Back in 2013 I too drove the roads of the movie, up from Vegas to Goldfield, Nevada and beyond. My wife had no idea the significance (as much as I tried to explain) of the hotel. It still looked exactly the same and the inside looked so traditional too. I would love love to do the pilgrimage...
After years of watching the movie I came across this version with the added scene. And I agree it adds so much to the ending. I too believe she is the grim reaper, the angel of death, Kowalskis last goodbye. And he accepts it. The final scene as he is driving towards the bullldozers smiling is...