Amargosa Opera House & Hotel

Best value hotel room for a family of 4 anywhere near Death Valley National Park. Delightfully unique old hotel with both historical and theatrical murals, old ballet photos on display, spacious common room and dining room, a small library of books, helpful staff, and a full-size fridge and freezer guests can use. We followed the directions to let the hot water drip in the shower for 15 minutes before using it, and then had plenty of hot water for all 4 of us to shower. We would love to stay here again!

Just for the experience you have to stop and sleep here. This is a very old building in need of a LOT OF money to be put back into its former glory. The history of this place is rich. The original paintings are fantastic and the opera house is a beauty. If you believe in ghosts and spirits this makes the experience even grander. Connie was great in showing us around and was very keen to have a positive impact on improving the building. There are no shops/restaurants around so get your own food and use the communal tables, fridge and microwave to eat. The bedroom and bathroom were clean and you could tell with a big refurbishment they would look stunning (with some original feature). There are plenty of free parking spaces and this is next door to the Death Valley so a perfect visit at this time of the year!

Very interesting place with an interesting history! You can feel the age of the building, and even so it's moderately well maintained. Beds were very comfortable. We arrived late but even so we received a message with all the necessary info and the keys were waiting for us in the late arrivals box as expected. Free coffee was available 24h which was unexpected.

The ambience is unique, even charmingly bizarre, a throwback to the aspirational culture of the old west. Ghosts of opera within 35 minutes of the most remote desert national park? I enjoyed the tour of the old theater, with its remarkably fresh -looking curtains and whimsical murals. The hotel itself is rich in historical paintings and photographs and other archival materials. The staff were friendly and helpful after I was initially rebuffed having joined the tour later than 6pm. Food is available 15 minutes up the road at a casino.

First and last, the price. We wanted to spend a few days in Death Valley but the prices in the park are astronomical for little more than a Motel 6 room, and food prices there are 2-3 times higher than normal. Amargosa was around $100 a night, and the location, a half hour drive from the sightseeing center of Furnace Creek, was quite convenient, esp. since the drive to Furnace Creek passed two of the top sights, Dante's View and Zabriskie Point. Also, Amargosa itself is a tourist sight--you pay $10 for a tour of the opera house and learn the amazing story of Marta Becket who spent 50 years there putting on shows. The walls of the hotel and opera house were all painted by Marta, and the scenes are wonderful. We also liked (and needed) the microwave and large fridge provided, since the hotel serves no food and you have to bring your own. The nearest restaurant is at a casino 7 miles away, and that can get quite crowded.