Clarion Inn is a full-service, three-star desert motor hotel located at 901 North China Lake Boulevard (Building A) in the northern commercial corridor of Ridgecrest, California. Positioned less than half a mile from the main gate of Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake in the Indian Wells Valley, this Choice Hotels property has long served defense contractors, aviation engineers, and Mojave Desert road-trippers traveling between Death Valley National Park, the Trona Pinnacles, and the Eastern Sierra. With an on-site restaurant and bar, outdoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, and expansive surface parking for oversized vehicles, the property operates as one of the largest full-service lodging hubs in northeastern Kern County.
What to Expect at Clarion Inn
Spread across low-rise desert buildings designed around an interior courtyard and large surface parking lot, Clarion Inn caters simultaneously to weekday government and aerospace personnel and weekend national park explorers. Guest rooms and suites are outfitted for practical desert stays, featuring individual climate-control units, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, flat-screen televisions, and dedicated work desks with ergonomic chairs and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Travelers can choose between standard king and two-queen layouts or upgrade to larger suites that add separate sitting areas and sofa beds for families or extended project assignments.
Unlike limited-service highway motels along U.S. Route 395, the Ridgecrest Clarion Inn maintains full-scale dining, wellness, and conference facilities on-site. After spending the day hiking in the Coso Range or working on base, guests gather around the heated outdoor courtyard pool, unwind in the dry sauna and whirlpool hot tub, or dine at the property’s on-site restaurant and cocktail lounge without needing to drive back out onto China Lake Boulevard. Flexible banquet and meeting rooms also make the property a regular venue for Indian Wells Valley civic gatherings, corporate briefings, and desert touring groups.
- Proximity to NAWS China Lake: Situated along North China Lake Boulevard immediately south of the Naval Air Weapons Station main entrance, allowing rapid morning commutes for visiting military and civilian personnel.
- Outdoor Pool, Hot Tub & Sauna: A central courtyard recreation area featuring a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, heated spa tub, and indoor sauna designed for cooling off after summer temperatures that regularly top 100°F.
- On-Site Restaurant & Lounge: Full-service dining facilities and a casual bar on the premises serving American breakfast, dinner entrees, craft beers, and evening cocktails.
- In-Room Kitchenette Conveniences: Every guest room includes a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, iron, and workspace, allowing travelers to store trail snacks and cold water for Mojave Desert excursions.
- Fitness Center & Business Amenities: An on-site exercise room equipped with cardio and weight machines alongside a 24-hour business center, meeting rooms, and guest laundry facilities.
Clarion Inn at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 901 N China Lake Blvd Building A, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 |
| Neighborhood / Area | North China Lake Boulevard Corridor / Indian Wells Valley |
| Operating Hours | 24-hour front desk; Check-in from 3:00 PM, Check-out by 11:00 AM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (3-star hotel; nightly rates typically range from $105 to $165 plus tax depending on season) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 3 nights (overnight base for NAWS China Lake or Death Valley / Eastern Sierra trips) |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free on-site surface parking for cars, trucks, RVs, and trailers; Ridgecrest Transit & Kern Transit stops along China Lake Blvd |
| Official Website & Phone | Choice Hotels Official Page | +1 760-463-2545 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Clarion Inn sits directly on State Route 178 (North China Lake Boulevard), about 10 minutes east of U.S. Route 395 and 15 minutes from Inyokern Airport (IYK). Because Ridgecrest experiences two distinct high-demand cycles—Monday-through-Thursday defense travel and spring wildflower or autumn desert touring weekends—booking directly via Choice Hotels at least two weeks ahead is wise, particularly if you require a ground-floor or ADA-accessible room. Complimentary surface parking surrounds Building A and adjacent wings, providing wide turning radii for pickup trucks, off-highway vehicle trailers, and tour buses. Ground-floor guest rooms, ramped lobby and restaurant entrances, accessible parking stalls right outside the main doors, and poolside pathways ensure smooth navigation for wheelchair users and travelers with mobility devices.
Several of Ridgecrest’s top cultural and desert attractions sit within a five-minute drive of the property. Directly linked to the naval base heritage is the U.S. Naval Museum of Armament & Technology at China Lake, while two miles south at 100 East Las Flores Avenue, the Maturango Museum showcases Coso Rock Art petroglyph exhibits, Northern Mojave natural history, and desert tortoise habitats. For evening dining or coffee within a short drive down China Lake Boulevard, travelers can pair their stay with local staples like Lugo’s Grill, Casey’s Steaks & Barbecue, or day trips 35 minutes east to the otherworldly tufa spires of the Trona Pinnacles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the check-in and check-out times at Clarion Inn Ridgecrest?
Standard check-in at Clarion Inn begins at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to accommodate late-night arrivals driving across the Mojave Desert or U.S. Route 395, and early check-in can be requested subject to room availability.
How much does it cost to stay at Clarion Inn, and is parking free?
Nightly room rates fall in the moderate $$ tier, generally ranging between $105 and $165 before taxes depending on weekday military demand and seasonal desert tourism. Wi-Fi and outdoor surface parking—including spaces for trucks, campers, and trailers—are included at no extra charge.
How far is Clarion Inn from NAWS China Lake and Death Valley National Park?
The hotel is located less than half a mile south of the main gate of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake along North China Lake Boulevard, taking about two minutes by car. The western entrance to Death Valley National Park near Panamint Springs is approximately 75 miles (a 90-minute drive) northeast via State Route 178 and State Route 190.
Is Clarion Inn family-friendly and accessible for guests with reduced mobility?
Yes, the hotel welcomes families and business travelers alike with spacious two-queen rooms, in-room refrigerators and microwaves, an outdoor swimming pool, and on-site dining. ADA-accessible ground-floor rooms with roll-in showers or grab bars, step-free lobby and restaurant access, and designated accessible parking spaces near Building A are available upon request.
When planning your Ridgecrest travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Ridgecrest, pair this stop with standout local spots including Quality Inn Near China Lake Naval Station, NaanSense food truck, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ridgecrest – China Lake, an IHG Hotel, and Tokyo House Japanese Restaurant (0.1 km away).
