My husband and I are spending two days at Furnace Creek Ranch in the beginning of December. Are Cabin rooms OK - size doesn't really matter as long as they are clean. What kind of weather can we expect at that time of year? Too cool for swimming? I know it won't be 120 degrees. Can anyone recommend best sights to see without too much hiking.

I believe the Furnace Creek Ranch is a Fred Harvey property and so offers many amenities, including golf and tours etc. If I'm correct, you want to make sure you're staying in the motel/hotel building and not in the cabins which are pretty minimal and not AAA approved. Weather should be good at that time of year. While we've never been, we've been advised by those in the know that the "season" starts at the beginning of November and continues until early April. Actually, the nights should be quite cool in the desert. Days should be very pleasant--would guess about 80. Bring lots of moisterizer and sunscreen even in the winter as the air is super dry.

We loved Death Valley! It was a delightful experience in November. Lots of nearby trails and sand dunes to explore. DON"T MISS the Amorgosa Hotel and Opera House - Marta Becket's show was a delight in Death Valley Junction.
Furnace Creek Inn looked nice although we stayed at Stovepipe Village with a view of the dunes.
Be sure you have a cooler with water and food in your car.

Scotty's Castle! A must see in Death Valley. Also take the scenic drive that stops at all the points of interest. Give yourself plenty of time- DV is HUGE. Armagosa's Opera house was interesting, however, I wouldn't recommend it for an overnight stay.- But then again I'm a hotel snob.
P.S The buffet at Furnace Creek was FABULOUS!- And I'm a food snob too!

Don't miss hiking in Golden Canyon and wandering about the sand dunes. At Badwater, you can head out onto the salt flat for a long ways - just remember to keep an eye on the "sea level" sign on the mountain so you can find your way back to the car. Weather should be dry and gorgeous. Could be 80 during the day if you are lucky. The view from Zabriskie point is lovely and you can hike DOWN into Golden Canyon.