Amargosa Opera House
A historic desert gem where art, history, and a touch of the paranormal converge in a hand-painted opera house and hotel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the painted audience
Amargosa Opera House
Best Time
See the painted audience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic desert gem where art, history, and a touch of the paranormal converge in a hand-painted opera house and hotel.
"This place is simply incredible: a living, breathing work of art."
📸 Capture the Artistry
Take plenty of photos! The hand-painted details are incredible and unique.
🚶♀️ Join the Opera House Tour
A short, informative tour reveals the history and Marta Becket's vision.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Marta Becket's Painted Opera House
Opera House
A breathtaking, hand-painted interior by artist Marta Becket, creating an audience where none existed.
The Amargosa Hotel Rooms
Hotel
Each room is a unique work of art, hand-painted by Marta Becket, offering a glimpse into her creative world.
The 'Spooky Hollow' Section
Hotel (abandoned portion)
Explore the sealed-off, original 1900s sections of the hotel, rumored to hold paranormal activity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Artistry and History
Manage Expectations for a Unique Stay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Artistry
Take plenty of photos! The hand-painted details are incredible and unique.
🚶♀️ Join the Opera House Tour
A short, informative tour reveals the history and Marta Becket's vision.
🚗 Arrive Early for Best Views
Arrive by 9 a.m. to see the painted audience in the opera house.
🤫 Respect the Quiet
It's a place for relaxation and art appreciation, not loud entertainment.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Artistry
Take plenty of photos! The hand-painted details are incredible and unique.
🚶♀️ Join the Opera House Tour
A short, informative tour reveals the history and Marta Becket's vision.
🚗 Arrive Early for Best Views
Arrive by 9 a.m. to see the painted audience in the opera house.
🤫 Respect the Quiet
It's a place for relaxation and art appreciation, not loud entertainment.
💰 Support the Non-Profit
Your stay and tour fees help preserve this historic gem. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Amargosa Opera House's unique artistic vision and rich history, calling it an authentic, unforgettable experience. While not a luxury stay, its charm lies in its hand-painted interiors and the dedication to preserving Marta Becket's legacy. Some note the lack of modern amenities and the building's age, but most agree it's a worthwhile stop for its sheer uniqueness and support for a non-profit cause.
"We stayed across the street in our RV ($10/night paid to the hotel) so can’t rate the rooms. We spent the day at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge then took the 6 pm tour of the Amargosa Opera House. What a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. If you hadn’t heard about it you would just drive by thinking the building was abandoned. Great day!!!"
Kathleen Christopherson
"Daughter and I stayed for a couple of nights to have a central location in and around Death Valley to sleep and shower.
Place has a lot of charm. Keep in mind it is old and kept in pretty original condition. The unlimited free ice and free coffee was a bonus. Very quiet but people do come and go at all hours.
Building is old. Painted walls are very cool. Beds were comfortable. Had plenty of hot water. Park right in front of your room which is nice. Wireless was very weak where our rooms were which were the furthest from the office. I assume if you are close to the office you will have a better signal.
Location is excellent. We were able to hit all of the DV standards and quite a few not so well known ones. Central to all of the towns. Casino down the street that had solid breakfast and lunch.
Tammy was awesome. She normally gives the tours but with the recent flood the opera house was not open. Next time.
All in all a great place to stay if you are seeing the sights and hiking the hikes in Death Valley."
Bill Smith
"An amazing place if you're into truly authentic experiences. No TV, and the AC was noisy, but you get beautiful art on the walls and get to experience history firsthand. Definitely not a motel for truckers. Bigger rooms are pricey ($160), but this is a small business and your money goes to a good cause."
ethaniel 1
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Amargosa Opera House is about a 90-minute drive from Las Vegas, Nevada, deep in Death Valley. It's located in Death Valley Junction, California, near the Nevada border. The drive itself is scenic, offering a taste of the desert landscape.
Public transport options are extremely limited to non-existent for reaching the Amargosa Opera House. It's best to have your own vehicle for this remote desert location.
The most common route is via US-95 South from Las Vegas, then taking CA-127 South towards Death Valley Junction. 
Yes, the Amargosa Opera House is close to the east entrance of Death Valley National Park, making it a great stop for visitors exploring the park. Tacopa Hot Springs is also a nearby option.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and ensure your car has a full tank of gas, as services are scarce in the desert.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While you can visit the grounds and hotel, a tour of the opera house is highly recommended. Tours are typically offered once a day, and you can inquire at the reception area for times and availability.
The opera house is open year-round, but specific tour times can vary. It's best to check with the reception upon arrival for the daily schedule.
Room prices can vary, with larger rooms being pricier. Expect around $160 for bigger rooms, but remember this supports a small business and a good cause.
While specific booking platforms aren't always highlighted, it's advisable to contact the hotel directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date booking information.
Many visitors and creators report a strong sense of history and 'spirits' in the hotel, with some sections sealed off since the early 1900s.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are admiring Marta Becket's hand-painted art in the opera house and hotel rooms, taking a tour, and experiencing the unique desert ambiance.
Many visitors opt for an overnight stay to fully immerse themselves in the experience and explore the hotel and opera house. A few hours is sufficient for a tour and photos if you're just passing through.
No, the Amargosa Hotel does not typically offer amenities like pools or TVs. It focuses on providing an authentic, art-centric experience.
'Spooky Hollow' refers to the abandoned, sealed-off portion of the hotel that remains unchanged from the early 1900s, often associated with paranormal stories.
While not a full-service restaurant, there is often a cafe or dining area available. It's wise to check current offerings upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire opera house interior, with its hand-painted audience, is a prime photo spot.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the unique artistry. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules posted.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be respectful of the space and any private areas.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expanse of the opera house. Good low-light capabilities are beneficial for interior shots.
The Spanish Colonial-style architecture of the complex itself offers interesting photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The opera house tour provides a brief, engaging history lesson about the artist and the town's past. 👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
+2 The hotel's history as an old mining town building, coupled with its preserved, untouched sections like 'Spooky Hollow,' fuels numerous ghost stories and paranormal claims. +1 Many visitors report feeling a strong presence or experiencing unusual phenomena. The unique atmosphere, combined with the rich history, creates an environment ripe for exploration and speculation. 🎨 Art & History Buffs
+2 Explore the opera house to witness her incredible hand-painted frescoes and wander through the hotel rooms, each a testament to her unique vision. The guided tours offer deep insights into her life and the town's fascinating past, making it an enriching experience for anyone interested in artistic legacies and historical preservation. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Marta Becket
+1 She purchased the property and embarked on a monumental personal project: single-handedly painting the interior of the opera house, including a vibrant, permanent audience on the walls. For decades, she performed one-woman shows in this unique space, creating a living work of art that continues to inspire. Her legacy is now stewarded by a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving her vision. Becket's passion extended beyond the opera house. She also renovated the adjacent hotel, with each room becoming a canvas for her distinctive artistic style.
Visitors today can experience this immersive artistry firsthand, staying in rooms that are as much galleries as they are accommodations. The hotel itself, with its Spanish Colonial-style architecture, adds to the unique charm of the Amargosa experience. A Hauntingly Historic Stay
+1 This rich past contributes to its reputation as one of the most active paranormal locations in California. +1Specifically, the 'Spooky Hollow' section of the hotel remains sealed off and largely unchanged since its early days, fueling tales of ghostly encounters.
+1 This preserved, untouched aspect of the hotel adds to its allure for those interested in the paranormal and the mysteries of the past. Even without explicit paranormal experiences, the sheer age and unique character of the building create an unforgettable, slightly eerie ambiance. Experiencing the Amargosa Difference
Guests often highlight the comfortable beds and great showers, proving that comfort is not sacrificed for authenticity.
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