Dip into the grandest swimming pool in Death Valley – Los Angeles Times

Why: Because it's wet and it's not a mirage. In the middle of Death Valley, that's enough.

What: From the 1920s until recently, this place was known as the Inn at Furnace Creek and its pool (fed by underwater springs) was the most glamorous body of water for miles around. It was the fanciest lodging in Death Valley National Park, but it would close down in summer because the valleygets so beastly hot. In June,however, managementannounced a $50-million facelift and name change: The Furnace Creek Resort area (which includes the 66-room inn and a more casual224-room "ranch") is getting a big upgradeand a new set of names.

Beginning this summer, the area will collectively be called the Oasis at Death Valley.The inn with this fancy pool (formerlythe Inn at Furnace Creek) is nowThe Inn at Death Valley. It'sclosed for the summer and will reopen Nov. 2 as a year-round lodging.The moreaffordableFurnace Creek Ranch (which also has a pool) is nowthe Ranch at Death Valley. It remains open through the summer, though parts will close as renovations go on.

Thisdoesn't necessarily mean you should go now. It means you should know now. Go when you will be comfortable -- and when the hoteliers can promise you won't be bothered by renovation work.

Where: The Oasis at Death Valley (a.k.a Furnace CreekResort) is 289 miles northeast of downtown L.A.

How much: Checking the first weekend inApril 2018, I found prices (before taxes and resort fees) starting at $409to $528a night at the inn and $239 to $259 at the ranch.

Info: The Oasis at Death Valley

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Dip into the grandest swimming pool in Death Valley - Los Angeles Times