Hotels near Museum of Geology, Rapid City

Four stars for the room and the hotel in general. We had the King plus Sofa Sleeper room. It was huge - separated into two rooms, with one set up as a living room. The bed was soft and firm at the same time with a selection of pillows. Keurig station with coffee and tea. Mini fridge and a microwave. I wish we had more time here so that we could really take advantage of the space. Unfortunately, I chose this hotel based on the availability of the airport shuttle. Delta changed from morning to nighttime arrivals so we left a day early and added a night at this hotel so we could get a shuttle ride upon arrival and back the next day to pick up our rental car. Holiday Inn fell short as far as providing shuttle service, but the biggest problem was the conflicting information I got. I generously did not let this affect my four star rating for the hotel, despite the stress this caused me. The airlines changed the flight schedule to a later arrival - 10:50 pm. Seeing that the shuttle hours are posted as ending at 11pm, I contacted the hotel to ask if they were accommodating this new flight time. This was to be the new “normal” arrival time for this Delta flight. I called several times; I got a different answer each time. I emailed; I was told that they had several guests on that flight and could pick us up, no problem. The day of the flight we were notified of another change…arriving an hour later. I called to ask if could still get a ride at that time and was told, “Just call when you arrive.” I emailed about the updated arrival time and received the reply, “Noted.” I called upon arrival and the front desk person said we cannot be picked up as the shuttle stops at 11pm. Now it is late, I’m with a tired kid, there are no taxis or car hire services, and the hotel cannot provide transportation. Fortunately Rapid Shuttle stays open in the airport until the last flight has arrived and people have been serviced. So I shelled out the money to pay for a shuttle. While I was thrilled to have a ride, I would’ve just stayed at a cheaper hotel without shuttle service if I had know how this was going to play out. So no matter what they tell you, you will not get a ride after 11pm, even if your flight or your baggage is late. We set up a shuttle return the following morning to rent a car from the airport and had some hiccups on that end as well. The shuttle departs once an hour on the half hour (7:30, 8:30, etc). Although we were “scheduled” for 10:30, the shuttle didn’t come until 10:45. Not a big deal since we weren’t catching a flight, but you should be aware this is not a strict schedule.

TL:DR: Don't bother with the ”Presidential” level. BW & I stayed here for two nights while touring around the Black Hills. While pleasant enough, we would not return. To be clear, this review is of the ”Presidential” (”upscale” extra-charge) area of the hotel. I booked this, thinking it would be something special for part of a second (54th?) honeymoon. In some ways, it was perfectly acceptable. Quiet, top-floor room accessible only by key card. Mural graphics of local attractions as wallpaper. Designer chair and ottoman. A really good bed. So, not terrible. But it fell WAY short of extraordinary accommodation for extraordinary price. For example, despite being an ”exclusive” area of the hotel, there was no routinely-expected ”Presidential” lounge available to the guests who pony up. Towels were exchanged in the bath, but the bed was intentionally not made. This so-called limited service was stressed, along with the repeated ”Breakfast is for PURCHASE!” admonishment at check-in. In the bath, the provided shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were in cheap dispensers, hard to use, and the body wash simply refused to come out. The freezer in the in-room refrigerator was so encrusted with ice that we couldn't get an ice cream bar into it. The in-room coffee maker dispensed the cheapest ”something” that was mostly undrinkable. Power outlets were inadequate to charging today's routinely carried electronics. The ”desk” (a long, narrow bar along one wall) was plainly designed for form over function. Only two dresser drawers; we had to keep most of our clothes in our luggage. And only two small (think old European hotel) elevators to serve nine floors of a tour bus hotel. Imagine the crush in the morning when everyone is trying to get downstairs to the bus. Net, not terrible. But not worth a return trip unless you are on an inexpensive cattle car tour of the Black HIlls in one of the cheaper lower floor rooms.

Dog friendly, has a bar inside the hotel, and a Perkins right next door for food.

Great location and staff make this an inviting and comfy place to stay in Rapid City. We stayed for five nights and thoroughly enjoyed it. Easy access to all the tourist attractions in the Black Hills. Bonus superstore Fleet Farm next door carries anything you might want, from treats to sunglasses.

Overall a great place to stay for an affordable price. They have a good breakfast, generally eggs and sausage one day and biscuits and gravy the next. They always had yogurt, granola, cereal, apples, bread, bagels, and oatmeal. Plus coffee, an assortment of juices and cold water. The room was clean and we didn't notice any chlorine smell, we were in room 414. I was nervous at first being a cross from the elevator, but we never heard it while sleeping, which was great. The fridge worked perfectly and the air conditioning was nice and cool. We generally decline room service, but if you expect daily service this is not your place. We kept getting texts saying they would clean every 3 nights, but they don't. Instead, they clean upon request. This was totally OK for us, we just asked for a refill of a couple things at the front desk and they kindly provided what we needed, we were there 6 nights. The pool was warm and hot tubs were great, I even went down the slide, which was fun. The bed was very comfortable and we never had issues parking. Great location to all the touristy things in SD and WY. My only critique would be that employees do not allow thier families to use the pool area, it should be for paying guests only.

As far as American Box Hotels are concerned (I'm not a big fan of their lack of character), this is as good as they get. The rooms are large, the beds are comfortable, and the overall quality of the stay is 1st rate. Price was in line with what the rest of the market was doing.