I may be visiting the SW during the first 2 weeks of April, visiting Death Valley the for 3 days or so.

Can anyone advise me what options are available for lodging in and around Death Valley?

We stayed at Furnace Creek Ranch around May 2003, and it was..... ok. It was clean and cheap. Let's face it, it was a converted military lodge or something, so not exactly the Ritz. But, the pool was great - didn't need to be heated.

If you want luxury, and you're willing to pay for it - then go for the Furnace Creek Inn. Those are the nice accommodations but could probably run $300+ a night.

I think the Ranch was only $100+ a night.

Have fun! Drink lots of water and be prepared for lots of German and French tourists - I think our menu at the steakhouse at the Ranch was also in English, German & French. Pretty interesting.

Sounds OK. Do you think the pool will be warm enough for swimming in early April?

Most definitely! When we were there we enjoyed the non-heated pool at 10pm and it was divine! No clouds in the skies - just the stars and you could just sit in the water... Also, in April you'll probably have less families who would normally vacation during the summer.

Oh - here's the website: www.furnacecreekresort.com

Thanks. I'll check the website.

Are the two accommodations at Furnace Creek the only two in the park?