BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

I just returned from a week in Death Valley.

This is just a heads up for those who might be contemplating a trip to Death Valley during the 2017-2018 season. Furnace Creek Ranch has been renamed to the Oasis at Furnace Creek, and ..

...as of the date of this post (11-24-2017) the only food service available at the Oasis is the 19th hole (burgers and such) and very poor suggestion of a cafeteria. This is all temporary as all the old building have been raised for rebuilding and addition of more expensive guest Casitas.

The food in the cafeteria is poor at best. Some foods are precooked and then simply reheated. The salad bar is marginal but at least the goods appeared fresh.

For one, I have cancelled an additional two week trip for later in the season due to this.

Note: Stovepipe Wells is not affected by this due to different ownership.

Also note that gasoline is $1.00 per gallon more at the Oasis at Furnace Creek than at Stovepipe Wells.

All in all, Death Valley remains a spectacular destination, it is just that the amenities are temporarily lacking. Better planning by Xanterra would have meant a different experience.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Did I read your post correctly: "all the old buildings have been raised". You mean they leveled the old hotel? WOW!

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

I am talking of the Ranch on the valley floor. The hotel tucked up against the mountains at the junction of Hwy 160 and Badwater Road is however closed temporarily for what is reported to be a complete interior makeover. I expect (but have no specifics) the prices will rise substantially when it does reopen.

The all in the OP referred to the store, cafe, and steak house. A bit all inclusive I admit.

Also, I spoke with Xanterra and the new Date Palm Cafe (the place I ranted about) is not temporary but is the new food service venue at the Oasis. The old diner and the steak house are gone for good to make room for the casitas.

The deluxe rooms and the two story motels rooms at the back are still there and untouched.

I suspect this is good for Stovepipe Wells as they still have good food although their rooms are a bit dated.

Also we had to traved from the Oasis to Stovepipe to have a room to meet in.

HTH

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Yeh, you had me going there for a moment. I went on-line and looked at the plans for the "INN" (vs. ranch). Apparently the structures at the INN will remain with the addition of Casitas. I just could not imagine anyone taking out the "INN". Thanks for the clarification!

RainierView Loc: Eatonville, WA

You said '...as of the date of this quote 11-24-2017'. Isn't today 11-22-2017, or did I miss something? Typo? Anyway, we go thru Death Valley from Lone Pine heading to Vegas every year for the NFR. Always stop in Furnace Creek for lunch. The food at 'The Inn' at Furnace Creek wasn't worth the price, but in an awesome setting. Enjoyed walking around the complex. For a cheaper quick lunch we stop in the little 49er café by the gift shop just past the arch. Food is OK, but not like it was 10 years ago. They do have good draft beer. Never tried eating at Stovepipe Wells, will have to try eating there. Thanks.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Typo on the date. Sorry!

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

One of my favorite places. Spring of 2016 when I was last there--great for wildflowers--Stovepipe Wells service was horrible and indifferent at best. Better food and service at Furnace Creek. Cabins were better too. Different owner/contractors makes a difference. Apparently, however, things have changed. Hoping that it will get better. Maybe in time for this spring's wildflowers.

Aside from that, the dead of winter is also a great time to visit DV. The skies are spectacular and you don't have all the city light pollution.

BBurns Loc: South Bay, California

We do Death Valley almost every year. Missed it this year. Flowers in 2016 were exceptional. We usually stay in Death Valley Junction as it is much cheaper. However it is very basic with minimal amenities and no gas.
From there it is 30 miles to Furnace Creek or 30 miles to Pahrump, NV. Gas in Pahrump is significantly cheaper than in California and there are many good places to eat. Mom's Diner has excellent breakfasts.
It is also about 30 miles south to Shoshone, CA. There is food and gas there. From there you are right at the junction of 178 which is the south entrance to the park.
We always go up to Dante's View. Many flower on this road and a gread vista at the top.

Death Valley-2015 - Dantes View Pan-NW

(Download)

RainierView Loc: Eatonville, WA

LOL, I have many typos.

We also go thru Death Valley every year in mid to late February and we saw the wildflowers in 2016. It was spectacular.

For over 10 years we've been going to events in Vegas and Scottsdale from Washington state and take the scenic route thru DV there and back. Every time. Always look for new hiking trails. Love stopping at the top of the canyon and looking down at the F-18s flying thru. I don't know how to add a photo to this or I'd add one.