Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD

From the outside, the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Rapid City might look like any other chain property within the brand, except for the fact that it has a few structural elements like the roof and a wooden drive-up awning that gives the place a lodge-like atmosphere. The cozy and homey vibe found in lodges is definitely apparent in the lobby. There’s a set of antique wooden stairs and a seating area with warm-toned furniture next to a fireplace. Though the lobby is inviting, it’s the indoor pool and breakfast room where most guests interact. With family-friendly policies that allow for kids under 18 to stay free, most guests are families drawn to the attractive prices (which can reportedly get a little expensive for this type of hotel in the high season). Though visibly contemporary and up-to-date, there have been complaints about cleanliness issues in the rooms and public spaces. 

This Country Inn & Suites is located in a pretty busy area in Rapid City. Rushmore Mall (with a Herberger's department store and Starbucks) is just a 15-minute walk away, and there are plenty of dining options on surrounding streets. The Journey Museum and Learning Center takes eight minutes to reach by car. The Dinosaur Park is an 11-minute drive from the property. Outdoor enthusiasts can reach the Black Hills National Park in a 20-minute drive. The Badlands National Park takes an hour to reach. It’s a 45-minute drive to Mount Rushmore. Rapid City Regional Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

Although not particularly fancy or modern, the rooms at this hotel are contemporary and spacious and come with pretty good amenities. The rooms feature a homey decor with brown carpeting, wooden furniture, white beds with burnt-orange bed runners, and chain-like art pieces on the walls. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Whirlpool King Rooms offer a whirlpool bath in the living area. The hotel renovated the bathrooms in early 2017 so that 95-percent of them have walk-in showers (a room with a bathtub can be requested). Toiletries and hairdryers are available. Most rooms overlook the parking lot and the countryside in the distance. 

The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Rapid City is a standard value hotel with features to match, though it does manage a few appreciated extras. For one, there’s an indoor pool with a 100-foot serpentine waterslide. Two hot tubs are available, and the deck is lined with tables and chairs. The hotel has a small gym with a few cardio machines and a single weight machine. There’s no restaurant or bar, but the hotel offers a free hot breakfast that includes cinnamon rolls, waffles, and fresh fruit. A snack shop provides snacks and drinks. Free outdoor parking, free Wi-Fi, a small business center, coin-operated laundry facilities, lending library program, and pet-friendly policies round out the amenities.