Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel, a Holiday Inn Resort

In a town filled with over-the-top Wild West-themed hotels, there's a lot that could go wrong when it comes to style at this Holiday Inn resort. Thankfully, the atmosphere at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel is tasteful and modern, with more of a mountain-lodge vibe than the kitschy decor seen elsewhere throughout Deadwood. Interiors include a tall stone fireplace and cozy leather couches in the high-ceilinged lobby, while classy black-and-white pictures of the town during its heyday hang on the walls. Earth tones dominate -- the only reminder that this is, in fact, part of a mid-range chain -- and the hotel reflects its place in history whenever possible. The casino and entertainment venue are built inside of a former mining factory that operated in the late 19th century, during the area's gold rush. Expectedly, the hotel has a bit of buzz, given the on-site dining venues, bars, casino, and live acts that roll through the hotel. The majority of visitors to the hotel are vacationers and those on weekend getaways, including couples and small groups of friends. 

The hotel is situated right in the heart of Deadwood, tucked against a hill on one of the main roads that leads out of town. There are shops and restaurants within a five-minute walk of the hotel's front door. It’s a seven-minute walk to the Adams House and a 12-minute walk to Mount Moriah Cemetery, where Wild West folk heroes like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. The Days of ’76 Museum will take just five minutes to reach by car as well. The natural scenery of the Black Hills is just outside of town as well. It’s a 70-minute drive to Mount Rushmore and about 90 minutes to Badlands National Park. The closest major city is Rapid City, which is also home to the nearest airport -- both will take an hour to reach by car.

The rooms at this Holiday Inn resort are a nice step up from what many guests might be used to at some of the more time-worn outposts in the chain. The color scheme will be familiar -- there's plenty of beige and dark brown tones that go nicely with the rugged Black Hills landscape outside -- and furniture has a dark veneer with simple, clean lines. We did spot a bit of wear on the furniture in some rooms. Local character is added by the black-and-white historical pictures handing on the walls, and the tall headboards over the beds (which have Serta mattresses) are a nice touch. Suites have stone fireplaces, and some add private furnished balconies or kitchenettes -- many have views of the town of Deadwood or the Black Hills. Standard features include 37-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, MP3 docks, single-cup coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are a nice step up for the chain as well, with long black-marble vanities and large walk-in showers with marble or mosaic tiling. 

As a resort in the Holiday Inn chain, there are a good number of features here that won't be found at some of the smaller properties in town. The main draw for many travelers (and, of course, many visitors to Deadwood in general) is the hotel's casino, which is housed in the historic former mining factory. The Wild West-themed casino has plenty of electronic machines and dealer tables, and is attached to the hotel's conference and events space, which often sees big-name musical acts throughout the year. There are multiple dining options on-site as well. The Grand Grille serves Italian and American dishes for lunch and dinner, and Santana's Sports Bar & Grill offers typical bar food like pizza, burgers, soups, and salads. Breakfast is available, but it's not included in standard room rates and the service can be hectic. The hotel also has a coffee shop for those needing to refuel. The hotel has a small indoor pool and hot tub -- the area is a bit tiny given the hotel's size. It's an attractive space with a stone deck and timber ceiling that plays up the mountain-lodge aesthetic found elsewhere in the hotel. There's also a simple fitness with cardio equipment, stretching mats, and a rack of free weights. For alternative wellness options, the hotel has a spa that offers massages and beauty treatments. Free bike rentals, for use on the nearby George S. Mickelson Trail, are available as well. Keep in mind that there is a resort fee, but while the hotel is pet friendly, there are extra nightly fees. There is a small children's play area as well. The hotel has its own parking garage, and self or valet parking are free. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.