Rapid City's BEST Baymont by Wyndham? (Insider Review!)
Baymont by Wyndham Rapid City: My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. I'm talking real experience, the kind that leaves you with a slightly rumpled feeling and a desire for a strong cup of coffee afterward. We're diving deep into the Baymont by Wyndham in Rapid City, South Dakota, and trust me, it's a journey.
First off, let's be clear: I'm a sucker for a comfortable bed and a decent Wi-Fi connection. So, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and the presence of Internet access – wireless immediately piqued my interest. And guess what? The Wi-Fi was actually decent. No buffering horrors while streaming my evening Netflix binge. Score one for the Baymont. Plus, it has Internet access – LAN for the old schoolers like me, who still cling to the cable.
Accessibility is always a big one for me, even though I don't personally require those amenities. I did notice they had Elevator access, and the listing boasts Facilities for disabled guests. I didn't get a close look, but it's good to know they're trying.
Cleanliness and Safety: Oh boy, this is where things got interesting. The listing throws around terms like Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Now, I'm not a germaphobe, but hey, COVID-19 changed the game. I did see staff diligently wiping down surfaces, and the general impression was… well, okay. Not spotless, but not a biohazard zone either. The Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, which I appreciated (especially after wrestling with those blasted door handles!). And there’s even Room sanitization opt-out available, which is just odd… why would you? I have NO idea.
The Anti-viral cleaning products, though? I'd love to know what magic potions they're using.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Quest for a Decent Breakfast
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things took a slight nosedive. The promise of Breakfast [buffet] was enticing. My tummy rumbled with the thought of pancakes and maybe some questionable bacon. (Come on, it's a hotel buffet, you know the drill.)
The reality? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t a culinary masterpiece. There's Breakfast takeaway service though which I found to be a decent touch. Asian breakfast was available, which I thought strange for Rapid City. The coffee, though… let's not even go there. I did discover the Coffee shop, which offered a marginally better (but still hotel-esque) brew. I was tempted by the Happy Hour situation at the Bar and the Poolside bar. But I was far too busy to take advantage of either of those things.
Now, the Snack bar? I didn’t even bother. Honestly, I was too traumatized by the coffee.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and The Mysterious Lack of a Sauna
The listing boasts of a Swimming pool [outdoor], which, in the height of summer, sounds delightful. I didn’t take the plunge but I saw it was crowded, I may have passed.
There’s a Fitness center, which is fine, I guess, but I was too busy driving around and exploring the Black Hills to spend a lot of time there. And while I was promised a Spa/sauna, I couldn't find it. I scoured the place for a Body scrub, a Body wrap, or even a simple Foot bath, but Alas! This was a colossal let down. Maybe I missed it, maybe it's just a rumor. Either way, major points deducted.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras You (Sometimes) Need
Alright, moving on. The Baymont does have a decent range of services. The Concierge wasn't particularly helpful, but hey, they were there. The presence of Air conditioning in public area, as well as in every room, was very welcome. Cash withdrawal, the Gift/souvenir shop, and Laundry service– all pretty standard stuff, but useful.
I did love that they offered Daily housekeeping. I am a bit of a slob and need someone to come along and make everything neat. Also, the Invoice provided was a lifesaver for my expense reports.
For the Kids: Because Hotel Reviews Need a Kid Section
I’m not travelling with children so this section is more of an observation. The listing mentions Babysitting service and Family/child friendly accommodations. They even have Kids meal. So, good for families.
Getting Around: The Parking Paradox
The Car park [free of charge] was a huge win. Always love free parking! The Airport transfer is a convenient thing to note, even though I drove.
In-Room Awesomeness (And the Occasionally Disappointing Detail)
Okay, moving on to the rooms themselves. They had Air conditioning, and a Coffee/tea maker. You know, the essentials. Free bottled water was a welcome addition. The Refrigerator was definitely a plus, for keeping those precious road-trip snacks cold.
The bed? Comfy enough. Not heaven, but not torture. The Blackout curtains were great for sleeping in after a long day of driving and sightseeing. And, hey, they had Wi-Fi [free] – which, as we established, was a must. But I did discover the Additional toilet was in the master suite.
My biggest complaint? The Mirror situation. There was only one decent mirror, and it was in the bathroom. I like to get ready and fully see myself. More mirrors please!
Also, the In-room safe box. It’s a great feature, but I’m never sure if I’m going to lock myself out.
Overall Thoughts:
The Baymont by Wyndham in Rapid City is… well, it's a solid mid-range hotel. It’s not going to blow you away, but it provides a comfortable base for exploring the area. The clean rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and free parking are definite pluses. The breakfast situation? Let’s just say it could use some… improvement.
Would I stay there again? Maybe. It's not perfect, but it's a practical choice, and hey, sometimes that's all you really need after a long day of driving past Mount Rushmore. Just… bring your own coffee. And maybe a travel mirror.
Unbelievable St. Louis Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Pontoon Beach!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my "vacation" (air quotes heavily emphasized) at the Baymont by Wyndham in Rapid City, South Dakota. Let’s be honest, the name alone sounds like a marketing executive’s fever dream. Here’s the truth, though – after this, you'll need a vacation from my vacation, and let me tell you, it was a ride…
Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and a Quest for Decent Coffee
- 3:00 PM: Arrived. And by "arrived," I mean, I finally escaped the purgatory that is the Denver airport. Let's just say the luggage carousel and I have a complicated relationship. My suitcase? Apparently, it’s a master of hide-and-seek. Found it eventually though. Baymont lobby: a tad underwhelming. Think "functional," not "fabulous." The front desk guy, bless his heart, looked like he'd personally witnessed the apocalypse. Offered me a "welcome" cookie that tasted suspiciously like a hockey puck. Immediate regret sets in.
- 3:30 PM: Checked into the room. Beige. So much beige. It's the color of… well, let's just say it isn't the color of excitement. The air conditioning unit sounds like a dying walrus. Okay, I need coffee. Seriously. My life depends on it.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee quest commences! Found a gas station a few blocks away that promised "gourmet coffee." Lies. All lies. It tasted like battery acid mixed with sadness. Back to the hotel, defeated and caffeine-deprived.
- 6:00 PM: Decided to salvage the day. Found a local BBQ joint, "The Firehouse Smokehouse." Amazing! The brisket? Melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Ate so much I thought I might actually burst. Worth the potential indigestion.
- 8:00 PM: Bedtime (or, you know, trying to sleep despite the walrus AC).
Day 2: Monuments, Meltdowns, and Mount Rushmore… Oh My!
- 7:00 AM: Woke up with the caffeine withdrawals. Ugh. Coffee situation still dire. This is going to be a long day.
- 8:00 AM: Got up with the caffeine withdrawals. Ugh. Coffee situation still dire. This is going to be a long day.
- 9:00 AM: Finally made it to Mount Rushmore. Holy cow. Okay, I’ll admit it. It’s… impressive. The sheer scale of it… and the faces! The sheer magnitude of the undertaking is staggering. I spent a solid twenty minutes just staring, mouth agape. The crowds were a nightmare, though. I'm not sure if I've ever seen so many fanny packs in one place.
- 11:00 AM: Driving tour of the Black Hills. This is where things went south. Literally. The GPS decided to take us on a "scenic route" – which translated to a dirt track that looked like it hadn't been maintained since the Jurassic period. My car? Let’s just say we’re not on speaking terms. The road was so bumpy my teeth are still vibrating.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a roadside diner. Food: adequate. Atmosphere: pure Americana. Spotted a waitress with an enormous beehive hairdo. She looked at me with suspicion, took my order, and then disappeared for approximately 20 minutes. I was starting to wonder if she'd forgotten me.
- 1 PM - 3PM: Devil's Tower. Okay, I couldn't even get through this one. I was hoping for a real mindblowing, spiritual connection, a "Close Encounters" moment - but truth be told, I'm over it! It's a rock. Okay, it's a BIG rock. But still. I spent all my energy keeping my kids from going off the ledge. Also, it was really hot, and everyone around my was complaining.
- 3:30 PM: Complete meltdown in the car. I just wanted a clean bathroom and a decent cup of coffee – two things proving tragically elusive. Started to consider checking myself into a mental institution.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner near hotel. Pizza. Easy, comforting, and delicious. Needed to fuel back after the "adventure."
- 8:00 PM: Tried to unwind after a long day. The AC still sounds like an unhappy animal. The TV remote keeps disappearing. I think I need a vacation from this vacation.
Day 3: Custer State Park, Buffalo, and Back to Beige
- 8:00 AM: Found a coffee shop that, surprisingly, didn’t completely suck. Progress! Started the day with a surge of hope.
- 9:00 AM: Headed to Custer State Park. The scenery? Absolutely stunning. The wildlife? Majestic. Saw bison! Actual bison! They're gigantic, woolly, and they look like they don't give a single damn about anything. Pure freedom.
- 11:00 AM: The Needles Highway? OMG. The views were epic, the roads twisty – I was practically hugging the steering wheel, praying I didn’t plunge into a ravine. Thrilling. Terrifying. Both.
- 12:00 PM: Picnic lunch amidst breathtaking scenery. The food tasted amazing, for a change. Actually felt happy for a moment. Just… peaceful.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. More beige. More tired. Contemplating if I can survive another night?
- 4:00 PM: Walked to the local mall. Spent way too much money, and probably didn't need anything, but it felt good.
- 6:00 PM: Tried a local brewery. Beer was okay. The pretzel? To die for!
- 8:00 PM: Packing. Seriously considering moving to South Dakota. Or maybe just moving, period.
Day 4: Departure & The Verdict
- 8:00 AM: Goodbye, South Dakota. Goodbye, beige. Goodbye, walrus AC.
- 9:00 AM: Final "hockey puck" breakfast at the hotel. Sigh.
- 9:30 AM: Checking out. The front desk guy, bless his heart, still looked like he'd personally witnessed the apocalypse.
- 10:00 AM: Headed to the airport.
- The Verdict: Rapid City? Beautiful scenery, charming towns, and some genuinely friendly people. Baymont by Wyndham? It's… an experience. Would I go back? Maybe. With lower expectations and a lifetime supply of good coffee. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case.
Is the Baymont in Rapid City actually...good? Like, *really* good?
I stayed there once during a blizzard. Let me tell you, the thought of being stuck in a *worse* hotel than the Baymont during a Dakota blizzard sent shivers down my spine. At least the heat was working. That's a win in a blizzard, right?
The "Free Breakfast": Is it worth it? What's the deal?
I remember once, the waffle machine was on a *roll*. Waffles were fluffy, crisp, and perfect. The next day? Nuclear fallout. Burnt offerings that looked like hockey pucks. It's a gamble, folks. A breakfast roulette. But hey, it's free, and sometimes, even the hockey puck waffles are better than nothing when you're hangry.
The coffee? Don’t even ask. Bring your own instant, trust me.
What are the rooms like? Are they clean?
I had a room once where the air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. It was a symphony of groans and wheezes. I nearly lost it. I swear, I spent half the night just listening to it, thinking, "Is it going to die? Is it going to explode? Should I evacuate?" But, hey, at least it was cool. Ish.
My advice? Inspect the sheets before you commit to sleeping on them. Just saying.
Is the location convenient? Is it close to attractions?
I remember thinking, "Man, this is further from the action than I thought," but then realized, "Hey, at least I don't have to worry about parking!" Small wins, people, small wins.
What about the staff? Are they friendly?
I once asked the front desk for an extra towel, and the woman looked at me like I’d asked for a unicorn. But she gave me one! So… success?
Do they have a pool or other amenities?
I once *attempted* the "fitness room," but it felt like stepping into a forgotten corner of the hotel. The air was thick with the ghosts of workouts past. I fled. I'm more of a "watch Netflix in my pajamas" kind of person anyway.
Okay, so, final verdict: Should I stay at the Baymont?
My final verdict? It's the Baymont. You get what you pay for. Just pack some earplugs (for the walrus-esque air conditioning and the general hotel-noise) and maybe a bottle of your own coffee. You'll survive.
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