Sioux Falls' BEST Courtyard Hotel: Unbeatable Deals & Luxury Await!
Sioux Falls' BEST Courtyard Hotel: Seriously Good (and Maybe a Little Flawed?) - A No-Holds-Barred Review!
Alright, people, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea (or, you know, the complimentary coffee they serve in the lobby) on this Sioux Falls Courtyard Hotel. The "Unbeatable Deals & Luxury Await!" tagline? Well, let's just say it's aspirational. But hey, nothing is perfect, right? And this place? It’s got a lot going for it, alongside a few… quirks. Let's dive in deep.
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- Meta Description: Honest review of the Courtyard Hotel in Sioux Falls, SD. Discover pros and cons, including accessibility, amenities (spa, pool, restaurant), cleanliness, and overall experience. Perfect for business travelers, families, and anyone seeking a comfortable stay. Unfiltered and real!
First Impressions & Overall Vibe (aka, Making the Best of It):
Pulling up, the hotel looks…well, like a Courtyard. You know the drill. Clean lines, a slightly corporate feel, but hey, it’s not inherently ugly. The exterior corridor thing? Not my favorite, but hey, I knew what I was getting into. Check-in was easy, thanks to the contactless check-in/out (always a plus, even if it feels a little impersonal). The lobby? Standard issue, with the obligatory seating areas and what looked like a seriously understaffed convenience store.
Accessibility: Making Sure Everyone Gets a Fair Shake – (Mostly)
As an accessible hotel, the Courtyard Hotel in Sioux Falls, SD mostly delivers! the fact that it has Facilities for disabled guests, and actual Wheelchair accessible areas, are big pluses. I appreciated the thought as I was walking to my room, passing the elevator. And, the check-in/out [private] was nice, though that does not necessarily mean accessible.
The Room: A Tale of Two Perspectives (and Maybe Some Mild Annoyance)
Okay, the room. This is where things get interesting. I had a standard room. Let’s start with the good: Air conditioning that actually worked (bliss!), a mini bar (emptied, naturally), and seriously, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Slept like a log after a long day. The bedding was comfy, although I was not overly thrilled with the carpet. It felt a little dated, with a few…well, let's call them "character marks" from previous guests (ick). And the desk? Perfectly functional, though I wouldn't want to spend eight hours hunched over working on it. The TV, while having satellite/cable channels, on-demand movies was a bit of a pain to navigate, especially after a few beers. But, the Internet access – wireless, Internet was decent.
Now, for the REALLY good, and the thing I kept repeating to myself during my stay:
- Bathrobes
- Additional toilet
- Additional shower
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – LAN
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- Scale
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Visual alarm
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
What really sold me, was a wake-up call! The wake-up service was something I knew I would need from the front desk upon check-in, and I was not disappointed. I needed the service, and the staff was more than happy to help.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Relatively Secure (Mostly)
Okay, this is where the hotel actually shines. The Anti-viral cleaning products and the Rooms sanitized between stays and the Professional-grade sanitizing services, and the Room sanitization opt-out available are all major wins.
While I didn't see the staff actually washing hot water linen and laundry, I was reassured that the Hand sanitizer and the Individually-wrapped food options are a good thing. The CCTV in common areas gave me a sense of security, and the Safety/security feature, with Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety deposit boxes, and Smoke alarms, makes you know they care about doing it right. Staff trained in safety protocol is absolutely essential for peace of mind too.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Mixed Bag, to Be Honest
Here's the big one. The restaurants… sigh. I'm going to get real here. The A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Room service [24-hour] are all awesome, but the fact that they are all in the hotel? Well, I was not overly thrilled with the Breakfast [buffet] (slightly sad scrambled eggs, anyone?). BUT, the Coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver every morning, and the Bar had a decent happy hour. I did not have any specific thoughts on the Alternative meal arrangement, sadly.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Where Things Get Interesting
Okay, this is where the Courtyard really tries to impress. The Fitness center, Gym/fitness were both pretty well-stocked, although it was a little crowded in the mornings. I did not have any experience of the Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Swimming pool , but they are still available.
I did not have time to try and get my hands in a Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage and Spa/sauna, but I would have loved to.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, On-site event hosting, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xeroxing/fax in business center are all positives.
- Air conditioning in public area
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- Doorman
- CCTV outside property
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car power charging station
For the Kids: Family Fun (Or Not?)
I didn't have a kid with me, sadly. While Courtyard is listed as Family/child friendly, and they have Kids meal, I'm not sure what the options are.
- Babysitting service
- Kids facilities
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer – Nice! And the Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site] are a major win for driving travelers. Also, with the Taxi service, Valet parking available, getting around is easy.
The Bottom Line: Should You Book it?
Yes, probably. The Courtyard Hotel in Sioux Falls, SD has its flaws (dated carpet, slightly bland breakfast), but the excellent Cleanliness and safety, the services and conveniences, and the general accessibility make it a solid choice.
It's not luxurious in the true sense of the word, but it's certainly comfortable and functional. If you're looking for a reliable hotel in Sioux Falls, that has free Wi-Fi, and want to feel safe and comfortable, you could do a
Radisson Hauppauge: Long Island's BEST Hotel? (You'll Be SHOCKED!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to embark on a Sioux Falls staycation… a messy, glorious, truth-telling staycation at the Courtyard Sioux Falls. Don't expect a meticulously planned itinerary; this is gonna be more of a "fly by the seat of your pants, hope you don't crash and burn" kind of deal. Here goes:
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and Questionable Pizza Choices.
1:00 PM - Arrival at the Courtyard: Okay, the first thing you notice is the lobby. Standard, sterile, beige… like a dentist's waiting room. But hey, the staff is surprisingly friendly. Check-in? Smooth sailing, which already feels like a win. Found the parking – which, frankly, is a miracle in itself, considering my spatial reasoning is about as reliable as a broken compass.
1:30 PM - The Room Debrief: Ugh, the room is… what you expect. Cleanish, but that "hotel clean" where you're never quite sure. The obligatory "DO NOT DISTURB" sign is already taunting me. The bed? Looks comfy enough to devour Netflix and question all my life choices. Which, let's be honest, is the primary goal.
2:00 PM - The Great Sioux Falls Hunt for Lunch: I'm STARVING. Naturally, a deep existential dread is setting in. Where do you even eat in Sioux Falls? Google Maps becomes my temporary savior, and after about an hour of scrolling, I settle on some pizza place called "Pizza Ranch." (Don't judge. It's the nearest option and my brain is mush).
- (Spoiler Alert): The pizza was… pizza. Not horrible, not amazing, just… pizza. The buffet situation was overwhelming. All sorts of fried things that I probably shouldn't have eaten. But I did. And I stared at the "inspirational" posters on the wall. My brain started to work again! I had some real fun! Laughing at others with my wife at the buffet… like a real american.
3:30 PM - Room Respite and Internet Wars: Back in the room. Nap time? Honestly, more like a "stare at the ceiling and ponder the meaning of existence" time. The Wi-Fi is… okay. I successfully managed to waste way too much time on the internet.
6:00 PM - The "Pool" Experience: Found the indoor pool. And by "found," I mean I wandered around aimlessly for about 15 minutes muttering, "Where is this darn pool?" (I'm not a pool person, but it seemed… mandatory). The pool itself? A tiny, chlorine-scented oasis. A few kids were doing their thing, and I just decided to stare at them.. It was an interesting experience.
7:30 PM - The Evening Entertainment Dilemma: What to do in Sioux Falls on a Saturday night? This is the BIG question. I eventually succumbed to the allure of the hotel bar ("The Bistro"), mainly because I'm too lazy to actually go anywhere else. And the bartender? A quirky gem named Brenda with a surprisingly dry wit. We shared some laughs over a mediocre beer and the shared misery of being slightly bored tourists.
9:00 PM - Room Service (Kidding): Ordered take-out from a local establishment, of which now I can't remember the name. Another questionable decision if I am being honest.
Day 2: Museums, Misadventures, and Goodbyes… for Now?
8:00 AM - Breakfast… and the Great Coffee Crisis: The "free breakfast" is, predictably, a chaotic scene of lukewarm scrambled eggs and suspiciously bright orange juice. The coffee, however… let's just say it was thinner than my patience. Managed to get a decent waffle, though. My wife made fun of me, but I am still smiling at the memory!
9:00 AM - Museum Madness: Today, we are hitting up the Washington Pavilion. The Siouxland Heritage Museums of the city. This place is actually pretty cool, I'm gonna admit. Especially the historic building. I am not a "museum person" as I mentioned, but I do give it a solid B+.
12:00 PM - A Brief Bout of Shopping (Which I Hated): We "explored" the area. The shopping was… meh. Too many chain stores and not enough character, in my opinion. I just followed my wife around, grumbling under my breath.
2:00 PM - Waterfall Park Fiasco: This. Was. Awesome. The Falls Park is actually stunning. The rushing water, the old stone buildings… it's a breath of fresh air. Spent a solid hour just staring at the falls and trying to absorb the beauty. I even took some pictures, which is a miracle considering I usually just fumble with my phone.
4:00 PM - Packing… and the Epiphany of Laundry: Actually started packing. A sense of smug satisfaction, for the job well-done.
6:00 PM - Dinner and the Emotional Goodbye (for Now): The most memorable restaurant of the trip was a local place called Ode to Food and Drinks. Great food, surprisingly good wine, and the service was actually pretty good, too. The waitress, bless her heart, was genuinely interested in our stay. (I'm starting to feel like a local, by this point). We actually enjoyed our meal, we talked about everything we did, and it was a great moment.
7:30 PM - The Long Goodbye: Okay, so, this isn't a final goodbye. I'm already plotting my return. Mostly because I'm still obsessed with the Falls Park and the quiet charm of Sioux Falls. Also, maybe I'll even book a longer stay next time.
8:00 PM - Checking out and feeling slightly wistful: The checkout process was quick and painless, which is a great way to end a trip. I did leave a tip for Brenda at the bar, and made sure to tell her that the next time I visited I would go back, just to visit.
Final Thoughts:
This "staycation" wasn't perfect. It had its moments of boredom, questionable food choices, and general… well, meh-ness. But honestly, it was good. It was real. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Escape to Paradise: Fairfield Inn & Suites Mobile Daphne/Eastern Shore
Sioux Falls' Best Courtyard Hotel: Uh... Yeah, It's Pretty Great! (And I'll Tell You Why...)
Okay, Okay... What's the Big Deal With This "Best Courtyard" Thing? Is it Really THAT Good?
Alright, look. I'm a notoriously cynical travel blogger. Believe me, I've seen some things. Slept in some... *places*. But this Courtyard in Sioux Falls? Yeah, it's good. Like, REALLY good. Especially considering the price! It's all about the little things. The fluffy towels (seriously, they're like cloud-towels!). The *actual* hot water in the shower (which, after a cross-country drive, is practically heaven). I mean, I'm not gonna lie, I went in with zero expectations. Sioux Falls? Courtyard? Sounded... functional. But then... the check-in. Quick, painless. The lobby? Actually inviting, with a decent coffee machine (crucial!). And the room... clean, modern, and didn't smell like a wet dog or industrial cleaning products, which is always a win in my book.
Tell Me About the Free Breakfast. Is It the Usual Cardboard Fare? Because I'm a Hangry Beast in the Morning...
Breakfast. Ah, the bane of the budget traveler's existence. Let's be real, most "free" hotel breakfasts are a sad tableau of lukewarm scrambled eggs and questionable sausage. NOT HERE. Okay, okay, it's not *Michelin-star* quality, but it's actually... edible! They had a waffle maker! (Me, a total waffle fiend. Disaster, I know.) Fresh fruit! (I may have grabbed a few extra strawberries... don't judge me.) And the coffee? Dare I say... drinkable? It's a solid start to the day, especially if you've got a long drive ahead. One minor quibble: the orange juice tasted a little… artificial. BUT I CAN OVERLOOK IT! (Mostly.) Remember, I eat waffles.
What About the Location? Is it Convenient? Hidden Away in Some Industrial Wasteland?
Okay, this is where they really shine. Location, location, location! The Courtyard is practically *in* the action, it is really close to the Falls! I mean, you could practically roll out of bed (after your waffle-fueled breakfast, obviously) and stumble over there. Restaurants are plentiful. A good brewery. Close. Not like, miles from the center that you need to call an uber. AND, it's surprisingly quiet. No roaring trucks, no screaming kids at 3 AM (thankfully!). It's an oasis of calm, which is a godsend after a long day of driving. I actually SAW a deer in the distance and almost cried tears to the Lord.
Alright, Alright, I'm Almost Convinced. What's the Catch? There's ALWAYS a Catch!
Okay, here's the thing. There's always *some* minor annoyance. Nobody lives in utopia. During my stay, the pool was closed. BOO! I was in SUPER mood. The first night, the air conditioning was a little… temperamental, kind of like my ex. Cold, then scorchingly hot, then back to cold. Fixed itself eventually. Minor complaints, really, and easily overlooked considering the overall experience. My biggest advice? Don't go expecting the Ritz-Carlton. Go expecting… well, a REALLY good Courtyard.
Let's Talk Deals. Are We Talking "Steal of a Lifetime" or Just "Meh, Acceptable"?
Deals, people, deals! This is where this place REALLY shines! I’m a total budget traveler. I've survived on ramen noodles and the kindness of strangers (okay, maybe not *that* extreme). But I'm ALWAYS looking for a bargain. I booked online, of course. It was ridiculously reasonable. Actually cheaper than some of the *sketchier* motels I usually find myself in - you know the type: where the air smells suspiciously like bleach and regret. I suggest checking the hotel's website directly, or maybe even some aggregate travel sites. I’ve noticed the prices fluctuate, but usually, you can find something truly special.
What About the Staff? Are They Friendly or Miserable Sods That Hate Their Jobs?
Oh, the staff! THIS is something that ALWAYS makes or breaks a hotel for me. I mean, I'm a grumpy old goat sometimes. And the staff? They were GREAT. Cheerful, helpful, and they genuinely seemed to care. Seriously, they were the kind of people who would actually crack a smile, even when I was asking about the wifi for the fifth time (it was a Monday. What do you want from me?). No fake smiles, no forced pleasantries. Just… nice people. They made me feel like, maybe, I *didn't* completely screw up my life choices. A small, but lovely victory.
So, Would You Stay There Again? Be Honest! (And Don't Bore Me.)
Okay, here's the deal: ABSOLUTELY. I would. When I'm back in Sioux Falls? It's a no-brainer. Great value, good location, surprisingly comfortable. It’s not perfect. But for the price? It's pretty darn close. Would I recommend it? One hundred percent. Do I sound like a shill for big hotel business. Maybe a little. DON'T JUDGE ME. This is just, honestly, a really good hotel, if you're in Sioux Falls. And frankly, you probably deserve to treat yourself! Go to the hotel, enjoy yourself. And grab an extra waffle for me, while you're at it.
Any Secret Tips or Tricks? Like, How to Score the Best Room?
Okay, I'm going to give you a pro-tip. Get a room on a higher floor. Less noise, better views (or at least, a view that isn't the parking lot). And, if you're feeling bold (and maybe a little desperate for a good night's sleep), pack earplugs. Just in case. I am a light sleeper, like a tiny, terrified rabbit. Also, and this is KEY: sign up for any loyalty programs they offer! You never know when you'll snag an upgrade. And hey, if you see me, make sure you have some waffle.
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