Rapid City's BEST Hotel? Elevation Inn & Suites Review!
Elevation Inn & Suites: A Rapid City Rant (and Rave!) - My "Almost Paradise" Story
Okay, so I've just spent a week at the Elevation Inn & Suites in Rapid City, South Dakota. And let me tell you, it was… an experience. This isn't your perfectly polished, cookie-cutter review. This is the real deal, warts and all, from your friendly (and slightly caffeinated) neighborhood travel blogger.
First Impressions (and a Near-Disaster):
Pulling up to the Elevation Inn, I gotta admit, the exterior is… well, it's there. Think solid, reliable, maybe a touch… beige. But hey, I wasn't judging a book by its cover. I was desperate for a good shower after that grueling drive from Denver.
Accessibility: Nailed it (Mostly)
Now, I’m not handicapped, but I definitely appreciate a place that caters to everyone. And the Elevation Inn seemed to have its act together on this front. Wheelchair accessible was a big green checkmark. The elevator was smooth and spacious. They offered facilities for disabled guests – and I saw they put them in a good spot. I give them a solid A+ for inclusivity.
The Room: My Little Fortress (Mostly)
Walking into my room (which, thankfully, had Air conditioning – essential!), I actually breathed a sigh of relief. It was clean, spacious, and… smelled clean. The carpeting was fresh (a big win for me, who is a cleanfreak), the desk was perfect for working, and the bed… oh, the bed! I’m not kidding, I almost considered moving in permanently. Extra long bed was a godsend for someone like me.
The Internet Conundrum: I’m a digital nomad, so Internet is my lifeblood. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a lifesaver, and it generally worked well. But… there were a few times the connection went south, and I was just left staring at my laptop in frustration. I needed the Internet access – LAN, which was provided, and that saved my bacon. Also, Internet services were available at the hotel.
The Bathroom Saga: The Separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch. The bathroom phone was a bit of a relic, but at least I could call room service to order a bottle of water. (Yes, I did that. Don't judge! I was thirsty and a bit lazy.) The additional toilet was a luxury.
Safety First: The smoke detector and fire extinguisher were reassuring, and I appreciated the in-room safe box. I always felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag
This is where things get… interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] was okay. Don't get me wrong, the Asian breakfast offerings were a pleasant surprise, and sometimes a breakfast takeaway service was available. But at other times, it was a bit… underwhelming.. The coffee/tea in restaurant was a bit weak. The Coffee shop was also underwhelming. This is something that could use a little work.
On-site restaurants: They had Restaurants, including a Vegetarian restaurant option - which was a plus.
The Poolside Bar Debacle: Let’s just say, the Poolside bar situation was a bit of a mess. The bar itself was okay. The bartender really tried, but it never quite had the “chill vibe” I was hoping for. But I could get my Bottle of water from the Poolside bar which was good.
Convenience Store: The Convenience store was my go-to place for late-night snacks.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa-tastic?! (Kinda)
Now, this is where the Elevation Inn really shined. They had a lovely Swimming pool [outdoor]. It was perfect for a quick dip, The Spa/sauna was also a major plus - nothing like a good sweat to unwind after a day of exploring. Sadly, there wasn't a Body wrap. I'm the kind of person who enjoys a little pampering.
The Gym: The Gym/fitness center was well-equipped, and the fitness center wasn't exactly state-of-the-art, but it did the trick.
The Massage Dream: They had a Spa, which also offered a massage. I’m a sucker for a good massage, and the one I got was heavenly. I basically melted into a puddle of bliss. This made up for the lack of Body scrub.
Cleanliness and Safety: Bravo!
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so cleanliness is HUGE for me. And I was genuinely impressed with the Elevation Inn's efforts. The rooms were spotless. The Anti-viral cleaning products gave me peace of mind. The staff trained in safety protocol was also obvious.
- Covid-19 Precautions: They also had a good handle on COVID concerns. The Daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. The Rooms sanitized between stays confirmed my confidence. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was observed. I did appreciate this.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
- The Concierge Conundrum: The Concierge was hit-or-miss. Sometimes helpful, sometimes… mysteriously absent.
- Laundry Service: The Laundry service was convenient.
- Other Services: The Cash withdrawal capability was convenient.
For the Kids:
I didn't have any kids with me, but I did notice they had a Family/child friendly vibe. The hotel provided Babysitting service and there might have been something else, but I didn't quite catch it.
Getting Around:
- The Airport transfer was a lifesaver.
- Car Park: I appreciated the Car park [free of charge].
Final Verdict:
Look, the Elevation Inn & Suites isn’t perfect. It's got its quirks, its flaws, and sometimes its shortcomings. But overall, it was a comfortable, convenient, and relatively affordable place to stay in Rapid City. The cleanliness, the accessibility, the spa… chef's kiss. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Yep. Just manage your expectations a bit. And definitely get a massage. Trust me. You won't regret it.
Unbelievable Hotel in Danbury, CT: Zero Degrees' Secret Revealed!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into… Rapid City, South Dakota! Specifically, the glamorous (ahem) Elevation Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham. Let's see if we can survive this whirlwind of a trip, shall we?
Rapid City Rhapsody: A Trip Report (and the Occasional Meltdown)
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Existential Dread (But with a Pool?)
1:00 PM - Arrival at the Elevation Inn & Suites: Okay, so…the photos online lied. Just kidding (mostly). It's…functional. Clean-ish. Carpet that feels like it's seen some things. Check-in was smooth enough, which is always a win. The front desk lady had a look. You know the one. "Been here a while" kinda vibe. I respect it.
1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance: My room: basic but spacious. A double queen, thank the heavens. I need my space. Immediately, I fling my bags onto one bed (the "untouched" one, obviously) and collapse onto the other. The mattress seems alright. Maybe it's a good mattress. A quick inspection reveals a suspicious stain on the… duvet. Uh oh. This is a sign. Of something.
2:00 PM - Pool Side Shenanigans (and a Minor Crisis): Honestly, the pool area is kind of nice. They even have a… a waterfall feature! Mind you, it's a sad little trickle, not a roaring cascade, but still… waterfall! I'm determined to enjoy this. I grab a towel and head outside. Sun's out, guns out, I guess. This is where a minor crisis occurred. Okay, okay, it was a full-blown panic attack. I realized I forgot my swimsuit. I can't believe it. I'm so bad. Instead of going back to my room, I decided to just sit next to the pool.
3:00 PM - Exploring Downtown (and Finding Coffee – HALLELUJAH!): Rapid City itself is… quaint. Let's go with quaint. Walkable, though, which is a major plus. Found a cute little coffee shop, "Tinker Coffee Co.", and the caffeine saved me. Seriously. The coffee was delicious. I may have actually shed a tear of joy. Highly recommend – they have delicious pastries.
6:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Diner: Found a diner that’s been open since the 1950s. The food was pure comfort food: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, the works. The waitress called everyone "Hon," which – adorable. I may or may not have flirted with her. Don't judge me; I was sleep-deprived.
8:00 PM - Attempted Relaxation in my Room (Spoiler: It Didn't Work): Back to the motel. I tried to watch some TV, but the remote control was missing half the buttons. I ordered some pizza, it was awful. I spent the rest of the night staring at the ceiling, pondering the meaning of life and the true cost of a decent hotel room.
9:00 PM - The Stain: Decided to confront the stain on the duvet cover. Maybe I could make it go away with one of those travel-sized stain remover pens? No dice. My inner cleaning OCD was starting to kick in, and I felt itchy and uncomfortable. I was going to call the front desk, but I was too tired to care.
Day 2: Mount Rushmore and Existential Foreboding (Part Deux)
7:00 AM - Breakfast Debacle: The "complimentary breakfast" at the hotel…well, let's just say it’s an experience. Dry waffles. Questionable-looking scrambled eggs. Coffee that tastes like motor oil. I ate a banana and retreated.
8:00 AM - Road Trip to Mount Rushmore: Driving there was a scenic drive. Actually breathtaking at points. I can see why people like it here. The anticipation was building.
9:30 AM - Mount Rushmore (The Actual Thing): Wow. Actually…wow. It's massive. And somehow… moving. I was actually touched. The sheer scale, the audacity of it… I get it now. The crowds were…well, there were a lot of crowds. I spent a good half hour just staring, marveling at the weirdness of it all.
11:00 AM - Mount Rushmore Gift Shop (and a Near-Breakdown): This is where things took a turn for the worse. The gift shop was a vortex of tacky souvenirs. I almost lost it. I had to get out. Needed air. Ordered a coffee, maybe it will help me.
1:00 PM - Lunch in Keystone (the Tourist Trap): Had lunch at a tourist trap, where it feels like time has stopped. The food was mediocre, filled with tourists, and overpriced. I ate it anyway; I was too hangry to care.
3:00 PM - Crazy Horse Memorial: Okay, so this is…different. Still a work-in-progress. A massive work-in-progress. The scale is mind-boggling. The story behind it is fascinating and a little heartbreaking. It made me think. It made me reflect.
5:00 PM - Back to the Hotel and… More Staring: I had a nap and then did nothing for the rest of the day. I felt restless. This place is growing on me.
7:00 PM - Dinner in the Hotel Restaurant: Okay, this was actually a good meal. A decent steak, actually. Perhaps the hotel isn't entirely terrible. Maybe I had been too harsh. Or maybe the wine helped.
Day 3: Caves, Caves, and More Caves (and a Tiny Bit of Hope)
9:00 AM - Jewel Cave National Monument: Okay, caves are actually pretty cool. The tour was fascinating. The formations were beautiful, the air was refreshingly cool. Good for the soul.
11:00 AM - Wind Cave National Park: I don't remember much, because I was scared. Really scared.
1:00 PM - Back to the Hotel: Decided to treat myself. I got a massage at the hotel's spa. It was… nice.
3:00 PM - Shopping: Got some things from the local stores. I've spent too much time in the hotel, and I was bored.
5:00 PM - Final Dinner: Had dinner at a fancy restaurant. Good food, good wine, good company. I was sad to be leaving this place.
Day 4: Departure and Reflective Ramblings
- 10:00 AM - Check Out (and a Final Glance): The room was…still standing. The stain on the duvet? Still there. But hey, at least the mattress didn't eat me.
- 10:30 AM - Departure: As I drove away, I realized…Rapid City wasn't so bad. Maybe I'd even come back someday.
Final Thoughts:
The Elevation Inn & Suites? It’s…a place. Not perfect. But hey, it served its purpose. Rapid City itself? A surprisingly pleasant surprise. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But maybe bring your own stain remover. And a good book. And a healthy dose of humor. And a therapist. Okay, maybe skip the therapist, it's probably fine.
Escape to Klamath Falls: Shilo Inn Suites Awaits!
Elevation Inn & Suites: The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But... Mostly
So, is the Elevation Inn REALLY the "BEST" hotel in Rapid City, as everyone claims?
Okay, let's be honest. "BEST" is a loaded word, right? It depends on what kind of "best" you're after. I went in with HIGH expectations, you know? Saw all the glowing reviews. And, look, it's *good*. Really good. But BEST? I wouldn't say, "BEST" like, you'd write home about. Let's say it's like a REALLY well-behaved golden retriever. Loyal, comfy, generally pleasant to be around... but maybe not as wild and exciting as a chihuahua on a sugar bender? It hits a LOT of the marks, but... BEST is probably a bit much.
Is the location convenient? What's nearby?
Location-wise? Stellar! Seriously, they nailed it. You're close to everything. Literally EVERYTHING. Wall Drug is a manageable drive. Mt. Rushmore is a short hop. Downtown Rapid City is practically walking distance (though maybe take a quick Uber in the crazy cold, unless you're feeling like a polar bear). And, bonus points: I'm a sucker for a good coffee shop, and there's a decent one (maybe not the BEST coffee ever, but who am I to complain!), a couple of quick bites, and a decent brewery...all within shouting distance. Made life SO much easier. I spent one entire afternoon bouncing around, grabbing a coffee, browsing some quirky little shops, and then heading back to the hotel to recharge. Pure bliss.
What about the rooms? Are they clean and comfortable?
CLEAN. Yes. Absolutely. Like, you could eat off the floor clean. (Don't do it, but you *could*). The beds? Okay, THIS is where things get interesting. The mattress felt luxurious. The pillows, however... I'm a pillow snob. And these, while fluffy, felt a little... synthetic. Like they were made of clouds crossed with plastic. I spent the first night wrestling with them. Eventually, I folded one in half to try to get more support. Overall, though, room was well-appointed, a good size, a decent view (if you're into looking at parking lots, which, hey, sometimes you are). I almost felt like I was in the hotel's showroom!
The breakfast situation? Is it worth waking up for?
Alright, breakfast. This is where my experience went... sideways a bit. The website, the pictures... it all looked fantastic. A bountiful spread, pancakes, fresh fruit, the works. Reality? Well, on the first day... it was a little chaotic. Busy! The pancake machine coughed out something that resembled a hockey puck. The "fresh" fruit looked like it had seen better days (I'm looking at you, slightly-browned banana!). The coffee? Weak, watery, and... well, let's say it didn't exactly *wake* me up. BUT! The next day? COMPLETELY different! They must have read my mind (or maybe they just had a bad day). The pancake machine was purring, the fruit looked vibrant, and the coffee was... drinkable! I'm guessing it's a roll-of-the-dice situation. I'd suggest arriving early, and if it's a disaster, just head to one of those nearby cafes. Don't let breakfast ruin your day!
What about the staff? Are they friendly and helpful?
The staff were generally lovely. Really. Helpful, friendly, and seemed genuinely interested in making sure I had a good stay. Except... (and there's always an "except," isn't there?) one particular interaction. I was having trouble with the TV remote... you know the drill, a million buttons. I called down to the front desk, and the poor guy on the other end sounded as if he'd been doing this non-stop for twelve hours. He was polite, *but* his voice held the tone of someone that has clearly been asking the same question for a long time and was ready to drop a rope into the Grand Canyon. He tried to walk me through it, but eventually, bless his heart, he just sighed and said "I'll send someone up." And then, someone *did* come up! They were very kind.
Any other amenities worth mentioning?
The pool looked nice, but I didn't get a chance to use it. There's a small gym, BUT I skipped that because, well, vacation! Laundry facilities were available, and that's always a bonus. I think the biggest *amenity* was the overall feeling of... well, not chaos. I appreciated that. No blaring music, no screaming kids (that I heard, anyway!), no incessant door slamming. Just a generally calm, orderly, and dare I say... *zen* experience. And in the craziness that goes on around Black Hills, that's worth SOMETHING.
Would you stay there again?
Absolutely. Despite the pillow situation and the iffy breakfasts, yes. The location is killer, the rooms are generally comfortable (if a little generic), and the staff, for the most part, were wonderful. It's a solid choice. Just... don't go in expecting perfection. Go in expecting a good, solid, reliable hotel, and you'll probably be pleasantly surprised. And, hey, maybe bring your own pillow, just in case. 😉
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