The Inn at Death Valley *DETAILED* Hotel Review

[@YellowProductions]

✅ Book the Inn at Death Valley - Make sure to sign up FOR FREE to unlock discounted rates of up to 40% off: plannin.com/hotel/749c5924-8c3a-48f5-83b0-6aeca68d98a2?refId=YellowProductions ✅ You might enjoy watching my Death Valley National Park Guide here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXWzlat-h6-qgpY

[@NothingMaster]

Dear Chris, thanks a whole bunch for this detail review. I’d been secretly hoping that you’d do a video on this hotel, and here it is! You never disappoint, my friend. 👍🏻x100 for your superb effort on this one.

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome Alex!

[@grownupgaming]

Always wanted to stay overnight on the first trip to Death Valley. This is just the video we need!

[@barco581]

We stayed at the Ranch last week on Thursday, 4/28. First time in Death Valley. During the day, we hiked the Mosaic Canyon and hit the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and then headed to Furnace Creek on the way to Vegas. Room rate was $229, plus a $22 resort fee, plus taxes. Plenty of free parking. We booked the Ranch because it was half the price of the Inn and we knew we would not be spending much time inside the room. The buildings toward the rear of the Ranch are two stories and appear to be newer than the ones in the front. We were in the 900 building and it had the vibe of a 1980s motor inn. The room overlooked the golf course. The ceiling fan and bathroom fan both worked. The room was clean. Hand soap and body wash lotion were empty but the staff quickly brought them. Water was low pressure but no less so than high end hotels in Vegas-every property runs low flow heads these days. The A/C worked well and was cold. Ice maker on the first floor. Hallway did not have A/C so and the main door was propped open for ventilation. We walked to The Last Kind Words Saloon. After a long hot day in the park I was in no mood to take the car out in the dark and drive more miles. The Last Kind Words Saloon is definitely a cool place. Bar was filled so we grabbed a high top near the stairs. There is no table service so you walk up to the bar and order. They don't run tabs so you have to pay per transaction which is annoying for staff and customers. Ice water is self serve on a table under the stairs. We got a half rack of ribs with two sides $44, and a plate of bbq wings $24. At least the wings were not dried out-both platters were like 1980s bbq-slathered in sauce, but fresh. As Yellow Productions said, beers just shy of $11. The bar shuts down at 9pm, yes 9pm. A staff member said many people complain about this early closing, but there are many options just over two hours to the East. There were actually more Europeans staying at the Ranch than Americans-a theme we also observed while out at various sites too. The highlight of The Ranch is just like the Inn they also have a spring fed 87 degree pool. The pool is open until 11pm each night and there were multiple groups and couples out there that evening. The pool has some bright lights of course but the sky is still pretty neat from the pool at night. I learned from some staff members that they mostly live on site in dorm style housing. This is a very tough time for them to be fully staffed as with the summer coming many workers move on to other areas. The next morning we drove 18 mins to the parking lot at Badwater Basin, and also hit the nearby Artist's Drive and Dante's Peak. The Ranch has five things going for it, location, location, location, virtually no competition, and a pool open during the day and until 11pm at night. Obviously the Inn is nicer, but it doesn't appear to be worth double the price of the Ranch. Based on the above, I would give The Ranch four out of five stars. It gets a pass due to the extremely remote location and how it compares to other lodging inside national parks. As a staff member said, if you really value high end hotels and late night options, you might be better off staying in the Summerlin section of Vegas and day tripping into Death Valley. It was only two hours and fifteen minutes from The Ranch to our hotel in Summerlin.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the report on the Ranch! Sounds good

[@erinmcgrathejm4985]

In regards to the housekeeping and other staffing there: I know for a fact that Xantera (the employer of the bulk of the hotel staff) are extremely short-staffed. You have to realize that to staff a location like this requires them to find staff willing to live full-time in a dorm situation, hours away from anything. It’s completely different from staffing a hotel “on the Strip”.

[@YellowProductions]

I believe it Erin. Still doesn't justify a sub par product at a premium price.

[@chriskirby6701]

Thanks for the review Chris, I have been waiting for this as we couldn't decide which hotel to stay at when we booked 6 months ago, we eventually decided on the ranch, deluxe queen room, $410 for two nights for May this year, after watching your review it looks like we have made the right decision.

[@StamfordBridge]

Wait, so no explanation of the spooky blinking light in the doorway?

[@YellowProductions]

Yes!!! Some weird flourescent light thing. It stopped after about an hour of us being in the room... I did explain it. But I guess that clip didn't make it in to the final edit

[@StamfordBridge]

@@YellowProductions So … $500 a night, you say?

[@jkimmie7488]

Or the ghost finally left your room after one hour 😅

[@anikindall]

Thanks, this was very helpful. We will be staying in one of the casitas in May, so our room will be very different, but it was still nice to get a feel for the location. This is the first time I have watched one of your videos. I will definitely be watching your Death Valley Park Guide next. Thanks again.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Ani!

[@raulzarco2063]

Another excellent video. Really appreciate the honest review. Keep up the great work!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Raul!

[@AndreMartin1000]

This video was very well produced and narrated. Thank you for this informative and entertaining review. Top notch job here my friend. 👍😍👍

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Andre!

[@Janelletravels204]

It’s a good day when there is a new video!

[@YellowProductions]

Awwww. Every Thursday typically is my goal!

[@roachtoasties]

Nice review. Your travel buddy is adorable. I've never been to Death Valley, even though I've been a So. Cal. resident almost all my life. The hotel looked nice. All hotels have some issues. I almost was ready to start packing, until you mentioned the price. I would really need to think about that. You mentioned lack of daily housekeeping, but what can you do. Hotels in the major cities have a hard time finding help. It's got to be really tough recruiting for jobs that generally don't pay that well in an area that's quite remote.

[@olee457]

These videos are so helpful! All the details you would need. 😊

[@YellowProductions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@genxer39]

Love your golf club / course reviews of courses most of us will never get to play.

[@Novagreyhound]

Thank you. With kids, I appreciate the honest review! Hopefully the property takes your advice and adds some more cleaning time to the schedule. That is such a big deal to me - dislike paying premium prices and being disappointed. Looks like a beautiful property outside though!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Nova! Yeah.. hopefully with better staffing coming out of the pandemic they can fix up their sevice

[@NostalgiaMan]

This place looks so cool. I want to come here with my kids.

[@jameshiga8077]

Hi Chris. Thanks for the hotel tour. $500 for the room is pretty steep. I thought the room looked a little small. I agree that for the price I would expect a little more too. Take care.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks James! Glad I'm not crazy :)

[@Jeannified]

We stayed at the Best Western run Ranch at Furnace Creek years ago (2017), mainly because where you stayed was so expensive (I definitely wanted to stay there), and because there was nothing around it. (We chose the other area because the shops and restaurants were there. We felt our son, who was nine at the time, would enjoy the ranch area more.). That being said, your hotel looked lovely! We love s good pool, Jacuzzi, and gym. Your bathroom was lovely! The whole place was a lovely 1920’s hotel. I can understand how frustrating it would be to have poor water pressure though, and thin walls, where every sound is heard. Thanks for this great video!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Jeannified! Interesting that the Ranch used to be a Best Western

[@Jeannified]

@@YellowProductions It may even still be. It was called the same thing that it is now, I believe, but run by Best Western.

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job Chris.

[@bmathesen248]

Thanks for the review Chris. Been looking to take the family there.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Brian!

[@kerolossamer5412]

Hello from egypt, i was working at the INN and ranch hotel Xanterra. it's expensive because of the desert 🌵 Great review and you are honest in all aspects.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Kerolos!

[@Abdul-ib4xz]

Did you like working there I have a interview tomorrow

[@DD-Lo]

Loved this video. P.S. Baker is my hubby's hometown 😃.

[@mrone1777]

Thank you for all those informations . Our family is going there in July. But I didn't know that you didn't have to wear a t-shirt or shorts to be able to eat at the restaurant. With the temperatures of death valley I did not think to take clothes for the restaurants. I don't think it's specified on the reservation and we couldn't have eaten in the restaurant.

[@YellowProductions]

Yeah. The dress code is a weird requirement

[@brianvernaglia9449]

Thanks so much. Why was the hall way light flashing? We are staying in one the the Casitas there in February so I'm curious if they are better or worse than the rooms. We'll find out.

[@scottman895]

The location looks amazing! However, that hotel looks way too expensive for me especially with all the cons it has. I agree that the low water pressure is likely due to its desert location. I'll be curious what the ranch location is like though. Thanks for letting us all know about the hotel!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Scott! This one is indeed all about the location

[@EA-dx7jx]

Great review...just the info I needed to help decide. We were choosing between the Ranch and the Inn for a trip. The Ranch looks more people friendly and for $500 I'd expect some evidence that the Inn was a little more luxurious than your review showed. Chose the Ranch. (You didn't metion resort fees) Most of the nationall parks have expensive hotels. The Awahnee is fabulous and a period hotel with some granduer. It's worth it to check out national park hotels when traveling. (you can always just have lunch) Some are truly unique...like Volcano house and Crater Lake lodge.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks E A!

[@sinsayne_5137]

lol but wait why was the light blinking?

[@YellowProductions]

Yes!!! Some weird flourescent light thing. It stopped after about an hour of us being in the room.

[@kennixox262]

I've stayed in both and the Ranch is a better value. Saying that, national park hotels tend to be very expensive in the high season and from your video, the rooms in these very old properties are well, just old. I feel that this is part of the charm of the place as well. Personally, I can not speak for the pandemic lack of housekeeping and all that but it seems that we may be nearing the end of that.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the report on the Ranch Ken! Yes. I hope we are nearing the end of the pandemic challenges

[@barco581]

@@YellowProductions we are hitting the Ranch in the near future. Will post a mini-review.

[@ryguy7282]

Chris, love your videos. Quick question. Would you ever provide hotel reviews for off strip hotels in Vegas? Particularly the Station brand casino/resorts. I really enjoy your southwestern US videos, and was just curious about how you rate those popular off strip resorts. Thank you

[@YellowProductions]

Hi RyGuy. I've never stayed at the Station hotels.. I might consider it on a future stay.. but its typically more convienent for me to stay at least close to the strip

[@nightwolfv7541]

Cool review.

[@Pixics]

That tunnel is pretty cool. I passed by here when I was in death valley, but I didn't get a chance to stop by.

[@YellowProductions]

Yeah. The tunnel is cool. Weird at first. But cool :)

[@ColinGoldfinch]

Great video, confirmed we don't want to stay there! Can you now do Stovepipe Wells as that's what I was thinking of for our trip next year.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Colin. As we aren't in Death Valley currently it's unlikely we will visit Stovepipe Wells anytime soon. But I look forward to your report!

[@sweeney0558]

GREAT REVIEW THANKS

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Linda!

[@keli_kennedy]

Stayed at the Ranch twice. Highly recommend. The cottages are amazing.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for sharing your experience keli!

[@IHNI23]

Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺. Stayed at the Ranch in 2019 (pre pandemic times). Was ok, but could have done with some real TLC. Pretty expensive for what you get. Ultimately we were there to see the park which was the big highlight for us. I’d say my favourite sight was the Ubehebe Crater, bit of a hike but worth it !

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Ihni in Australia! We didn't make it up to the crater. Next time!

[@braveknight2000]

Of course, it being in the middle of nowhere, you aren't going to get a super luxury experience. But for me, the pool area makes up for any cons. I love that that there's no chlorine in the pool because it's fed by a hot spring so it's nice and warm. And there is a toasty sauna in the pool area. The last time we were there someone was working at the little bar by the pool and we had some drinks. It was splendid. They always have a big roaring fire out poolside in the evenings that I love to sit next to. It's just so peaceful out there. I thought the food was pretty good. I've been going there for decades and things have changed a bit but not a lot. The thing I like the most about Death Valley is there is very little light pollution. On a moonless night, you can easily see the milky way lit up like a starry highway. It's truly amazing. And, of course, it's nice to go somewhere warm in the middle of the winter. I've never stayed at the Ranch because I love the historical, nostalgic feeling about the Inn. I would be so, so, sad if it ever closed. It really is one of my favorite destinations. We rode our bikes around the whole Furnace Creek area and the place where the employees live isn't exactly super nice so those employees must really like the place because they're obviously not getting a lot of benefits for being there. I take that into consideration when I pay the premium for the food and the room rate. It's obviously very expensive running a place so far away from civilization.

[@richardmercer2337]

"Furnace" -- what a lovely name for a creek! At least it fits in with the theming.

[@YellowProductions]

Indeed!

[@colleenh5979]

Cool location ! I can see that the Hotel does look dated. The Traveling Princess is adorable !! Thanks Chris

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Colleen!

[@doubtingthomas9612]

Who's the camerawoman at 4:40 ? 😊😊😊

[@YellowProductions]

That's my better half, ocgirl. :)

[@loretta2566]

She is so adorable 😊definitely steals the spotlight😊

[@YellowProductions]

Awww

[@philteerich]

hi chris, great review! just one thing... did you notice in the footage the lights flicking on and off while you were in the hotel room???

[@YellowProductions]

Yes!!! Some weird flourescent light thing. It stopped after about an hour of us being in the room.

[@mimistans7715]

Oh that looks really nice!

[@travis7537]

Hey man thank you sooo much for the video I've been waiting for a very long time for someone to show in detail of that hotel you stayed in, im also wondering why nobody has did a video of those casitas out there in oasis, the price is kinda high, an you are right, for that price you should have gotten a little more , especially housekeeping, but? You are in the desert an they really have no competition out there so they can charge whatever they want, kinda Like cable haha, but? Then again not many people can actually say that they spent the whole entire night in the desert, not too mention its 180 degree change from the norm , meaning in the big cities you would see alot of moderness and alot of amenities, death valley you are really off the grid, im glad they finally have good internet, as far as thr ranch goes I would say just going off of you tube videos of people that has been there, it's more family oriented, prices much more reasonable, not too mention affordable, but from what I've been hearing is that the cleaning services are still the same like the place you were at, but because the hotels are in the middle of nowhere they gonna get as much as they can out of whomever stays or pass thru. I'm over here on the east cost and I have been looking really hard for someone to do a decent video of inside the resort, thank you again !

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Hillard.. glad you enjoyed it! And yeah. If they did some better cleaning and maintenance this place would be much more awesome. Unfortunately poor housekeeping seems to be something lots of hotels are suffering from right now

[@kennedymeow]

$500 a night seems very overpriced! Great video. Your daughter is adorable!!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Kennedy!

[@vincentwesolowski459]

Thank you for your review. 3 for the room and terrace, 1 for the dinner prices, 1 for the room price. $500.00 per night? Whew!

[@YellowProductions]

Yeah. For sure

[@billjones261]

Good review ... thank you Too expensive I think for that INN stay !

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Bill!

[@pdxaviation]

So cool!!!

[@tatjana_autistic]

I think it’s a good hotel. Very basic. Okay for a day or two. But what surprise me is the price. How can it be so expensive? Does thing you listed as cons and that’s not so clean. You know one thing I always look out for at any hotel is if there’s any bugs. That scares me and I can’t relax or sleep if there any bugs at the ceiling or wall or anywhere. Have you had that experience at any hotel that you have stayed in? Overall I think it’s a nice hotel especially with that amazing view over the sky. Thanks for this video. 👍🤗😆

[@MrWutchuneed]

Is that hotel haunted ? The light going on and off by itself at the door 2:58 caught my attention .

[@YellowProductions]

Or just a broken bulb ;)

[@Alvaro-qz6qk]

thanks Chris

[@jodan3125]

For $500 i would expect a suite. Thanks for the review.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Jo!

[@karenfromNH]

Chris, the traveling princess is adorable and growing too fast!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Karen! And she sure is growing fast!

[@muse1188]

Personally my favorite hotel I've ever stayed at beside Hotel Kansas City on Baltimore in KCMO.

[@lisafielder]

Is that a defective light?

[@YellowProductions]

Yes

[@carolineboykins8348]

You really sold me on this hotel🤣. The Traveling Princess looks adorable in her yellow coat. How come OC Girls isn’t in your videos? Is she camera shy?

[@YellowProductions]

Hi Caroline. Ocgirl prefers to be behind the camera. Someone has to hold it! :)

[@janethastings9015]

It’s a concessions run company. That being said, generally it’s minimum wage pay. Those companies don’t treat their employees well, and they’re in all national parks. It’s seasonal work, and always a huge turnover. Pandemic doesn’t help either and summer tourist season is around the corner for most National parks. These places could be great to work for and stay. But they’re only interested in the bottom line. Speaking with experience from working at a PNW national park.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for that perspective Janet

[@pla4825]

Thank you I really appreciate your videos and honest opinion about touring Death Valley 🏜 haven’t been but will go sometime soon 😊

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks p La

[@michaelmcdonald8566]

Chris- we NEED to know- just after the 3 minute mark who in the world is turning the light on and off over and over, and why?

[@YellowProductions]

Hah! Weird flourescent light. It stopped after about an hour

[@sergios.8690]

Hiking for me, is to stay 5 days in mountains, without hotels e restaurants. Probably in an isolated motohoms, i would enjoy.

[@MOAB-UT]

Did not like The Ranch at all. Highly recommend Stove Pipe- great buffet breakfast there too. Sunrise at the mesquite dunes is an epic experience. I regret staying at the Ranch- did so to be more centrally located the next day since we were doing badwater basin and zabriskie point. Forget the food at the Ranch too. Had dinner at the Inn and it was great as was the service - but as you said, pricey. Off season room rates are much cheaper. The garden in the back with all the lights was cool if not a bit long and confusing path. Leading to a small pond...or maybe we were just lost- dead end. The tunnel was cool if not quirky. Would have been nice if it was real rock vs. plaster wall finish made to look like real rocks. Touristy feel. Elevators even at the Inn where rather filthy as you said. They need to do better. I guess that is what happens when there is demand and no competition.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the perspective having stayed at both D G! I guess we made the right pick with the Inn then

[@MOAB-UT]

@@YellowProductions For sure. I wish we had. The Ranch area looks nice at first glance but we were very disappointed. In hindsight, we would have much rather stayed in Stovepipe Wells all nights even with the longer drive. Stovepipe had a great all you can eat buffet breakfast that was only $10. Besides the dunes, did you hike many of the canyons? We did Mosaic, Golden (part of it), Badwater, dunes twice and artist palette. Then we went on to Zion, then lastly Moab.

[@seannotaro473]

Good stuff with the princess....love it! What a cool hotel....who onew!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Sean!

[@Seoulsearch616]

I know this will probably get some flack, but I just stayed at a $99 BW, and even that had housekeeping daily on request. $500 a night and no HK or Kleenex?!? Goodness. I won't be upgrading to that price range anytime soon! 😳

[@YellowProductions]

Hah

[@edvaira6891]

4:37…A very Rare sighting of the elusive “OC Girl”! Hi, OC Girl!!

[@carnerenas]

For that price its better to use it at Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite or something else.

[@BagsByCABYarnTravels]

$500 OMG, Chris!! Loved the review and it seems right on point. Thank you. CAB😊

[@draconian45]

I was ready to book a trip there in Oct or Nov and then I heard the price. Yikes. 😬

[@YellowProductions]

Yeah. It's expensive!

[@karenfromNH]

My sister retired from here after 30 years of employment. She took us for a visit this past December and she barely knew anyone, all new staff. It was nice but not worth the price in my opinion.

[@tripham1982]

That room is haunted. The light behind you is flickering...

[@Phlegethon]

All bathrooms should have windows it’s so weird most places don’t

[@ellevanroamer487]

Can you review The Ranch? I don’t think I can spend that kind of money on a mediocre hotel.

[@YellowProductions]

Hi Elle. Not sure I'll be back in Death Valley anytime soon... probably not in time for your trip at least

[@mimistans7715]

For $500 I would want to stay at a Waldorf Hotel.

[@thevegastouristupdate]

Can we say "spoiled" without saying you are spoiled?? Of course, You will be disappointed if you go to a historical hotel and expect it to match up to a modern-day Hilton hotel. You missed talking about the hotel pool, which is one of its best-loved features. But when looking for the flaws, I can forgive you for that. The Olympic-style pool is naturally fed from a warm spring behind the hotel. The purity of the water beats anything the State of California rules require of a public pool (not chlorinated). The water then leaves the pool and is piped to the ranch hotel pool and golf course. The rooms are "dated" because it's a Historic hotel built in the 1929's. It's as modern as it can get while keeping its historic destination. And that's part of the charm of the hotel. Otherwise, ok review...

[@paulaverace7720]

He did talk about the pool.

[@fredfolson5355]

My wife and I are planning a visit from D.C. to do some stargazing.

[@YellowProductions]

Enjoy it Fred!

[@joits]

That's a King bed? Looks like a Queen to me.

[@YellowProductions]

King bed indeed

[@darrylk808]

$500? Now I know why I've never stayed in Death Valley. 😂

[@YellowProductions]

Hah

[@mimistans7715]

My guess they are short on help and that’s why the areas weren’t very clean.

[@tidusfantasy]

wtf? $500? U can stay at the Ritz-Carlton in LA

[@barco581]

Apples to oranges for sure.

[@caidyc]

Only Americans would take a toddler to an adult vacation spot.

[@phoenixexploration3301.1]

All to most of National Parks are that way. Rustic is part of the expirence.

[@JimWVa-2023]

I have stayed at the Inn five times and the Ranch more than that. Your review is ridiculous. Both facilities are great! The 1920s style and ambiance are part of the charm, the restaurant was very good, and the pool perfect after a day of exploration. The rooms at the Ranch are more modern and have been renovated since I last stayed there six years ago. What are you going to Death Valley National Park for anyway? To hang out in the gift shop? Go back to Las Vegas, you appear incapable of appreciating Death Valley.

[@TobyCostaRica]

I don’t see a $500 room in the video

[@YellowProductions]

I didn't see a $500 room in person

[@stevemeehan4661]

Nice but a LOT of money

[@jjboohoo9641]

It's only about 4x's overpriced. Those are Cali dollars

[@Jesuisderetour87]

Looks haunted…

[@jonnieinbangkok]

TP is a cutie...must take after her mother 😉

[@YellowProductions]

Awwwww :)

[@agma_si1879]

100% understand why they have a hotel in Death Valley~ why make it so green tho in literally one of the hottest places on the earth, especially when the state already has water issues😹 Nevada needs to stop trying to have lawns, accept you live in a desert🤣 Stop using your only water source to grow grass lol

[@william.weir2023]

$500 for that. it,s a no for me❌

[@edvaira6891]

Sorry you guys had such a Meh experience…at least your adorable daughter seemed to be having a nice time

[@soflodoug]

🤣$500 what a joke.