The Ranch at Death Valley — Hotel in Beatty

I have visited Death Valley several times and I've always wanted to try staying inside the park to avoid the long drives for stargazing and watching the sunrises. I'm so glad I did it, it was absolutely worth it! You mustn't forget, this lovely resort is actually situated in the desert, and it's a real hidden gem.

It is interesting to note that they use an automatic system for online check-in, check-out and for providing information about staying.

We got here after midnight and it was easy to get the keys. The receptionist gave us a map of the area and showed us how to get to our room.

I think we were upgraded, even if they didn't tell us. We had booked Standard Queen Room and got wonderful Cottage, 1 King bed.

The cottage itself was absolutely amazing! It's got two separate suites, and each one has its own entrance. While we were there, it was just us who were staying there.

Our suite had its own living room and bedroom. It had air conditioning, which wasn't too noisy, and both rooms had ceiling fans. We've got a microwave, a fridge and a coffee maker. What was above any American hotel standard – a washing machine and a tumble dryer combined! Amazing! The rooms were both really nicely furnished and decorated. It was great that we had USB and USB-C connectors right on the bedside tables.

The whole area was stunning, eye-pleasing, really luxurious, with beautiful palm trees and green grass (in the desert!). It was great during the day and even better at night when the houses were all lit up. The whole resort was lit up and you could see it from a distance.

There was a small patio outside the door with chairs and a table, but it was too hot to sit there. At 2AM. it was 35 °C (95 °F), and during the day it was 42 °C (108 °F).

You should definitely check out the Borax Museum when you visit the resort.

We didn't have breakfast included and didn't want to eat in.

Cleaning is on demand, not daily.

There are two things that are confusing. There is a concrete path that leads to the cottages, but there is a traffic sign that says no vehicles can go there (or we misunderstood it). You need to go to the car park, unload your bags, ice cooler, etc., and take them to your cottage. This means you have to do it yourself. I know this might sound silly, no offence but co’mon, this is America. I thought children were born with cars and that everyone drives themselves right to the living rooms. How come it's not allowed to unload the bags next to the cottage and then drive the car back to the car park?

At first, I was very confused. Booking.com says that check-in is until 10 p.m., but the reception is open 24 hours. Our plan was to get to the airport (LAS), pick up the car, buy some food for the next three days and then get to the hotel between 9 and 10 at night. We didn't have much time reserve and it was eliminated because our flight was delayed by three hours. As soon as we had finished the immigration check and gone to get the shuttle, I started calling the hotel because I was worried we would arrive at midnight and have to sleep in the car. I used Samsung S22 Note to call the number from their webpage. I panicked when I saw that the Samsung phone said I was calling the fire department. (Samsung has a Smart Call feature that Identifies unknown callers and shows business names.. and Samsung repeatedly claimed me calling Fire Department) The receptionist assured me that they were open 24 hours a day and that we wouldn't have a problem. I also sent them a message...

This is a hotel that takes no responsibility for its guests.

After arriving at Death Valley, according to our itinerary, we first arrived at Harmony Borax Works. It was just an abandoned workshop with nothing interesting, but the description of Chinese workers caught our attention. Those familiar with the relevant history would silently speculate on the harsh working conditions they once endured in such a terrible environment. This kind of vague unease, compared to straightforward brutal history, sometimes captures more attention. However, this unease quickly dissipates as Death Valley Ranch bluntly places its customers in the circumstances of that year.

Considering the possibility of losing signal in the desert, we contacted the hotel in the morning to confirm the timing and location one more time, during which, the staff at Death Valley Ranch did not mention the current terrible conditions or the potential risks at all. Later, when we arrived, we were informed that there was a problem with the local power supply, and the repair time was unknown. The nearest motel required about an hour's drive in the opposite direction. This was an extremely absurd situation, as, with no signal at all, we had no way of knowing if the motel an hour away had enough space. To access internet, you have to check in first. While hesitating, a staff member suddenly interjected, saying that despite the lack of electricity, hot water would still be provided. This gave us a reason to stay here for one night. However, after checking in, the clerk in charge stated that they could not confirm if every room had hot water. Currently, only random hot water supply for some rooms was guaranteed, and at the same time, the staff who told us this information earlier had disappeared.

However, even without water and power, it does not mean that the facilities in the rooms should be lacking. However, after being assured that one room could accommodate three to four people, the room only provided one blanket. Despite repeated communication, only a thin bedsheet was brought in. Please note that at this time, there was no electricity or hot water supply, and the nighttime temperature in Death Valley was around 50 degrees.

I woke up in the early morning, unable to sleep again, and had to go out fully dressed. The full moon had already set, and the power outage eliminated the last light pollution. The brilliant starry sky made me trance-like. I suddenly remembered the stories of the workers I had read during the day. Perhaps they too had looked up at the stars on such cold and sleepless nights, enjoying a moment of tranquility amidst the struggles brought about by deceit and betrayal. But I am fortunate because I don't have to stay here any longer, I don't have to rely on these deceivers: After several requests for more blankets, we encountered travelers camping nearby who came here seeking help. It was only then that we learned the power outage had started at the latest on the 23rd, and we arrived on the 24th. The chaos continued for more than two days, and the staff, who had internet access, made no warnings or announcements, but left their customers stranded in the darkness and cold on Christmas Eve.

The development of technology has long rendered the name Death Valley merely a label. However, in this remote corner of the Earth, the inscrutability and selfishness of human nature, harbored within, remain perpetually hazardous, much like the depths of the ocean, impervious to any...

Two stars is being generous and is for the friendly staff at the check-in (the general store employee was not as friendly).

This place is extremely disappointing. The Inn isn’t that much better (I went and walked around there and it’s also run-down looking and had smells like the review mentioned).

Parking was so inconvenient and oddly placed (for check-in and outside of your hotel room).

We got two queen beds at the 700 building. We arrived in the evening so by the time we drove over to the rooms area (which is sort of far to walk from the lobby where you check in), there were no good parking spots. We parked far and had lots of bags to carry over.

I always check hotel rooms I stay at and thankfully this place had no bed bugs BUT it was filthy and not cleaned well at all! There were chips under the bed and what looked like (and I hope) chocolate candy. I couldn’t believe it wasn’t picked up or vacuumed before we arrived and it looks like it hasn’t been cleaned under the bed for years. The hallway is just as nasty with so much trash lying around and it hasn’t been vacuumed in years as well. I feel the hallway is a basic thing to keep clean and make sure appearance is welcoming to the guest. This place definitely failed and made me feel gross every time I entered and exited.

The nightstand and tv stand were all dusty (i know because i touched it and had to wipe it all down). The landline phone was especially dusty and I definitely didn’t dare touch that. When I had a question for the front desk, I used my cell phone.

The bed was decently comfortable and pillows were ok. But the blankets were thin (I got cold in the middle of the night) and stained. The shower was the only good thing where it had great water pressure and they provided good smelling lotion (lemon scent) and shampoo & conditioner.

The walls are very thin and I could hear every guest that left in the early morning to catch the sunrise and what not. I could also hear the maids vacuuming inside rooms where people left. Just wished they vacuumed our room before we arrived!

There is a nice balcony complete with 2 rocking chairs but when we tried to use it, we discovered the doors were locked! So the balcony and rocking chairs are all for show. That was really weird and again disappointing.

As you will see from other reviews, the food options are horrible. It’s extremely expensive (the cheapest option is instant noodles or a sandwich that costs $20). We asked if they had a kettle available but unfortunately there was not so we were told to use the coffee machine in our room or the general store hot water (they charge 25 cents for paper cups btw). The cheapest place to eat is at The Inn where the bar area is because they have tacos available. But even then, it’s still $20+

It’s too bad the closest McDonalds is 2 hours away!! Death Valley truly is disappointing when it comes to food. Not many options and the available places are super pricey.

I highly recommend bringing instant noodles and bread and other snacks.

We left early because we saw most of the sights and honestly, it just isn’t the best place that makes you feel welcomed and comfortable.

The breakfast buffet was $20 a person and was good. But def wouldn’t wanna spend that every day. The fireplace area was pretty nice. We went to see the museum and it was a little interesting.

Definitely would not want to come back here. It was good for being only a 15 min drive from all the main...