The Ranch At Death Valley

This hotel stands as a true oasis in the heart of Death Valley, offering a comprehensive range of amenities and a remarkably central location for exploring the national park. Its unique setting, with lush grounds and a variety of facilities, makes it an ideal base for sightseers and explorers eager to experience the area's natural wonders. Many guests, including families and road trippers, find the convenience of staying within the park invaluable, allowing for easy access to attractions and a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure. While some older accommodations show signs of wear, the newer cottages are frequently praised for their comfort and spaciousness. To make the most of your stay, consider booking one of the updated cottages for a quieter experience, and it's advisable to bring some of your own snacks or food due to the remote location's dining options.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a variety of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience. The large, spring-fed pool is a significant draw, often described as a refreshing escape from the desert heat and appreciated for its late operating hours. Guests also value the convenience of the on-site general store, which is well-stocked with a good selection of essentials and souvenirs. The ice cream parlor is a popular spot, noted for its old-school charm and delicious treats. For recreation, the property provides pickleball, tennis, basketball courts, a golf course, and a playground for children, contributing to a resort-like atmosphere. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported it could be spotty or unreliable in rooms, though often better in common areas. Many appreciate the inclusion of a washer/dryer in the cottages and the pleasant balconies or patios attached to rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed. Most guests staying in the newer cottages found them to be very clean, spacious, and equipped with comfortable beds, ensuring a restful stay. However, many reviews for standard rooms frequently mention issues with cleanliness, including unvacuumed carpets, dirty bathrooms with long hairs on shower walls, and a general sense of being outdated or dingy. Some guests reported musty smells, stained carpets, and peeling paint, indicating a need for renovation in certain areas. Noise can also be a concern, with complaints about thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms and hallways to be heard. The air conditioning units, while essential, were sometimes described as noisy or struggling to cool rooms sufficiently in extreme heat.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel provides several dining options, with varied guest experiences. The Saloon generally receives positive remarks for its food quality, particularly the bison burger and fries, as well as its lively atmosphere and attentive service. The ice cream parlor is consistently praised for its delicious offerings and casual dining options like burgers. However, the buffet restaurant often garners mixed to negative reviews, with many guests finding it overpriced for the quality and limited variety of food, describing items as cold or average. While the general store offers convenient food items, they are noted to be expensive. Some guests also experienced issues with restaurants closing early or running out of popular menu items, leading to frustration given the remote location.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location within Death Valley National Park is its most significant advantage, making it an unparalleled base for exploration. Guests consistently highlight its proximity to major attractions such as Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, and the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, allowing for convenient access to early morning hikes and stunning sunset views. The property itself is described as an oasis in the vast desert, providing a welcome respite. Parking is generally found to be easy and plentiful, adding to the convenience for those traveling by car. This strategic placement significantly enhances the overall experience of visiting the park, minimizing travel time and maximizing opportunities for sightseeing.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are quite varied. Many reviews commend the friendly staff, highlighting their helpfulness, attentiveness, and willingness to assist with requests, particularly in the Saloon and Ice Cream Parlor. Some guests reported a quick check-in process and appreciated the professional demeanor of certain team members. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as unfriendly, unhelpful, or dismissive, especially at the front desk. Complaints include slow responses to issues like non-working key cards or room cleaning requests, and a perceived lack of concern regarding guest complaints. Communication about hotel amenities, such as unexpected pool closures or power outages, was also a recurring point of dissatisfaction for some visitors.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects that may impact their stay. A resort fee is applied, which some guests felt was not adequately explained or did not provide sufficient value for the amenities offered, especially when facilities like the pool were unexpectedly closed. The hotel occasionally experiences power outages, particularly during storms, which can lead to temporary inconveniences, and guests noted a lack of proactive communication or compensation during these events. For those with electric vehicles, the EV charging facilities were sometimes described as problematic or slow, and staff knowledge regarding their operation was inconsistent. The property also features a small museum detailing the area's borax mining history, which many guests found to be an interesting and unique diversion.