720 Race St, P.O. Box 15, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, United States | (888) 616-5829
Charming, retro property near the main entertainment strip
Simple, clean rooms with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and TVs
A range of room and cottage choices for a variety of guests
Indoor and outdoor pool with kiddy pool
Game room with classic arcade games, and a playground
Coin-operated laundry on-site
Free parking and Wi-Fi
Free water park passes
Rooms have generic decor and so-so beds
No breakfast served
The Black Hawk Motel is a large, budget motel off Broadway, the main entertainment strip of downtown Wisconsin Dells. The motel has a retro 1950s vibe (it's been in the same family since 1945), and offers a range of room types, from basic rooms with multiple beds to suites with whirlpools to two-bedroom cottages. Decor is basic and dated, but the attentive service and charming old-school ambiance make for a memorable stay. A game room and indoor and outdoor pools also help make the Black Hawk Motel a cut above most budget properties. Wi-Fi is free. The 75-room property is removed from the busiest tourist area of Broadway and may feel too quiet for some guests. Those keen on barhopping could try the Finch Motel further down the Broadway strip.
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Scene
A retro vibe gives the motel a unique character
The Black Hawk Motel maintains a truly retro 1950s aura (it's been the same family since 1945). A neon-light "Office" sign hangs over reception and there's astro-turf-like carpet over the cement pathways, the steps, and even the handrails. Guest rooms have both screened and wooden doors, with seatbelt chairs and plastic side tables outside of each. Inside the reception area, there are images of Black Hawk American Indians everywhere, and while the decor is simple, there are comfy leather couches and chairs, and planters hanging from the ceiling. The typical guests are young people and families on a budget looking to explore Wisconsin Dells. There's limited business travel in the area.
Location
Quiet, but close to the downtown Wisconsin Dells action
The Black Hawk is off Broadway, the main strip into downtown Wisconsin Dells. Located at the end of the thoroughfare, the property is a bit quieter than most on the strip, and not right upon the restaurants, bars, and arcades. Still, many of Wisconsin Dell's attractions -- including Noah's Ark water park, Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, and Mt. Olympus water park -- are within a five- to 10-minute drive. Mitzi's American Grille, a casual family restaurant, is a three-minute walk.
Rooms
Many different types of rooms for a variety of travelers
The Black Hawk has a whole range of rooms, from cramped to quite spacious. Options include standard Double Queen Rooms, Triple Full Rooms, and larger options such as the King and Queen Whirlpool Rooms and the Two-Bedroom House. All the accommodations are clean, painted in yellows and creams, and have microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and TVs with DVD players. The house, which sits across the street from the hotel, is large, bright, and has a spacious kitchen and six-seat dining table. Decor overall is basic, with patterned polyester bedding and floral couches, but accommodations are typically roomy and clean. Bathrooms range in size, and are generally plain and poorly lit, but most include tubs.
Features
Indoor and outdoor pools with slides, a game room, and water park passes
More entertaining than most budget motels, the Black Hawk has a fairly large outdoor pool with a set of slides, next to a children's pool with a beaver fountain. Beyond the pool, there is a playground with swings. There's also a smaller indoor pool with a slide, which stays open until 11:30 at night. The hotel has a game room filled with classics like Ms. Pacman, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders, as well as a billiards table. If the kids are still not having enough fun, the Black Hawk gives a limited number of free passes to one of the local water parks to its guests. Wi-Fi is free, as is parking.
