DEATH VALLEY’S FURNACE CREEK INN BECKONING FEWER VISITORS THIS FALL AND WINTER – AT LEAST SO FAR
Source: Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort
Jun 23, 2009 - 9:19:21 AM
|
|
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, June 22, 2009 – Last year at this time, the luxurious Furnace Creek Inn in Death Valley National Park was already sold out on many days in late October and early November, but this year there are fewer sold-out days during that timeframe. The resort is experiencing the same trend as many hotels nationwide – a considerably shorter booking window. And that is good news for travelers because they have a better chance of finding rooms in high-demand properties like the Inn than they have had in many years.
“Economic concerns have prompted travelers to wait longer than usual to finalize their vacation plans,” said Phil Dickinson, director of sales and marketing for the Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort. “Although we expect our occupancy to ultimately be on par with previous years, there is still plenty of room at the Inn right now.” The 66-room inn is typically sold out on many days between late October and March, said Dickinson.
Concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts, has seen the same trend at properties in other national parks, including Yellowstone, Zion and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Although visitors can book rooms up to 13 months in advance in those locations, few are doing so this year. And that is a huge departure from travel patterns at national park lodges just a few years ago.
“It used to be quite common for travelers to book their national park vacations a year in advance of their travel so they could be sure to get their pick of rooms, particularly at smaller, high-demand lodges like the Furnace Creek Inn,” said Dickinson. “At least this year, that pattern has turned upside down.”
Fall and early winter is a particularly popular time to visit the desert property because the temperatures are relatively mild. The Furnace Creek Inn reopens on Oct. 9 after a summer hiatus. The historic inn closes for the season in mid-May. The Furnace Creek Ranch is open year-round.
In addition to the Furnace Creek Inn, Xanterra operates the 224-room Furnace Creek Ranch, 83-room Stovepipe Wells Village, 18-hole Furnace Creek Golf Course, three restaurants, a saloon, general store, two spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, conference and banquet facilities, a 3,000-foot airstrip, the Borax Museum and a service station. For more information about facilities in Death Valley National Park or to make reservations at in-park lodges, call toll free at 1-800-236-7916 or 1-303-297-2757 or go to www.furnacecreekresort.com
| Additional News from Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort |
|
| SinCity-247 News: |
[an error occurred while processing this directive] |
|
| Entertainment Calendar: |
[an error occurred while processing this directive] |
|
