Hotels for 18- to 20-year-olds in Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City has a laid-back, outdoorsy vibe that makes it a perfect stop on a South Dakota road trip. It’s the closest city to Mount Rushmore, but there’s more to do than just the monument. Every summer the Black Hills Powwow brings music, dance, and food to town, and if you’re around in August, the nearby Sturgis Motorcycle Rally turns the whole region into a massive street party. Even just hanging out downtown feels fun, with its statues, local coffee shops, and easygoing pace.

For travelers under 21, Rapid City is surprisingly manageable when it comes to finding a place to stay. There are about a dozen hotels here that allow 18+ check-in, ranging from simple budget spots to more comfortable mid-range choices. We’ve rounded up the ones that actually let you book a room at 18 so you don’t have to dig through fine print before heading into the Black Hills.

The list 13 hotels for 18- to 20-year-olds in Rapid City

This page contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission, but hotels are listed based on age policies and quality, not commission.

• 1 Sweetgrass Inn Bed & Breakfast Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 9.4

  Our opinion: With made-to-order breakfast, an on-site bar and restaurant, and regular live music, this rustic bed-and-breakfast offers a more personal, lively alternative to a standard roadside stay. Free parking, Wi-Fi, shared kitchen space, snacks, and easy communication for late arrivals make it a practical base for a Black Hills road trip, while mountain-view terraces and a quiet setting outside town add to the appeal. A few rooms do have quirks such as low beams or smaller beds, so expect character rather than chain-hotel polish.
  
  The vibe is cozy, country-style, and genuinely welcoming, with themed rooms that guests often describe as cute, spacious, and very clean. Rooms come with air conditioning, private bathrooms, seating areas, coffee makers, and little extra touches like water, snacks, blankets, and plenty of towels. Some rooms add patios, porches, or even jacuzzi tubs, and there’s also a common room with a fridge, kitchen access, games, and hangout space. The restaurant next door adds a social side, with dinner, drinks, and live music that gives the stay more energy than a typical inn.
  
  It’s set just outside Rapid City on the route toward the Black Hills, making it a smart pick for day trips to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Badlands, and other big sights. Guests liked being close to attractions while still feeling away from the city, and the property is also near Reptile Gardens and within a manageable drive of the airport. That said, the location is more roadside than remote wilderness, so don’t expect total middle-of-nowhere isolation. For travelers planning to explore by car, though, the location is seriously practical.
  
  Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the hosts, who are often described as friendly, helpful, and very accommodating. Breakfast gets the most praise by far, with lots of people loving the à la carte menu and the quality of both breakfast and dinner at the neighboring restaurant. Cleanliness, roomy accommodations, and the welcoming atmosphere also stand out. The main downsides are minor but worth noting: some guests mentioned exterior areas needing upkeep, occasional check-in confusion, lukewarm shower or spa water, road noise in some rooms, and the fact that a few spaces feel a little dated for the price. Read more

  Address 9356 Neck Yoke Road Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 2 Hampton Inn & Suites Rapid City Rushmore, SD Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 8.7

  Our opinion: Free breakfast, an indoor pool, and straightforward highway access make this a dependable choice for a practical stay in Rapid City. Roomy rooms, Wi-Fi, parking, and a 24-hour front desk fit well with road trips and sightseeing-focused plans without pushing the price into luxury territory. The location also makes it easy to get out to Mount Rushmore and back without much hassle.
  
  The overall vibe is modern, simple, and easygoing. Rooms are air-conditioned and generally described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with desks, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms, so there’s enough room to spread out after a long day. The fitness room is on the smaller side, but useful for a quick workout, and the indoor pool is one of the standout features here. Some reviews also mention a waterslide and comfortable common areas, plus a breakfast setup that’s handy when you want to head out early.
  
  It’s set in Rapid City with strong access to the interstate, which makes getting around the Black Hills area pretty straightforward. Journey Museum is only a short drive away, Dinosaur Park is also nearby, and Mount Rushmore is reachable for a day trip. Guests also liked being close to restaurants, shopping, and the mall, so grabbing food or essentials doesn’t take much effort. Rapid City Regional Airport is about 14 km away, though several guests pointed out there’s no airport shuttle, so you’ll need to plan on using Lyft, Uber, or a taxi.
  
  Reviews are mostly positive about the friendly staff, cleanliness, large rooms, and convenient location. Breakfast gets a lot of praise for variety and value, though a few guests felt the quality was inconsistent or that items weren’t always refilled quickly. The biggest complaints were occasional housekeeping issues, check-in delays, hot water taking time, and parking or crowding during busy periods. A few guests also mentioned noise, inconsistent bed comfort, and that shared facilities could feel busy, but overall the stay is seen as good value with dependable basics. Read more

  Address 825 Eglin St, Bldg A Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Heated pool.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 3 Courtyard by Marriott Rapid City Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 8.7

  Our opinion: Modern rooms, a pool, and easy highway access make this a practical base for a Rapid City stay that balances daytime outings with simple evenings back at the hotel. It’s best suited to travelers who prioritize a clean, updated place and a convenient location over included extras. Free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, an on-site bar and restaurant, and 24-hour front desk service add to the convenience for short stays or road-trip stopovers, though parking may cost extra and breakfast is not included.
  
  The overall vibe is fresh, bright, and contemporary rather than cozy or boutique. Guests often mention the modern look, spacious rooms, large bathrooms, and especially the nice showers, with some rooms also offering a sofa and big TV that supports streaming like Netflix with your own login. There’s an on-site Bistro-style restaurant serving American food, plus vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, and the hotel also has a business center, snack vending machines, and express check-in/check-out. It’s an easy, no-fuss setup with enough extras to keep things comfortable between outings.
  
  Location is one of its strongest points. The hotel sits in Rapid City with straightforward access off the highway, making it convenient for road trippers and for reaching big regional sights like Mount Rushmore. It’s also within driving distance of local stops such as the Journey Museum and Dinosaur Park, and several guests liked being close to restaurants and everyday essentials nearby. For anyone planning to spend most of the day exploring the Black Hills area, the setting makes getting in and out pretty simple.
  
  Review-wise, the biggest positives are cleanliness, modern design, friendly staff, and fast check-in. Many guests found the rooms quiet and comfortable, though comfort seems to vary a bit depending on the bed and pillows. The most common complaints are extra parking charges, no complimentary breakfast, thin walls, and occasional issues with housekeeping, room readiness, Wi-Fi, or food quality at the Bistro. Overall, people tend to like the look and convenience of the place, but some feel the value drops once the added costs and service inconsistencies show up. Read more

  Address 580 Watiki Way Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Free parking available.
  • Water park.
  Available rooms

• 4 Tru By Hilton Rapid City Rushmore, Sd Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 8.5

  Our opinion: Free breakfast, around-the-clock coffee, and a sociable lobby with games give this Rapid City hotel a more relaxed, hangout-friendly feel than a typical roadside stop. It’s a practical choice for short stays and road trips, with easy parking, a gym, free Wi-Fi, and convenient access to major routes around town. Rooms are fairly compact and in-room extras are limited, so it suits travelers who are happy to spend more time in the common areas.
  
  The overall vibe is modern, casual, and a little playful. Rooms have a clean, minimalist setup with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and private bathrooms, while the lobby stands out more than usual with a pool table, books, lounge seating, and a hangout-friendly feel. Guests also mention the pool, outdoor fire pit, and hardwood-style flooring as nice touches. Breakfast is included, and there are snacks and drinks on site, which helps keep things easy between outings.
  
  The location is one of its strongest points. It’s convenient for getting around Rapid City, with guests repeatedly calling it central and close to shopping, the Monument Civic Center, and other everyday stops. Journey Museum is only a short drive away, Dinosaur Park is also nearby, and the hotel makes a practical launch point for bigger Black Hills plans, including Mount Rushmore. Rapid City Regional Airport is about 14 km away, though it’s smart not to rely too heavily on the listed shuttle without confirming it in advance.
  
  Reviews are strongest on cleanliness, comfortable beds, friendly staff, and the handy location. Several guests specifically praised the welcoming front desk team and the inviting lobby atmosphere, while breakfast and the all-day coffee also got plenty of positive mentions. The most common complaints were inconsistent housekeeping, occasional noise, and missing conveniences like in-room coffee makers or microwaves. A few guests also reported maintenance issues such as weak hot water, broken breakfast machines, or Wi-Fi trouble, so expectations should stay in the “good, practical 3-star stay” range rather than polished full-service hotel. Read more

  Address 825 Elgin St, Bldg B Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Swimming pool.
  • Pool tables.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 5 Home2 Suites By Hilton Rapid City Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 8.5

  Our opinion: Roomy suites with kitchenettes and direct access to the connected water park make this an easy, fun base in Rapid City. Free Wi‑Fi, breakfast, a gym, airport transfer, and a 24-hour front desk add convenience, while the bar and restaurant help keep things simple after a long day out. Just note that several guests mentioned noise and inconsistent room upkeep, so it may not suit anyone seeking a particularly quiet or polished stay.
  
  The overall vibe is modern chain-hotel comfort with a practical, social twist. Suites are a big plus here, with lots of storage, seating areas, dishwashers, full kitchenettes, large fridges, and smart TVs that make longer stays easier. Guests also liked the outdoor fire pit, on-site laundry, digital key option, and pet-friendly setup. Rooms seem designed more for convenience than style, but the layout gets a lot of praise, especially the extra space and useful features. Just keep expectations realistic: some reviews mentioned worn furniture, bathroom doors that don’t close well, and occasional maintenance issues.
  
  It’s set in the newer, more built-up part of Rapid City, which makes getting around pretty easy by car. Major sights like the Journey Museum and Dinosaur Park are within a short drive, and Mount Rushmore and Rush Mountain Adventure Park work well as bigger day trips. Rapid City Regional Airport is also relatively close, though a few guests noted it can feel farther in practice depending on the route. The location gets good marks for being near shops, dining, and activities, and the attached water park is a standout bonus if you want entertainment without planning much.
  
  Review sentiment is mostly positive, with frequent praise for the friendly front desk team, clean and spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and solid breakfast variety. A lot of guests also loved how easy it was to walk straight to the water park and said the suites felt surprisingly large and practical. On the downside, recurring complaints include crowded breakfast seating, noise from hallways or neighboring rooms, and occasional cleanliness or maintenance problems like smells, damp carpet, worn couches, or faulty thermostats and doors. In short, most people found it comfortable and convenient, but the experience can be a bit uneven depending on the room you get. Read more

  Address 621 WaTiki Way Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Swimming pool.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  • Water park.
  Available rooms

• 6 Cambria Hotel Rapid City near Mount Rushmore Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 8.2

  Our opinion: Featuring suite-style rooms, an indoor pool, and free airport transportation, this is a solid pick for a road-trip base rather than a downtown hangout spot. It works best for travelers who want extra space, easy interstate access, and practical perks like free Wi-Fi, a fridge, and microwave for quick meals between outings. The setup is convenient for longer sightseeing days, especially if you’re flying in or heading out early. Just keep expectations realistic: it has more comfort-and-convenience appeal than boutique personality, and service can be a bit inconsistent.
  
  The property has a modern, roomy feel, with all-suite accommodations that give you more space to spread out than a standard hotel room. Rooms come with sofa sleepers, coffee makers, two flat-screen TVs, and in some cases a wet bar, so it’s easy to chill out after a long day. There’s also a fitness center, indoor pool, and whirlpool, which adds a nice bonus when the weather isn’t great or you want a low-key evening. The on-site restaurant and bar are useful extras too, though hours and availability don’t always seem reliable.
  
  Location-wise, it’s all about convenience. Set just off Interstate 90, the hotel makes a good launch point for the big South Dakota sights, including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park. It’s also within easy driving distance of places like the Journey Museum and Storybook Island, and being close to the airport is a plus if you’re not traveling by car. This isn’t the most walkable part of Rapid City, so you’ll likely be driving for food, nightlife, and most attractions, but for regional exploring, the spot is practical.
  
  Reviews are pretty mixed, but there are clear patterns. Many guests liked the spacious layout, comfortable beds, quiet feel, pool and hot tub, and the fact that the hotel can work well as a clean, comfortable base for sightseeing. At the same time, several reviewers mentioned wear and tear in rooms and furniture, weak housekeeping, missing towels or toiletries, and occasional front desk or restaurant service issues. A few people had genuinely great staff experiences, while others found service slow or unwelcoming, so the stay can depend a bit on timing and luck. Read more

  Address 3333 Outfitter Road Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Heated pool.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 7 Sleep Inn & Suites Rapid City Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 8.0

  Our opinion: An indoor pool, hot tub, and free hot breakfast make this a convenient budget-friendly stop for exploring Rapid City and the Black Hills. It’s best suited to travelers spending most of the day on the road and returning for a swim, a simple room, and an easy breakfast, with free Wi-Fi, parking, and in-room microwaves and fridges adding useful convenience. Reviews suggest the experience can be uneven, so it’s a better fit as a practical stopover than a stylish or especially reliable stay.
  
  The overall vibe is classic chain-hotel comfort rather than anything trendy or design-led. Rooms are generally roomy and come with useful basics like flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, desks, pillow-top mattresses, and plenty of pillows, plus some rooms add sofa sleepers. There’s also a fitness room, picnic area, coin laundry, and the property is pet-friendly, which can be handy but may also mean occasional noise. The best amenities for downtime are definitely the indoor pool and spa area, which came up a lot in positive comments.
  
  The location is one of its strongest points. Set with easy highway access in Rapid City, it makes a convenient launch point for day trips to Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, Badlands, and Custer State Park. There are restaurants nearby, and guests also mentioned useful everyday stops like Walmart close by. For a trip focused on sightseeing, road travel, and outdoor stops rather than hanging around downtown all day, the setting makes things pretty simple.
  
  Guest feedback is a mix of strong value-for-money praise and some clear maintenance concerns. Many people liked the friendly staff, good breakfast, comfortable beds, clean-looking rooms, quiet atmosphere, and convenient location; a few also appreciated extras like fresh cookies at check-in. On the downside, repeated complaints mention worn interiors, inconsistent housekeeping, weak shower pressure, parking issues, noise from other guests or dogs, and some broken room features like fridges, TVs, heaters, and locks. A smaller number of reviews raised more serious cleanliness and pest issues, so expectations should stay realistic. Read more

  Address 4031 Cheyenne Boulevard Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Heated pool.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 8 Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 7.9

  Our opinion: Just off I-90, this hotel makes a practical base for exploring Rapid City and the Black Hills by car. The indoor pool, hot tub, gym, free Wi-Fi, and on-site restaurant give you useful options after a day out, while in-room basics like a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker help keep things easy. Value can feel uneven, though, as some guests thought the price didn’t always match the condition or service.
  
  The overall vibe is classic mid-range chain hotel: comfortable, straightforward, and more about convenience than style. Rooms are spacious and warmly decorated, with flat-screen TVs, a sitting area, a work desk, and little extras that help for short stays or stopovers. The lobby lounge is a nice bonus for evening drinks, and having breakfast and dinner on site can be handy when you don’t want to head back out. The pool and hot tub give it a bit more of a social, chill-after-the-drive feel, though the hot tub is on the smaller side.
  
  The location is best suited to travelers exploring by car. Rushmore Mall is close by for shopping, and downtown Rapid City, the Journey Museum, and Fountain Springs Golf Course are all within about a 10-minute drive. It’s also a reasonable launch point for bigger Black Hills sights, including Mount Rushmore. The setting is a little off the beaten path, which some guests liked because it feels quieter, but it’s not the easiest pick if you want to walk to lots of restaurants or rely on public transport.
  
  Reviews are mixed but lean positive on staff, comfort, and convenience. Friendly front-desk service gets repeated praise, with several guests specifically calling out helpful team members, and many people found the rooms clean, quiet, and comfortable. Breakfast earns decent comments too, especially for variety, though others mentioned slow service, limited buffet options, or confusion over whether it was included. The main complaints focus on inconsistent upkeep and operations: worn hallways, occasional cleanliness issues in shared areas, maintenance problems like elevators or room locks, and some frustrations with housekeeping, room readiness, or outages during stays. Read more

  Address 815 East Mall Drive Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Swimming pool.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 9 My Place Hotel Rapid City Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 7.9

  Our opinion: In-room kitchenettes with a full-sized fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker make this a practical option for budget-conscious travelers who want to keep meal costs down and have a flexible base in Rapid City. The setup suits road trips, short stopovers, and days spent mostly out exploring, with a 24-hour front desk, airport access, and generally reasonable rates adding to the appeal. Just keep in mind that breakfast is not offered and service is more limited than at a full-service hotel.
  
  The vibe is simple, functional, and apartment-style rather than trendy. Rooms are fairly spacious and come with a kitchenette and private bathroom, which gives you more independence than a standard motel-style stay. There’s also a shared lounge and barbecue facilities, handy if you’re traveling with friends and want a low-key evening in. Overall design sounds straightforward and a little dated in places, but the main draw here is convenience and extra room features rather than looks.
  
  It’s set in a quieter part of Rapid City, which many guests liked for a more relaxed stay, while still being close to the freeway, a gas station/convenience stop, and the airport. Rushmore Mall and the Journey Museum are a short drive away, and Dinosaur Park is also within easy reach. The location also works well as a base for exploring more of the Black Hills region, with some guests mentioning it as a good jumping-off point for wider day trips. You’ll probably want a car, though, since things are a bit spread out.
  
  Reviews are mixed but lean positive on value, location, roomy accommodations, and friendly front-desk staff. A lot of guests liked the quiet atmosphere, comfortable rooms, and the kitchenette setup, especially the large fridge. The biggest complaints are about inconsistent cleanliness, maintenance problems like broken fixtures or empty toiletries, thin soundproofing in some rooms, and long waits at reception when staffing is tight. Several guests also felt expectations should be clearer around housekeeping and the lack of breakfast, so this is a better pick if you’re easygoing and mainly want a decent, affordable base rather than a polished experience. Read more

  Address 1612 Discovery Circle Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 10 Fairfield Inn & Suites Rapid City Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 7.8

  Our opinion: Next to WaTiki Indoor Waterpark and convenient for the main routes through the Black Hills, this hotel is best approached as a lively, practical base rather than a polished full-service stay. Free Wi‑Fi, hot breakfast, a gym, a hot tub, and nearby on-site dining add to the convenience, with the water park access as the main selling point. It’s a good fit for casual road trips and activity-focused stays, though several guests mentioned unexpected extra charges for parking or water park entry.
  
  The hotel has a modern, mid-range style with chic, fairly spacious rooms that come with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, coffee and tea facilities, and work desks. There’s also a fitness center, 24-hour front desk, business center, and public parking. What makes it stand out most is the resort-style setup around the attached water park, which gives the whole property a livelier, more energetic feel than a standard highway hotel. It’s less about boutique design and more about convenience, comfort, and having entertainment built into the stay.
  
  The location is one of its strongest points. It’s convenient to the interstate and well placed for exploring Rapid City, with Storybook Island about 10 minutes away and both Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore doable as day trips by car. Guests also liked being near restaurants and in a central part of town, which makes grabbing food or heading out to local attractions pretty easy. For anyone planning to use Rapid City as a launch point for the Black Hills, the setup is practical.
  
  Reviews are mixed but lean positive on cleanliness, location, and the friendly attitude of many staff members. A lot of guests liked the comfortable rooms, simple check-in, and the convenience of being attached to the water park, while some also praised the breakfast. The most common complaints were inconsistent breakfast quality, uncomfortable beds in some rooms, noise, occasional housekeeping misses, and confusion over fees or what was included with water park entry. A few reviewers also reported maintenance and cleanliness issues in certain areas, so expectations should stay in the reliable-but-not-flawless range. Read more

  Address 1314 North Elk Vale Road Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Heated pool.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Free parking available.
  • Water park.
  Available rooms

• 11 Comfort Inn & Suites Summerset - Black Hills Area Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 7.3

  Our opinion: With an indoor pool, hot tub, free breakfast, and convenient highway access, this budget-friendly hotel makes a practical base for exploring the Black Hills by car. Free parking and simple facilities suit travelers stopping between Rapid City, Sturgis, and Mount Rushmore, while the overall value is often good for short stays. Mixed reports on upkeep and maintenance mean it’s best approached with modest expectations.
  
  The hotel has a straightforward, older-style roadside setup with practical extras instead of design-led flair. Rooms are generally spacious and come with useful basics like a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, desk, ironing facilities, and in many cases a microwave and mini-fridge that help keep food costs down. There’s also a fitness room, terrace, vending machines, and the indoor pool area for downtime after a day out. Some guests even mentioned larger rooms with a kitchenette or in-room jacuzzi, which adds a bit more comfort than you might expect at this price point.
  
  The location is in Summerset, west of Rapid City, so it’s better thought of as an out-of-town base than a downtown stay. That setup is handy for driving to Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills National Forest, Sturgis, and other regional sights, and many guests liked being close to the freeway. There’s a gas station and small grocery option across the street, which is useful for snacks, drinks, and quick supplies. Just note that you won’t have lots of restaurants or city nightlife within easy walking distance.
  
  Reviews are pretty mixed, but the most consistent positives are friendly staff, clean rooms, large room sizes, easy parking, and decent value. Breakfast gets acceptable-to-good marks from some guests, especially for waffles and convenience, though many felt the selection was limited and too reliant on prepackaged items. The biggest complaints focus on the property feeling dated, inconsistent room comfort, highway noise, and maintenance issues like cold pool water or a hot tub that wasn’t always working. A few guests also felt the listing made it seem closer to Rapid City than it really is, so location expectations matter here. Read more

  Address 7900 Stage Stop Road, Exit 48 Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Swimming pool.
  • Gym / fitness center.
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 12 Days Inn by Wyndham Rapid City Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 6.6

  Our opinion: Right off I-90, this budget hotel can serve as a low-cost overnight stop in Rapid City when convenience matters more than comfort. You’re within easy driving distance of Mount Rushmore, downtown, the mall, and the civic center, and practical extras include free Wi-Fi, grab-and-go breakfast, an indoor pool, hot tub, and a 24-hour front desk. Mixed review scores and repeated complaints about cleanliness, maintenance, and service make it one to book carefully.
  
  The property is a basic budget hotel with standard rooms rather than a stylish hangout base. Rooms come with a coffee maker, flat-screen TV, work desk, private bathroom, and typically the usual extras like a fridge and microwave mentioned by guests. The indoor pool and hot tub are the main leisure features, plus there’s a gym if you want something simple between drives. Overall, the vibe seems more practical and motel-like than social or trendy, though a few reviewers did find the rooms comfy, clean, and fine for a one-night stay.
  
  Its biggest advantage is convenience. The hotel sits near the interstate, which makes it easy to reach if you’re driving through western South Dakota, and it’s about 40 minutes from Mount Rushmore. Rushmore Plaza Civic Center and Rushmore Mall are around 5 minutes away, while Dinosaur Park is about 10 minutes by car and Sioux Park about 15. Guests also liked being close to Walmart, restaurants, and shops, so grabbing supplies or cheap food is pretty easy.
  
  Reviews are all over the place. Positive comments mention helpful staff members, clean or comfortable rooms, easy check-in, good parking, and a convenient location near the highway. The most common complaints are much more serious though: weak or disappointing breakfast, broken or unreliable Wi-Fi, noise, worn-out rooms, inconsistent housekeeping, rude staff interactions, and maintenance problems with TVs, heaters, doors, showers, and the hot tub or pool. A few reviews also raise major red flags about bed bugs, security concerns, and billing disputes, so this is best treated as a budget option only if price and location are your top priorities. Read more

  Address 1570 North LaCrosse Street Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Heated pool.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms

• 13 Travelodge by Wyndham Rapid City Rapid City $$$

  
  Guest Rating 5.3

  Our opinion: Close to Rapid City and within easy reach of Black Hills sights, this low-cost motel can work as a simple base when location and price matter more than time spent at the property. Drive-up parking, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and an outdoor heated pool add practical convenience, but the very low guest rating makes it a cautious choice for travelers willing to trade comfort and consistency for savings.
  
  The property has an older motel-style layout spread across multiple buildings, and some guests liked having their own outside entrance and being able to park right by the room. Rooms are basic, with cable TV, private bathrooms, and no-frills furnishings rather than modern design. There’s also an adjacent full-service restaurant, which is useful when you want something easy nearby. Overall, the vibe is more roadside stopover than trendy hangout, and while a few reviewers found remodeled rooms clean and comfortable, the place generally feels dated.
  
  This part of Rapid City is the hotel’s strongest feature. Guests repeatedly mentioned the location as convenient, whether they were heading into town, visiting nearby restaurants and stores, or using it as a base for the Black Hills and Badlands. Storybook Island is about a 10-minute drive away, Mount Rushmore is reachable in around 35 minutes, and the wider Black Hills area is also within day-trip distance. For travelers doing a road trip through western South Dakota, the easy parking and quick access in and out of the city are definite advantages.
  
  Reviews are heavily mixed, but overall lean negative. Positive comments focus on the location, friendly check-in staff, decent value on some stays, comfortable beds in a few rooms, and the convenience of parking directly outside. The common complaints are much more serious: repeated issues with cleanliness, bugs, outdated bathrooms, broken or confusing room features, noisy walls and AC units, weak breakfast, maintenance problems, and frustrating service or extra charges such as a security deposit. In short, some guests found it passable for a quick overnight stop, but many felt the condition of the property did not match the photos or the price. Read more

  Address 2505 Mount Rushmore Road Show on map

  • The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
  • Swimming pool.
  • Pets are welcome.
  • Free parking available.
  Available rooms