New Wheelchair-Accessible Casitas at Historic Death Valley Property
Formerly known as Furnace Creek Resort, the rebranded Oasis at Death Valley underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2018. At that time, many facets of the Inn at Death Valley and the Ranch at Death Valley received upgrades and additions. One of the most impressive components of the project was the addition of 22 new casitas to the Inn at Death Valley. And the good news is, two of the new units are wheelchair-accessible, so wheelchair-users and slow walkers can also enjoy the luxury and privacy of these new additions.
The Historic Inn
Nestled into the mountainside, the historic Inn at Death Valley (www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/lodging/the-inn-at-death-valley/) offers a commanding desert view framed by the towering Panamint Mountains. And although the property dates back to 1927, today this modern AAA Four Diamond inn exudes an aura of casual elegance and combines the best of both worlds — the rugged old west and the modern 21st century. The newly renovated version features more green space, fewer cement areas and a new planted grove of date palms. It’s a verdant, relaxing and wheelchair-accessible place to spend a few nights,
Although steps grace the front entrance of the property, there’s elevator access up to the lobby on the side of the building, just around the corner from the valet stand. There’s also accessible parking behind the building, with level access through the tunnel to an elevator.
There’s barrier-free access throughout the third-floor lobby, and excellent views of the surrounding desert from just about anywhere on this floor. Accessible restrooms are located near the registration desk, and there’s good pathway access to the historic lobby library, which is filled with comfortable furniture.
Additionally, there’s good wheelchair access to the public areas of the inn, including the restaurant, bar and the new library. Even if you don’t stay at the property, stop in for a bite to eat or a drink, and enjoy the expansive view of the lush grounds, towering palms and the desert in the distance.
Comfortable Casitas
The new casitas (www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/lodging/inn-casitas/) are located a short drive away from the main lobby; however casita guests are issued their own golf carts at check-in. If a guest is unable to drive a golf cart, valet service to and from the casita is available.
Casita 501 is a wheelchair-accessible casita. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles and excellent pathway access. The casita includes a living area that’s furnished with a 13-inch high sleeper sofa, a desk with a chair, an easy chair and a chest of drawers. Around the corner there’s a wet bar with a refrigerator and a microwave. There’s also level access out to the spacious patio which borders an expansive lawn area. The patio includes a table with chairs, but there’s still plenty of room for a wheelchair.
The bedroom is furnished with two 22-inch high queen-sized beds with an access aisle between them, a chest of drawers and a night stand. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench located close to the shower controls. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated), and the bathroom also includes a roll-under sink.
This casita adjoins another accessible casita that has the same basic access features, but it’s furnished with a king-sized bed. The accessible casitas are also located near the lift-equipped swimming pool; however there’s also an accessible parking place in front of the pool if you’d prefer to drive. These new casitas are the most accessible and luxurious accommodations in the national park, so spend a night or two in one on your next Death Valley (www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm) visit.
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