’s top Death Valley accommodation choices. The inn features an outdoor pool and hot tub with BBQ facilities and a self-service laundrette.
The rooms feature modern furniture with a desk, flat-screen TV, fridge, microwave, and coffee machine. The ensuite bathrooms have granite countertops and bathtubs, plus several pet-friendly rooms are available if you’re bringing your furry friend.
Mid-range: Exchange Club Motel
The 3-star Exchange Club Motel offers a cheaper option close to Death Valley and features a small casino and coffee shop. Plus, it’s located in the center of town, a short walk from all the shops and restaurants.
The recently updated rooms have a simple yet modern feel and come with a coffee machine, fridge, and microwave. The ensuite bathroom has a shower, and there are family rooms available with two large double beds.
Budget: El Portal Motel
This low-cost motel is total value for money, featuring an outdoor pool, friendly staff, and a central location within the town. The rooms are not as modern as the other Beatty hotels, but they feature a Cable TV, a microwave, and a small fridge.
El Portal is ideal for families looking to keep costs low during their Death Valley vacation. Triple rooms are available with three queen-sized beds, giving you a comfortable place to rest your head at night.
Pahrump
Best area to stay in for families
Pahrump is a larger town in Nevada, 30 miles south of Death Valley Junction. The small city is a popular choice among families as there are plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and small parks. On top of that, there are many budget motels, and the town is less than an hour’s drive from Death Valley.
There is a much more extensive dining choice here than in Beatty, with Mexican, Chinese, and French options, and even a McDonald’s. Adults will enjoy the golf course, wineries, and casinos here, while kids will indeed have fun visiting the town’s petting zoo.
Top Picks for Pahrump
Luxury: Best Western Pahrump Oasis
The Best Western hotel in Pahrump offers a taste of luxury without a super high bill! On-site, you’ll enjoy 2 outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, and a highly-rated American breakfast included in the price.
The rooms are modern, with carpeted floors and soft lighting, and the ensuite bathrooms give a sleek look with the granite countertops, floor tiles, and bathtub. Opt for the king suite with a kitchenette and spacious lounge if you want to splash out a bit.
Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pahrump
If you’re wondering where to stay in Death Valley, you can’t go wrong at the Holiday Inn Express in Pahrump. The vast complex has an outdoor pool and hot tub, tasty breakfast, and excellent staff who will welcome you as soon as you step in the door.
There are many room types to choose from, but all feature air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, desks, and en suite bathrooms. You can also upgrade to a suite for more space or a family room, which can sleep 4 or 6 people.
Budget: K7 Bed and Breakfast
You’ll find the K7 Bed and Breakfast in a peaceful spot with fabulous views out to the mountains. The B&B has a warm, country feel, reflected in the decor and the service.
They provide a continental breakfast each morning to set you up for the day, and you’ll also have a fridge, coffee machine, and dining area in your room. There are also various picnic tables around the grounds and seats to enjoy the view.
Lone Pine
Best area to stay in for nature lovers
Lone Pine is a small town in California, perfectly positioned between Death Valley, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon. From Lone Pine, you’ll reach Death Valley in 1 hour with the iconic Death Valley landscape to your right, and Sequoia’s mountain range to your left.
As a result, nature lovers looking for where to stay near national parks will find Lone Pine to be a fantastic option. Also in this small, peaceful town, you’ll find the Mount Whitney Golf Course, Alabama Hills Scenic Area, and a couple of rock climbing schools that can help you organize an adrenaline filled adventure.
Top Picks for Lone Pine
Luxury: Quality Inn Lone Pine
The Quality Inn Lone Pine is located south of the town, opposite Mount Whitney Golf Course. The 3-star inn has a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi with decking and an excellent breakfast, including hot waffles, fresh fruit, and coffee.
The comfortable rooms have modern furniture and amenities, including a TV, microwave, fridge, and coffee maker. In addition, the ensuite bathrooms have either a bathtub or shower, a hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries.
Mid-range: Dow Villa Motel
Dow Villa Motel in the heart of Lone Pine offers travelers a clean, comfortable, and welcoming stay for a great price. Along with a 24-hour reception, there is an outdoor pool and jacuzzi on-site. There is no restaurant, but that is no problem as the motel is surrounded by cafes and diners. Be sure to check out The Grill next door and a Texas-style steakhouse opposite.
The air-conditioned rooms have comfy beds and carpeted floors and feature everything you need. You’ll find a TV, microwave, refrigerator and coffee machine. The ensuite bathrooms have a bathtub with overhead showers.
Budget: Portal Motel
Portal Motel is a centrally located budget accommodation for those looking for a cheap but comfortable place to rest their head at night. From here, you’ll be within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants. Plus, you’ll have everything you need in the room, such as a coffee maker, microwave, TV, fridge, and hairdryer.
Las Vegas
Best area to stay in for entertainment
Many Las Vegas visitors choose to escape the bright lights and crowded streets with a day trip to Death Valley. As it’s only a 2-hour drive to the national park, the buzzing city makes a superb base for those looking to combine an exciting Las Vegas getaway with a day in nature.
By opting to stay in Las Vegas, you’ll be surrounded by entertainment 24/7. So, if you get bored quickly and are looking for where to stay near Death Valley to enjoy gambling, shopping, fine dining, and nightlife, Las Vegas is for you.
Top Picks for Las Vegas
Luxury: Wynn Las Vegas
Las Vegas is full of upmarket resorts, and one of the highest-rated is the 5-star Wynn hotel. What’s fantastic about this resort is that it has a tranquil ambiance despite being right on the Las Vegas Strip. This is due to the oasis-style pools, on-site spa, and luxury boutique shops.
There are various room options to choose from, with thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, a touch-screen curtain, and beside phone charging outlets. Go for the spacious Tower Suite Parlor if you want to splash out. Located on the highest floor, it has a spa bath, mini bar, and a separate dining room with immense views.
Mid-range: The Venetian Resort
The Venetian is one of the most famous Las Vegas hotels, and being on the strip, it is perfect if you want to stay in the middle of the action. The resort has many fantastic facilities, including spa services, fitness classes, a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, and ten outdoor pools!
The spacious suites at The Venetian boast beautiful interior design, separate living/dining areas, and marble bathrooms. You can also upgrade to a king suite for better views and a spa bathtub.
Budget: The STRAT
While Las Vegas is not a cheap city by any means, there are more affordable accommodation options like The STRAT. Here, you can get a standard room for an excellent price and enjoy the fabulous facilities on-site. These include a 15,000-square-foot pool, oversized hot tubs, and the famous casino.
The standard rooms feature free WiFi, comfy beds with high-quality linen, a flat-screen TV, and a small dining table. The STRAT is an excellent choice for families and a group of friends as you can get a Standard 2 Queens room that sleeps up to four for the same price as a one-bedroom room.