Where to Stay in Rapid City
Your Guide to the Best Hotels in Rapid City by Neighborhood, Vibe, and Budget
Rapid City is more than just a stop on the way to Mount Rushmore — it’s a Black Hills basecamp with real personality. Whether you're chasing roadside Americana, family-friendly suites with water parks, or a historic downtown vibe, this guide skips the filler and highlights the best hotels in Rapid City and the Black Hills by style, location, and price.
While you’re planning your trip, why not check out my three-day Rapid City itinerary.
Downtown Rapid City
Historic hotels, galleries, and local flavor just steps from Main Street Square
Hotel Alex Johnson, Curio Collection
Neighborhood: Downtown | Style: Historic Tudor Revival | Budget: $$
Timeless and full of character, this 1928 landmark blends Native American and Germanic design with a rooftop bar, ghost stories, and downtown access. Inspired by this space? Check out my design guide.
Best for: History buffs, architecture lovers, couples
DoubleTree Rapid City
Neighborhood: Downtown | Style: Classic, Family Ready | Budget: $$
With a soaring atrium lobby and proximity to the Civic Center, this DoubleTree delivers reliability with better-than-expected interiors.
Best for: Loyalty travelers, families, event-goers
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
Neighborhood: Downtown | Style: Local art meets eco | Budget: $$
Bright interiors with a touch of edge. This polished stay balances sustainability with a central location.
Best for: Design fans, urban explorers, business + leisure travelers
WaTiki Waterpark & I‑90 Corridor
Easy access off the highway, plus fun for families
La Quinta Inn & Suites at WaTiki Waterpark
Neighborhood: WaTiki | Style: Colorful, casual, kid-approved | Budget: $$
Attached to South Dakota’s largest indoor water park. Pizza, arcade games, and splash-ready rooms included.
Best for: Families, road trippers, rainy day backups
Best Western Ramkota Hotel
Neighborhood: Near I‑90 | Style: Old-school family hotel | Budget: $
A classic Rapid City stay with a full indoor water park, onsite restaurant, and sprawling layout. I remember going to the Ramkota as a kid — all splash, no sleep — and it’s still going strong today.
Best for: Big families, reunions, travelers who remember it from childhood
Residence Inn by Marriott Rapid City
Neighborhood: I‑90 Corridor | Style: Extended Stay | Budget: $$
Suites with kitchens and space to spread out, just a skywalk away from WaTiki.
Best for: Longer stays, multi-gen trips, groups
Keystone - Kitschy & Classic
Hotels that lean into their roadside charm and Mount Rushmore fame
K Bar S Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection
Neighborhood: Keystone | Style: Wooded lodge retreat | Budget: $$
Set against the hills with balconies facing the forest. Quiet and rustic, but still polished.
Best for: Nature lovers, couples, travelers who want a quieter vibe
Roosevelt Inn
Neighborhood: Keystone | Style: Full presidential kitsch | Budget: $
Mount Rushmore portraits everywhere, log beds, and Americana overload in the best way.
Best for: Nostalgia lovers, families with a sense of humor, Instagrammable weirdness
Worth the Drive: Deadwood
Just under an hour from Rapid City—perfect for Wild West history and a night of ghosts or gaming.
The Bullock Hotel
Neighborhood: Deadwood | Style: Victorian historic, haunted | Budget: $$
Built in 1896 by Sheriff Seth Bullock, this restored gem is rumored to be haunted—guests report apparition sightings, moving objects, and eerie noises. It also houses a casino and restaurant.
Best for: History lovers, ghost seekers, paranormal tour fans
Holiday Inn Resort - Mountain Grand
Neighborhood: Hilltop Deadwood | Style: Casino resort | Budget: $$
Perched on a historic mine-plant site, this 98-room resort offers a casino, concert venue, indoor pool, and spa amenities—great for those seeking entertainment and comfort.
Best for: Travelers looking for nightlife, spa escapes, or family fun
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What’s the best neighborhood to stay in Rapid City? | Downtown is great for walkability and restaurants. The I‑90 corridor offers family-friendly options near the waterpark. |
| Are there any boutique hotels in Rapid City? | Hotel Alex Johnson is the most distinct historic stay. For rustic boutique vibes, check out K Bar S Lodge in Keystone. |
| What’s the best hotel for families in Rapid City? | La Quinta at WaTiki Waterpark is ideal for kids. Ramkota and Residence Inn offer extra space and water park access. |
| Do any hotels have water parks? | Yes — WaTiki Waterpark is attached to La Quinta and Residence Inn. Ramkota Hotel also has its own indoor water park. |
| How far is Mount Rushmore from Rapid City? | Mount Rushmore is about 30 minutes by car. Keystone hotels offer closer access, but Rapid City has more dining and hotel options. |
| Are there hotels with personality near Rapid City? | Yes! Roosevelt Inn in Keystone is wonderfully kitschy. Hotel Alex Johnson offers historic charm. The Bullock Hotel in Deadwood is famously haunted. |
Final Thoughts
Rapid City makes the perfect home base for exploring South Dakota’s most iconic sights — and your hotel doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you’re looking for old-school charm, quirky road trip vibes, or a comfortable spot to rest between park days, this guide brings you the best of the region. And if you're the type of traveler who chooses hotels as carefully as restaurants, you're in the right place.