• Amargosa Opera House and Hotel - Death Valley Junction, California

      by
      Peter Thody
      Published on 08-23-2011 12:03 AM
      2 Comments Comments
      hotel
      Photo by Peter Thody
      This famously eccentric oasis of culture in the middle of nowhere has been a labor of love for artist and performer Marta Becket. Over a period of more than 40 years, she has worked to turn what were once Borax Company laundry and mning support buildings into Amargosa Opera House and Hotel. Marta has passed away, but there are new performers every winter.

      If you go:
      This is the ideal place to get breakfast before entering Death Valley; the cafe is open from 7.00 am, seven days a week. Marta painted the murals found in the motel rooms. Visitors beware! The maintenance of the facility is poor, water service is inconsistent and the rates they charge are over-priced. On the plus side, the historic photos in the hotel are great!

      Links:




      State Line Road
      Death Valley Junction, California 92328, USA

      Mailing address:
      P.O. Box 8
      Death Valley Junction, CA 92328 USA

      Phone Numbers:

      Information
      +1 (760 ) 852-4441

      Comments 2 Comments
      1. Mark Sedenquist's Avatar
        Mark Sedenquist - 08-23-2011, 07:07 AM
        Again, it's worth a stop, but I don't recommend anyone spend a night here. Mark
      1. roadie's Avatar
        roadie - 08-23-2011, 10:12 PM
        I took a road trip a few years ago to see Marta Beckett at the Opera House.
        We spent the night at the AOH and it's pretty rustic and a little creepy, but
        that was part of the fun, you have to temper your expectations.

        After a certain time it seems like everyone goes home and it's only the guests
        at the hotel.

        The Opera House is pretty much the whole town. There are several buildings
        in town, and only a few are occupied. Half of the hotel is unoccupied and in
        a semi abandoned state.

        I have admiration for a dreamer like Marta Beckett to build something amazing
        in such a desolate location, so in my opinion, it's a great place to visit.

        Pictures from my roadtrip.