Regulars at the Dow Villa

The Dow Villa is our base of operations for climbing Whitney. This weekend, we are heading there for the third time in several years. We are looking forward to lazing aroung the cute little pool (and jacuzzi), looking up at Whitney--which is directly above the motel--and thinking about the climb. The motel is a window on the past--not a slick chain operation that could be in any city in the United States. Our rating must be read in the context of our own expectations. It is well-maintained and in excellent condition for its age. However, I am sure there are newer, more modern motels with slicker architecture and better conveniences in the area. But if you want to get a feel for the grandeur of the eastern Sierra as seen from U.S. 395 and also experience the history and charm of the area, you might enjoy the Dow Villa as we do.

Greta Place

We have stayed here twice, once 3 yrs ago and just a few weeks ago, both times for one night for a stopover in the Owens Valley. It's a friendly place and the rooms are good. A nice swimming pool and hot tub, with awesome views of Mt. Whiyney and not far from the Alabama Hills. Plenty of local info in rooms and a good place to eat just next door.

Lone Pine itself is an unspoilt small town with real charm, just right for an overnight stop.

We would stay here again and recommend it to anyone looking for a good value stopover.

Good place to stay for the nite

Stayed one nite before going through Death Valley to Las Vegas. (Talk about a hot drive!)

Stayed in new part of hotel. Two queen size beds. Good, clean, newly redecorated (flowery) room. Small refrigerator. Good shower.

Right on main street (there is only one main street in Lone Pine - Hwy 395). Lots of restaurants (and McD's, Pizza places), tourist shops close by. 24-hour restaurant next door.

Good size pool open 24 hrs. Cool and refreshing in August (about 95 degrees at 9pm). Small, shallow, foamy hot tub (if you need one in August).

Nice mix of 4-wheel drive off-road vehicles and rental cars in parking lot. We arrived at dusk. Parking lot (around pool area) was full. Hard to find a space.

Good, friendly folks.

My choice for Lone Pine.

A find

Picked this place virtually at random on internet. Drove from Las Vegas in a convertable through Death Valley which was fab -hot 123F - but a long way 300 miles and some very windy mountain roads. The motel was clean, with air con, fridge tv/video. Very friendly staff. Its got a small pool in the car park with a jaccuzi which is open 24hours - ideal after a hot drive. The cafe next door was very friendly and ok food - sells beer too -I liked it! Lone Pine is a small town which I thought was charming especially with a spectacular backdrop of mountains. I really enjoyed my one night stop off here and would have prefered staying longer instead of going on to Morro Bay (which was not so good). This place appealed to me - so I thought Dow Villa Motel was a 'find'.

Peace and Quiet

Have stayed here several times. Well maintained, and always an enjoyable stay. A+++

Nothing special

We stayed here for 1 night on 7/7 after a long and scary drive through death valley. Be warned drive is not for the faint hearted. We drive from Vegas,note there is NOTHING at Death Valley junction - deserted. Visitor centre is located about 1/3 drive into park. You need a decent car for this drive, we have a jeep liberty and transmission temp light came on half way through. It is certainly is a spectcular sight of bleakness and harshness, but never again! Dowvilla was fine, room was comfortable with fridge and coffee maker and jacuzzi bath (We had requested this room). Pool is in middle of carpark so not very private. decent pitstop for 1 night but nothing in the town to interst you unless you go and look at the sites of the old western movies or go walking up Whitne. Food in local burger bar was average.

OK but nothing special

We stayed in the old part of the hotel. The rooms were rather old and shabby and smelled of smoke, although it was meant to be a non-smoking room (I guess the furniture pre-dates the non-smoking designation). However it was comfortable enough and had free coffee in reception.

The pool is in the car park, near the main road, so not very attractive unless you're an exhibitionist!

There's nothing too wrong with the hotel, its just not very special either!

Great Old Western Feel

Picked the place at random and got a room in the old part of the motel that is like going back to the days of saloons and westerns. Room was clean and old-fashioned in a good way. Staff were very friendly and the location is good. Also loved the jacuzzi after a long drive through Death Valley

Whirlpool was a hit

Comfortable, quiet and kids loved the heated whirlpool. Great view of Mt Whitney.

Stay where the stars have stayed

The luxury rooms are well worth the extra cost above the rather shabby rooms in the main part of the hotel. Clean and spacious, though flowery perhaps. Good place to stay for just a short drive into Death Valley. The launderette is just a few minutes walk too which is handy if you've been on the road for a while.