Amargosa Opera House
Motel in Death Valley, CA
1 king bed
Reasons to book
Well priced for this locationProperty prices in this area are generally higher
Includes essentialsKitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner, Internet / Wifi and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this motel
Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Death Valley National Park
This motel features a microwave in a common area, a refrigerator in a common area, and tour/ticket assistance. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a picnic area and gift shops/newsstands.
Amargosa Opera House offers 18 accommodations with air conditioning. This Death Valley motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is provided daily.
This motel features a microwave in a common area, a refrigerator in a common area, and tour/ticket assistance. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a picnic area and gift shops/newsstands.
Amargosa Opera House offers 18 accommodations with air conditioning. This Death Valley motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Map of Death Valley, CA
Available Rooms
Standard Room, 1 King Bed
1 King
Sleeps 3
You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing
Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed
1 Queen
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing
Standard Room, 2 Double Beds
2 Double
Sleeps 5
+
You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed
1 King
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing
Classic Room, 1 King Bed
1 King
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing
$$$$
Reviews
5.0
Really great opportunity to stay in a historic building and to learn about a beautiful life. As they state plainly on their website, staying here is a rustic experience--there are exposed pipes, no TV (although there is wifi), and parts of the hotel have a funny smell. But it is a 100+ year old building that has endured many punishing desert summers and cold winters. It is not the Ritz-Carlton--don't come here if that's what you're after. However, my fiancee and I felt enriched learning the story of Marta Beckett and having a tour of the old opera house. Her life is inspiring, as described in the 2000 movie "Amargosa". We intend to return and we would recommend the hotel to anyone adventurous enough to sacrifice a little on amenities in order to have a truly unique experience.
3.0
Luck on Service
3.0
We stayed here about 15 years ago when Marta was alive and performing. It was a unique and quirky experience we still talk about. However, Marta has passed, and as a hotel, the Amargosa has had some problems including flood damage. The plumbing, as noted on many signs, is 100+ years old, but the fixtures are also old. Our shower could only give hot or cold water - not warm, because it was a split tap and no shower wand. I ended up not being able to wash my hair and ran a partial bath instead. But it was time-consuming and rather unpleasant. The bed was very comfortable and they had a new A/C unit which did a great job. The staff was friendly and the common areas had amenities like microwave and toaster so that we were able to have a late supper. Overall, I suspect it will take a lot more money to repair and keep the Amargosa going than to create a replica. If you're young and want a fun story to tell about your adventures, stay here. But if you need more safety and comfort features, this may not be your best option.
4.0
We were warmly welcomed when we arrived and given keys and directions to our room. The good bits were that there was a direct door outside that could only be opened from the room but this was useful for getting luggage in and out. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. The facilities in the main area of the building were great with a fridge/freezer, a microwave, lovely cold or hot water for drinking and there were also books to read or dvd's to watch if you so wished. The bad bit was that there was a warning about the plumbing being old but our noses picked this up immediately in not only our bathroom but in the corridor too. It was such a shame as the location was perfect for exploring Death Valley without the huge prices of Furnace Creek. If the plumbing odours could be fixed then I would definitely recommend this quirky place to stay.
1.0
The very poor condition of the property, the smell like feces, and the gutter open, no proper drainage system
8.0
For a quick night to stay as a spot to kick off your trip into Death Valley, good value for money.
2.0
The hotel provides only the basics: clean linen, comfortable beds and functioning hot-cold water supply. It charges a price that is about 50% higher than similar grade motels. The building and its environment give people a derelict impression. At first sight I was very unhappy about my choice and the info provided by Hotels.com However after knowing a little bit about the place I come to realize that we are in fact residing in a real ghost town (not just visits to touristic ghost towns). Moreover by staying there we contribute to the conservation work of the 100-year old building which otherwse would get no funding. With this thought in mind, we thought that the 50% more that we paid are good value for money. Afterall visitors to the tough Death Valley should be ready to endure some inconvenience.
3.0
People who stay should know this is an old creeky hotel with little features. No in-room coffee, no TV, no fridge, etc. Musty and dusty. Wall A/C is noisy. There is WiFi thank gawd. Bare bones place just outside of Death Valley. Pet friendly.
6.0
A little run down, and a little creepy at night that’s what made it kind of fun and different. Room was comfortable, and it worked for the need
8.0
This is a great old property with a great staff. History buffs will love it. Just a little more TLC would make it perfect.
10.0
Amazing historical hotel!
10.0
Loved the staff and welcoming energy!
10.0
Our stay here was such an adventure. If you love history and the desert, make sure you stay a night here! Yes, the building is super old and not the most updated, but the rooms, beds, and towels were clean and comfortable. We were literally the only people in the entire hotel that night (which was a little spooky but so fun) & we loved wandering around the halls, checking out the murals and artefacts all throughout the building. If you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay on your way into/out of Death Valley this place is perfect! It’s in a bit of a ghost town, so keep that in mind. It was the perfect resting place for the night for us though! Absolutely loved staying here and the staff was so kind. I just wish we would’ve had more time to do the tour and check out the actual opera house!
8.0
This is my 5th time visiting and staying here. It's a run down hotel in the middle of nowhere, but it always feels so peaceful and calm. I just love it. I took the tour again for the 5th time and this one was the best ever! The woman giving the tour had recently moved from Vegas and ended up giving the best tour I've ever had there. It was a wonderful experience and I slept very, very well. I will definitely return when I can.
2.0
The building's hallway smells and has various stains and bugs. It feels truly in the middle of nowhere.
8.0
It’s a hundred year old hotel that is slowly dying. It’s in constant repair. The draw is the history and the beautiful opera house. Marta Becket created wonderful murals thru out the hotel and the whole opera house. A piece of history that needs to be kept.
10.0
Fantastic history and staff. Magical location.
5.0
Very interesting. Rustic but very comfortable. Hope to be back.
2.0
Terrible smell. Plumbing barely worked. Doors didn’t lock. Tiles in bathroom coming up. Restaurant only open 3 days a week. Staff were very nice though. Place has potential if cleaned up, and redone properly.
3.0
Defiantly a Historic room. The building smelt Historic too. Staff was super nice though.
4.0
Not feeling it
6.0
The overall things were okay for a Motel but seing a roach in the room was a bit hard
8.0
Slice of history. Unique beauty. Faded glory. Ghost town ambience.
2.0
No TV, Flaking paint. Room door handle fell apart (I fixed). Motel in general state of disrepair. Smell of sewage in hallway. Would never stay again. Could have stayed at a place nearby with tv and without all the above problems for similar price. Also, website mentions a dining counter. Was told it was shut down in 2021. Still mentioned in website. Parking a mess.
6.0
It’s a historic hotel. Very old and damaged. But still, I liked it for its historical atmosphere.
8.0
Complete tranquility at the crossroads outside Death Valley. Very rustic (old plumbing, no TV, etc) so know what you're getting into. But it's run by a non-profit and the staff are very nice. Would be great if the cafe opened up again. I would have been happy to linger there longer.
5.0
For being more than 100 years old it was good.
The tour of the opera house was superb. Good presentation and a well prepared talk.
8.0
Historic with a great backstory about the owner. Must do tour to appreciate property more.
3.0
As a hotel, the Amargosa is a fine museum. I stayed there mainly to learn about its history, and I'm glad I did. But the guest rooms are small and plain, it takes 15 minutes to get hot water and the hallway is filled with peculiar smells. Again, I understand it's an historic property and I don't mean to complain, but the conditions are what they are.
2.0
This property is dirty and weathered. Room 3- smoke alarm has been removed. Tiles in
bathroom flooring missing, window above shower cracked. Have
to run water for 15 to
20 minutes for hot
water to shower. Staff leaves prior to their end
of trip. No cafe. They need to update their webpage.
3.0
The hotel is worn down, but they staff is trying to keep it going and we found it quiet and peaceful. Just a bit rugged, but considering it's in the middle of the 'high desert' it serves a practical and peaceful respite.
2.0
Peeling paint everywhere, inside and out. It took several minutes to get any hot water, then it could suddenly get too hot. Nauseating stench of sewage in hallways and rooms.
This was once a nice property that has been on hard times for a while. It should not continue to try to attract guests until it has been renovated, if that is financially feasible. Having foreign tourists end up here is embarrassing
4.0
I'd go back just because it's so different. Very authentic desert vibes because all of the town and half of the hotel are in ruins. No TV - they have a small library and museum instead. The website says to watch out for scorpions and such. The plumbing is really old and tricky to use. Tip for the shower: left (hot) all the way on, wait forever for it, open cold and close hot to just barely cracked.
I spent a lot of time walking around the town and also went out to the graveyard there. They do tours of the opera house twice a day for $15 - I'd imagine it would be cool to do the 6pm tour in midwinter when it's dark out. The place is also supposed to be haunted and definitely feels that way. I had a room by myself and didn't see anything though.
Highly recommend nearby Ash Meadows wildlife refuge. Check out their visitor center.
Note the cafe is closed for good post-covid. No breakfast in the hotel, only coffee, advise bring your own creamer; they have one fridge and a microwave. Bring your own food or else drive 30 min to Shoshone or 10 min to Long Street casino.
The hotel is run by a small nonprofit and they seem to be struggling to maintain it. It was also damaged by recent flooding. Expect lots of dust, rust, peeling paint and weird smells. They do apparently take donations on their website.
Overall I liked it, just do NOT expect a normal hotel experience here.
4.0
My family made quite a few memories with our three night stay at Amargosa. My kiddo enjoyed looking for ghosts. It's relatively close to Death Valley, and there's a few places within a half hour drive to get food/decent priced gas.
That said, Amargosa Hotel is not for anyone with a strong sense of smell or anyone looking for amenities. If you're just looking for a bed near Death Valley (in a maybe haunted hotel) and some friendly front desk folks for a night, this is the hotel for you.
No TVs in the rooms, there is no food/drinks available there except coffee in the mornings, half the hotel is boarded up with no access, the tiles and carpets are falling apart, the cafe closed down with COVID, the paint is peeling from the exterior, the water is either boiling hot or quite cold, and there is a constant incredibly strong smell of sewage throughout, including in our room.
We had a decent time here but would not return because of the pungent, terrible smell.
4.0
ll
6.0
Budget motel, not much more to say.
4.0
This property is in great need of a major renovation. The plumbing is terrible - our sink was so slow to drain that we were afraid to even wash our faces because of overflow.
The coffee machine in the common areas was broken. I could go on and on about all the things that need to be repaired. Overall, this was a very disappointing stay.
5.0
You don't visit the Amargosa hotel for the amenities. You visit for the experience, the history, and quirkiness. If you're looking for something "nice" then this is not for you. If you're afraid of bugs/crawly things (roaches, spiders, solfugids, scorpions etc.) then skip it. If you're interested in quirky, remote historic (ghost?) towns and you're not concerned about some peeling paint, cracked sidewalks, and can tolerate the smell for short time you are in the in the lobby and hall, then this is an awesome place to spend some time. It absolutely needs some work but I would eagerly stay there again without question.
Pros:
Clean
Comfortable beds
Extremely friendly staff
Quiet
Interesting history
Apparently haunted, if your into that.
Cons:
Very run down (but it's 100 yrs old!}
Lobby and hall stink
Thin walls
Hot water takes 15 to heat up
Apparently haunted, if you're not into that
4.0
I hate to be negative, but the poor sad hotel has seen better days. No amenities exist, in spite of the existence of an onsite cafe advertised in the listing. The hallway smelled of old sewage to a degree that was really intolerable. Plumbing is ancient, ok, but hot water is barely functional. Nothing else is open in Death Valley Junction so nowhere to get anything at all. The historic value of the property and its beautiful murals, old buildings, is sadly being eroded. Wish it could all be restored and updated as it is well worth saving. Staff were perfectly fine and we felt sorry for them. Beds and room were clean, but the odor from the corridor seeped in.
2.0
We arrived finding no cars in the parking lot and no sign the property was even open. Paint flaking off the exterior, damaged walkways, sandbags, and dirt parking lot gave the appearance of an abandoned property. Thinking I was in the wrong place, I called and was assured we were at the right place.
We entered and were immediately struck by an unpleasant odor and more indications that the property was undergoing distress. Signs of prior, possibly recent flooding were evident. The clerk was very business like, notunpleasant but not pleasant either. Had we an alternative lodging we would have left. We didn't have high requirements for lodging since it was just the two of us guys on a trip where we would be spending no time other than sleeping at the hotel so we elected to stay; had our wives been with us,it would have been "Oh hell no".
Our room was clean and the bed was decent. Through some magic the hallway odor was mitigated in the room thankfully. Furnishings were mismatched and appeared to have come from a thrift store. No television and we thought no internet but learned from another guest that there was wifi but soon discovered it didn't carry much bandwidth. We had been advised by the clerk that the hot water needed to run for 15 minutes before getting hot due to the age of the pipes. This turned out to be true and it was extremely difficult to balance the hot and cold. Doubt this facility could pass an inspection. Won't come back.
FAQs
How much does this motel cost compared to others in Death Valley?
The average price for a rental in Death Valley is $113 per night. This rental is $13 above the average.
Is parking included with this motel?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Amargosa Opera House. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this motel?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this motel. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Amargosa Opera House pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this motel is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Amargosa Opera House?
We found 4 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.
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