Peter Hastings

Review of Stovepipe Wells Village

Stovepipe Wells was our stopover during a two day ...

Stovepipe Wells was our stopover during a two day drive through Death Valley. We stayed in the Panamint block and the room was a good size for a one-nighter, and perfectly clean despite some previous reviews. Bathroom was also good, with dispensers of locally sourced and manufactured shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and lotion. The beds were comfortable, and the air conditioning worked fine as well. The Television worked fine with a good collection of channels, but remember this motel is in the middle of nowhere and they rely on satellite links for telecommunications. That means the free wifi is very slow. The motel manage your expectations on this, but you are talking a quick check of emails only. If you are on a long trek and booking hotels day by day, remember you will find it difficult browsing tripadvisor from Stovepipe Wells. The Panamint block is on the edge of the village complex and looks out on to the car park which after a few yards plunges into pitch black at night and gives you the opportunity to see the Death Valley starscape at its best.

The complex itself has good long opening hours and consists of a bar, restaurant, gift shop and general store, all of which are well equipped. We had dinner and breakfast in the restaurant. The breakfast buffet is really well stocked and prepped us for the next leg of the journey, while the dinner was really good. The crispy chicken salad fills you up and rehydrates you after a day in the desert. Also, their selection of wines and beers beats some city centre establishments!

The voucher for a fee bag of ice is useful for those travelling in RVs.

The outdoor swimming pool was also very good with ample size and not too much chlorine and perfectly swimmable in November. Open until midnight, you can swim under the stars, as long as you don't mind the growing number of bugs flying around your head!

The staff were really helpful, patient when I forgot my car's license number (again!) and even helping people out with finding alternative accommodation when they are full up. This goes for the reception, restaurant and the general store.