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The best hotels near US national parks

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Best Hotels National Parks 4X3

  • In 2019, there were 327.5 million visitors to America's 62 national parks, the third-highest number since the National Park Service was established in 1916. 
  • As states and hotels slowly being reopening following the spread of the novel coronavirus, many travelers are considering visiting natural treasures like Yellowstone's Old Faithful, Yosemite's monolithic El Capitan, and the Grand Canyon.
  • We rounded up 10 top-rated hotels near national parks that include family-friendly resorts, historic hotels, boutique stays, design gems, and budget-friendly accommodations ranging in price from $109 to $390. We've also included updated information on their new COVID-19 policies.
  • Read all Business Insider hotel reviews here.

As states, hotels, and the rest of the travel industry cautiously begin to reopen following the novel coronavirus, many travelers are considering domestic vacation options. Many people are eager to explore the great outdoors since it offers a better opportunity to practice social distancing than crowded cities, and even travel agents are recommending national parks vacations as good options.  

However, it's still important to consider the risks of travel in general, and of staying in hotels. Without a vaccine, there is no guarantee of safety and we always recommend following guidelines from organizations like the CDC and WHO. Additionally, it's vital to consider your own safety risks and to check current state travel guidelines and restrictions before booking any trips. You'll also want to be up to date on new policies from major hotels when considering overnight options. 

All that being said, some of America's greatest treasures are its national parks, offering outdoor enthusiasts the chance to experience the country's breathtaking beauty and natural diversity. Today the National Park Service counts 62 national parks in 29 states and US territories, stretching from the majestic mountain ranges of Alaska to the sprawling subtropical wetlands of Florida's Everglades. 

The greatest number of parks are in California, including Yosemite, known for spectacular granite cliffs and ancient giant sequoia groves. In stark contrast, there's also Death Valley, the largest park in the lower 48, made up of 3.4 million acres of desolate, surreal desert landscape.

Next door, Arizona is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon, and the lesser-known but still fascinating Petrified National Forest, where fossilized trees date back millions of years. And Wyoming lays claim to the nation's oldest national park, Yellowstone, famous for hot springs and gushing geysers, while nearby Grand Teton National Park is a stunning alpine wilderness of jagged snowy peaks and glacial lakes. 

With so many visitors to these magnificent sites (another risk factor to consider before booking), a wide range of hotels are available near most to serve as convenient traveler bases. We've chosen the best hotels near national parks based on their proximity to well-known parks, but also considered other factors such as interesting architecture, history, design, desirable vacation amenities, and value with prices ranging from $109 to $390 to start. In addition, these hotels are beloved by fellow travelers and well-rated and reviewed on sites such as Trip Advisor, Hotels.com, and Booking.com

From the East Coast near Maine's rugged Acadia, down to Virginia's impressive Shenandoah with 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, over to California, Wyoming, and beyond, these hotels won't upstage the parks, but they'll certainly come close.

To learn about other best hotels in the United States, click on a link below to jump directly to more coverage

These are the best hotels near National Parks, sorted by price from low to high. 

Graduate Charlottesville - Charlottesville, Virginia

Book the Graduate Charlottesville starting at $109 per night

Home to the Thomas Jefferson-designed University of Virginia and Monticello, Charlottesville ranks as one of the best college towns, according to Business Insider. It's also just a 40-minute drive to Shenandoah National Park, which encompasses the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Trail, and the famed scenic Skyline Drive.

This high-rise hotel is ideally situated across from university grounds on what's known as the Corner, a stretch of Main Street lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes. Part of the trendy, boutique Graduate Hotels mini-chain, the Charlottesville outpost harks back to the college's 19th-century history with elegant Colonial-style furnishings, locally-sourced antiques, and vintage artwork in the lobby. The second-floor game room is a popular hangout with a full bar and ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, and a spacious patio for drinks. But the star is the top-floor Camp Ten Four, a wood-paneled restaurant and bar whose sprawling rooftop terrace offers fantastic views of the low-rise town and surrounding mountains.

Rooms are all tweedy nostalgia, with plaid carpeting, dark wood furnishings, leather headboards, and vintage-style telephones. Some feature fish hanging above the bed, a nod to the nickname of UVa students, known as Wahoos. Entry-level rooms have either one King-sized bed or two Queens; be sure to request one with a mountain view, which is similar in price.  

Trip Advisor Ranking: 16 out of 39 hotels in Charlottesville

Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Pros: The location is across from the University of Virginia and near Main Street's buzzy restaurants and bars, while the retro vibe is fun and funky. The rooftop bar patio is a great spot to mingle and the hotel also offers complimentary use of bikes.

Cons: Rates soar during fall football weekends (it's also one of the best times for leaf-peeping in Shenandoah National Park) and when there are major university events, such as graduation. In a college town where street parking is nigh impossible, the hotel only offers pricey valet parking.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is reopening on June 24, 2020. It will be following new guidelines consistent with all Graduate Hotels. The new policies were created in partnership with the country's top medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic, leading consumer products company Procter & Gamble, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), and include:

  • New social distancing measures, including contact-free check-in, floor marks designating where to stand for safe social distancing, paperless guest departure, and new capacity standards for common areas.
  • New cleaning standards for rooms and common areas that include all guest service associates being required to wear appropriate PPE, hand sanitizer available at every desk station, high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and elevator panels being wiped down frequently using disinfectant chemicals approved to combat COVID-19. Wellness kits, which include face masks, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer, will be available for guests upon request. EPA-approved disinfectant chemicals are standard for room cleanings, and high-touch items like alarm clocks and notepads will be removed from rooms.
  • New associate safety and training will also be implemented. All associates will be required to undergo advanced Health Awareness training and associates with frequent guest contact including Housekeeping, Guest Services and Food and Beverage, will receive additional Graduate Cares Program training. Associates will also be required to have their temperature monitored via a forehead scanner prior to each shift.
  • You can see a full list of all new procedures here.


Little America Hotel Flagstaff - Flagstaff, Arizona

Book Little America Hotel Flagstaff starting at $119 per night

Set on 500 acres of Ponderosa pine forest on the outskirts of Flagstaff, this sprawling family-friendly resort is less than a two-hour drive to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, and about the same distance to the Petrified Forest National Park. Built in 1952 and entirely renovated in 2018, the hotel features lodge-inspired decor with Southwestern touches, namely in the fireside lobby, lined with wood and dotted with Native American artwork. 

Amenities include an enormous outdoor pool (open during summer) and hot tub surrounded by pine trees, as well as a nature trail, volleyball courts, and a playground. In winter, the grounds are strung with Christmas lights and a North Pole Experience includes a trolley ride through the trees to Santa's Workshop packed with fun holiday activities. The Silver Pine Restaurant & Bar serves a casual Southwest-influenced menu that includes kid-friendly burgers and tacos, plus a popular local Sunday brunch, and the outdoor patio is particularly inviting.

Rooms are comfortable and modern with Spanish-tile entryways, Southwestern-patterned carpeting, custom maple beds, a seating area, and large windows; some feature step-out balconies and pine forest views. Entry-level rooms measure 420 square feet and come with two Queen-sized beds; King rooms are slightly bigger at 480 square feet. Families may want to opt for one of the spacious suites with a living room, two bedrooms, a large bathroom, and a full-sized kitchen.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 66 hotels in Flagstaff

Booking.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Pros: Even entry-level rooms are large and the tranquil forest setting makes for a relaxing stay. 

Cons: The property is sprawling and some rooms are located far from the main lodge's amenities. Lower-level rooms may overlook the parking lot. 

COVID status and policies: The hotel is currently open with new guidelines in place that include:

  • New protocols for employees including screening and documenting employees for symptoms and signs of illness, providing masks for employees that are worn at all times, and establishing glove use policies for employees throughout the property. The hotel also regularly trains employees on the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health department guidelines as well as a rapid response if an employee or guest shows signs of illness.
  • All guests must wear masks and are encouraged to practice other safety measures like social distancing and frequent hand washing. Extra hand-washing supplies and hand sanitizing stations have been placed in public areas.
  • Increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols throughout the hotel. Additionally, housekeeping will not service the room during your stay. For service, guests can call down for specific requests.
  • The property increased the air filter replacement and HVAC system cleaning frequency as well as the fresh air exchange system's operation.
  • You can see all new guidelines in detail here.


The Advenire - St. George, Utah

Book The Advenire starting at $126 per night

Opened in February 2020 in the heart of historic St. George, this is the first luxury boutique hotel in the Greater Zion area. It lies about 40 miles west of Zion National Park, while the Red Cliffs National Reserve, with its many hiking trails, is less than a 10-minute drive. The hotel is within walking distance of the town's restaurants and bars, chic art galleries, and stately 19th-century buildings.

Interiors offer a modern take on pioneer architecture with wood-paneled walls, beamed ceilings, contemporary furnishings, and funky, industrial-style lighting. The open-plan wood.ash.rye restaurant offers a southern-infused menu using regional ingredients, while the bar specializes in cocktails made with local craft spirits. On the roof terrace, you'll find a spacious lounge with fire pits and a Jacuzzi, plus amazing views of the surrounding red sandstone cliffs. 

Rooms feature wood floors, neutral patterned wallpaper, craftsman furniture, and oversized windows with seating nooks. Entry-level rooms measure 343 square feet and have King-sized beds and city views; pricier top-floor dormer rooms feature vaulted ceilings and enormous windows. Higher-category rooms and suites offer balconies and kitchenettes and boast mountain views. The hotel is part of the Autograph Collection, which means Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 41 out of 48 hotels in St. George

Hotels.com Rating: 9.6 out of 10

Pros: Guests praised the cuisine at the hotel's wood.ash.rye restaurant and the mountain views from the rooftop terrace.

Cons: As the hotel is quite new, there are some kinks to be worked out on the housekeeping front, and initial reviews from past guests are a bit more limited.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open. As part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, this hotel is expected to follow Marriott's new guidelines, including:

  • New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers that allow for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes, along with and new regimen changes. 
  • In public spaces, the company has required that surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and that this cleaning is done with increased frequency. 
  • In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. The company will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests' personal use.
  • The company is planning to add partitions at front desks to provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates and is working with supply chain partners to make masks and gloves available.
  • See more about Marriott's new policy changes here.


La Posada Hotel - Winslow, Arizona

Book La Posada Hotel starting at $139 per night

Sandwiched between the Sante Fe railroad and Route 66 in downtown Winslow, this 1929 mission-style hotel and designated National Historic Landmark is just an hour west of Petrified Forest National Park. It's one of the original 20th-century Harvey Houses, a chain of railroad restaurants and hotels built across the American West, the most famous being the Grand Canyon's El Tovar. 

The hotel is surrounded by seven acres of flowering gardens, ponds, and cottonwoods, and it's Turquoise Room restaurant and gift shop are popular tourist attractions. The property has been restored to reflect the original mission architecture, and the lobby, with its stone floor, colorful beamed ceilings, southwestern accents, and cozy seating nooks make for a welcoming entrance. There are stone patios to relax and soak up garden views or watch the trains pass by, and an on-site museum exhibits works by local artists. 

Rooms are connected by stone passageways and come in a variety of sizes and configurations. All are individually decorated in a southwestern style, with brightly painted walls, wood furnishings, Ponderosa pine beds, handwoven rugs, and wood or tile floors. Some feature original black-and-white tiled bathrooms with six-foot cast-iron tubs. Standard rooms measure a snug 220 square feet; larger rooms have patios or balconies. Views vary and might look out over the gardens, the cottonwood grove, or the south lawn toward the railroad tracks.  

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 14 hotels in Winslow

Booking.com Rating: 9 out of 10

Pros: La Posada Hotel is loaded with historic charm and the sprawling gardens are a lovely oasis. Many guests complimented the cuisine at the independently owned Turquoise Room restaurant.

Cons: There is no elevator, which some might find problematic if staying on the second floor. Rooms facing the train tracks can be noisy.

COVID status and policies: The hotel is currently open and has put new policies in place, including:

  • Stricter policies regarding the disinfecting of guest rooms have been put in place. All staff working in the hotel undergo a supervised daily temperature check and a health review prior to starting work. All guest rooms are cleaned, sealed, and left unoccupied for a minimum period of 24 hours before the next guest enters the room. All regularly-touched surfaces are wiped down with Re-Juv-Nal, a hospital-grade disinfectant. Additionally, all cups, shampoos, and other amenities are stocked in individually-wrapped containers from sealed storage units.
  • Public spaces also have new regulations. All staff members wear face masks while at work and large glass shields have been installed at the front desk. Hand-sanitizing stations are available throughout the hotel. Furnishings in the public spaces have been moved to create well-spaced seating areas that comply with state and federal regulations for social distancing. 
  • All guests are required to wear masks. And, no more than 6 people will be allowed to congregate in a group in the hotel at any time.
  • See details on all new policies here.


Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - Fish Camp, California

Book Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite starting at $166 per night

Just two miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite, and about an hour to the famed Yosemite Valley, this upscale, year-round mountain resort is particularly well-suited to families. It starts at reception, with a special kids' check-in line, and continues throughout the 50-acre property, which boasts a children's adventure course and climbing wall, game room, daily nature hikes, indoor/outdoor pools, a seasonal ice-skating rink, and a nightly bonfire with s'mores. 

Done up in a rustic-meets-modern design, with stone fireplaces and wood-beamed ceilings, the main lodge serves as the hub for dining and activities. There, you'll find Jackalopes Bar and Grill, with a casual menu of burgers and salads, plus a lovely alfresco terrace framed by towering trees. The fireside Embers has a refined selection of pasta, fish, and meat dishes, plus a kid-friendly menu.

Rooms have a homey, cabin-like vibe, with wood furnishings, rustic trim, and sliding wood doors. Entry-level Deluxe rooms are outfitted with a King-sized bed or two Queens and measure 350 square feet, but if you want better views, upgrade to a similar-sized Premium room. Extended rooms offer more space, plus a balcony or patio. The top-of-the-line, two-bedroom Explorer Cabins are a 10-minute walk from the lodge on 27 forested acres and feature kitchenettes, broad decks, and extra amenities such as free breakfast, a daily wine reception, and access to the exclusive Explorer Clubhouse.  

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 2 hotels in Fish Camp

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: Access to Yosemite is quick and easy: a public bus stops at the lodge and transports you to the park's Visitor Center, or the concierge can arrange a variety of Yosemite tours. There are many year-round family-friendly activities on-site including ice-skating and snowshoeing in winter. 

Cons: Most activities have an extra charge. There is also a $30 nightly resort fee.

COVID status and policies: This lodge is currently open. New coronavirus policies include:

  • Masks or other face coverings are required to be worn inside all public buildings.
  • Guests will not be permitted to enter if they are sick or if they have come into contact with someone who is sick during the last 14 days.
  • Staff will not enter guest rooms for cleaning service during the guest's stay. Instructions will be given at check-in on how to get additional linens, if needed.
  • Many common areas are currently closed including the General Store, indoor and outdoor pools, the spa, fitness center, and game room. Additionally, kids camp and guided hikes are not available.
  • See details on new precautions and policies here.


Ivy Manor Inn - Bar Harbor, Maine

Book the Ivy Manor Inn starting at $195 per night

Set on historic Main Street in downtown Bar Harbor, this charming English Tudor-style inn is within walking distance of dozens of restaurants and bars, as well the Town Pier. It's just across from the Village Green, where you can hop a free (seasonal) shuttle bus that gets you to several different points in nearby Acadia National Park. 

Built as a residence in 1939 and converted to a hotel in 1996, the 18-room inn (which is indeed covered with ivy) retains its historic ambiance with antiques and period furnishings. While there's no on-site restaurant, a continental breakfast is included in the rate and the hotel's William Tell Lounge is a cozy spot for a wine or beer. Out front, the fire pit is a popular hangout come evening.

Queen and King rooms are individually decorated in a traditional style with wood-frame beds (many are four-posters), antiques, period furnishings, and classic artwork. Some have decorative fireplace mantels and shared decks. Six separate cottages with King-sized beds offer a more contemporary feel with polished concrete floors and vaulted ceilings. The inn is open seasonally, from May to mid-October.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 5 out of 43 hotels in Bar Harbor

Booking.com Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Pros: Rooms are beautifully furnished with original antiques. The location puts you right in the center of everything in Bar Harbor. Guests have noted that the staff is extremely gracious and helpful.

Cons: There is no on-site restaurant and the provided breakfast is quite basic.

COVID status and policies: The hotel is currently open, but at the time of publishing no new policies were listed. We will update this entry as we receive new policy info.



Parker Palm Springs - Palm Springs, California

Book Parker Palm Springs starting at $273 per night

The chic desert town of Palm Springs makes an ideal base for exploring Joshua Tree National Park, an easy 45-mile drive east, while the San Bernardino National Forest is also less than an hour away. One of the city's most stylish hotels, this midcentury posh icon is one of our top hotels in Palm Springs. It opened in 1959 as California's first Holiday Inn and a decade ago was entirely transformed into a sleek, contemporary hideaway under the direction of design guru Jonathan Adler. 

Interiors pop with bright colors and zingy patterns, and Adler's trademark whimsy is everywhere, from the custom-made needlepoint pillows to animal-shaped poofs. His eclectic designs even extend out to the 13 acres of gardens, where a seven-foot-tall bronze banana sculpture dominates the main lawn. Outdoor amenities include areas for croquet and petanque, clay tennis courts, and two saltwater pools. There's an indoor pool at the standalone spa, dubbed the Palm Springs Yacht Club, which also houses a 24-hour fitness center with tall arched windows overlooking the grounds. Dining-wise, the alfresco terrace of Norma's restaurant draws a fashionable crowd, while dinner and late-night drinks are enjoyed at the glamorous lobby-adjacent Mr. Parker's, tucked behind turquoise velvet doors. 

Individually decorated rooms vary in size and layout depending on the building and are similarly playful. Entry-level Estate rooms measure around 320 square feet and are situated near the lobby's bar and restaurant. Deluxe rooms offer more space and proximity to the hotel's Silicon Valley pool. If you crave private outdoor space, spring for a Hammock room, with an enclosed sand patio complete with hammock. 

Trip Advisor Ranking: 33 out of 78 hotels in Palm Springs

Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: The hotel's midcentury provenance and groovy retro interiors offer a truly singular experience, while the beautifully landscaped grounds make it feel like a true oasis.

Cons: Navigating the sprawling property and grounds can sometimes be confusing. Food and drink are on the expensive side. Joshua Tree is still a far drive, but expect the only close lodging next to the park to be chain hotels and motels.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently closed due to the novel coronavirus through at least August 24th, 2020. The hotel will evaluate the situation for potential extension of the closure and/or update policies upon reuponing.

Read Business Insider's list of the best hotels in Palm Springs



Volcano Village Lodge - Volcano, Big Island, Hawaii

Book Volcano Village Lodge starting at $280 per night

Located 4,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, waterfalls, and koi ponds, this upscale Big Island bed and breakfast is a true island escape. Wonderfully secluded, the property is just 2 miles from Volcanoes National Park and its active Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

All five handcrafted bungalows have a treehouse-like feel with wood floors, walls, and ceilings, plus huge windows and decks looking onto the rainforest. Each room is individually designed but all feature electric or gas fireplaces, dining tables, seating areas, and kitchenettes. Breakfast (included in rate) is prepared and delivered to rooms each evening. 

The smallest is the Hale Kilauea, with a Queen-sized bed and floor-to-ceiling windows surrounded by enormous ferns. Those wanting an airier, larger space will find it's worth spending another $40 or so for one of the three 400-square-foot lodges, which have cathedral ceilings and a variety of amenities such as a spa tub or a lanai that overlooks lava rock formations. There is a two-night minimum stay during the high season.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 5 out of 30 hotels in Volcano

Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Pros: The idyllic rainforest setting and dreamy wood bungalows are wonderfully romantic, while pullout couches in some accommodations make them well-suited for family stays. There is also a hot tub on the property.

Cons: There is no restaurant on-site, however, for an extra charge, a takeaway picnic lunch can be arranged. As the lodge is at a high elevation, it can be chilly at night, no matter the season.

COVID status and policies: The hotel is open but has noted that there is currently a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all travelers arriving to Hawaii. They have also listed new cleaning procedures that include:

  • New cleaning and disinfecting protocols to clean rooms after guests depart and before the next guest arrives, with particular attention paid to high-touch items.
  • Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in public spaces, with a focus on the guest area, door handles, public bathroom, and even room keys.
  • In the spaces where the team works "behind the scenes," they have increased the frequency of cleaning with an additional focus on high-touch areas like entrances, laundry rooms, and the office.
  • For more information on cleaning and cancellation policies check here.


Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa - Teton Village, Wyoming

Book Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa starting at $305 per night

Nestled at the base of the skiing wonderland of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, this four-star alpine lodge is also conveniently located near two major national parks: Grand Teton National Park is less than a mile away, while Yellowstone is about a 1.5-hour drive. The hotel partners with several companies that offer a variety of full and half-day tours of both parks, which can all be arranged through the concierge. 

Interiors feature a modern mountain flair with a grand timbered lobby, bookended by wood-burning stone fireplaces, and outfitted with cozy contemporary velvet and leather seating. The Spur Restaurant and Bar has a fantastic mountainside patio, and there is also a full-service spa with steam rooms, indoor/outdoor pools, and five hot tubs, including a 22-person rooftop Jacuzzi with incredible mountain vistas. 

Rooms are thoughtfully designed with large picture windows, wood headboards, and furnishings that provide a nice rustic touch. Lodge King rooms measure 350 square feet, while the slightly larger Grand King category comes with gas fireplaces, balconies, and kitchenettes.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 2 out of 8 hotels in Teton Village

Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: The slope-side location means terrific mountain views from many of the public spaces, especially the rooftop hot tub.

Cons: Rates are high during the summer and winter. First-floor rooms may have unappealing parking-lot views while rooms above the restaurant terrace can be noisy.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open. Enhanced cleanliness and safety standards include:

  • Individual PPE kits will be available upon request, containing disposable sanitizing wipes, gloves, disposable masks, and personal hand sanitizer.
  • Appropriate PPE will be worn by all associates based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence to state or local regulations and guidance.
  • Seating in all public areas, pools, and lounges is positioned at least six feet apart.
  • All property outlets will comply with, or exceed, local or state-mandated occupancy limits.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers, touchless whenever possible, will be placed at all guest and associate entrances and contact areas.
  • Housekeeping or engineering services will be scheduled at a preferable time with guests for an associate to service your room.
  • Enhanced cleaning of rooms and common areas that includes Ecolab Peroxide Multi-Surface Cleaner Chemical.
  • See the full breakdown of new policies here.


The Inn at Death Valley - Death Valley, California

Book The Inn at Death Valley starting at $390 per night

Smack-dab in the heart of Death Valley, this four-star inn is part of the Oasis at Death Valley resort, which also includes the family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley just down the road. But this is the more elegant and intimate of the two, set in a gorgeous mission-style building that dates back to 1927, where the likes of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard once stayed. 

The inn is perched on a mountain surrounded by palm trees, lush gardens, and fountains—all framed by otherworldly desert formations. The recently renovated property (now open year-round) features a warm, welcoming lobby and bar area with saltillo tile floors, wood-beamed ceilings, antique furnishings, comfy leather seating, and spectacular views through arched windows. Amenities include a spring-fed outdoor swimming pool with a sprawling stone deck, fireplace, and pool cafe, a new spa and fitness center, and tennis courts. The highlight of the gourmet Inn Dining Room is the terrace, which directly overlooks the shimmering Panamint Range. 

Rooms in the main inn are updated and feature an old-school ambiance with graceful furnishings, creamy white headboards, and marble bathrooms. Entry-level Double Rooms measure around 300 square feet, while Deluxe rooms are larger with patios, decorative fireplaces, and mountain views. The 22 new one-bedroom Casitas offer more privacy and space, as well as kitchenettes, patios, and a seating area with a pullout sofa bed. Casitas also come with golf carts to get around the property.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 4 hotels in Death Valley

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: The lush grounds, spring-fed pool, and historic buildings are lovely, but it's the incredible desert views and easy access to area hiking trails that really make this stay special.

Cons: On-site dining options are quite pricey.

COVID status and policies: The Inn will remain closed until October 1, 2020. However, sister property The Ranch at Death Valley is open as of June 18, 2020. The Ranch has increased cleaning and safety measures guests could expect the Inn to follow upon reopening including:

  • Increased vigilance in cleaning public spaces and disinfecting hard surfaces in all rooms and common areas.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers, touchless whenever possible, placed at key guest and employee entrances.
  • Standardized company cleaning and sanitizing protocols are used to clean guest rooms, with particular attention paid to high-touch items.
  • All employees will receive training on COVID-19 safety and sanitation protocols with more comprehensive training for teams with frequent guest contact.
  • Appropriate PPE will be worn by all employees based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence with state or local regulations and CDC guidance.
  • See more info on the Inn and the Ranch here.



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