Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection By Hilton

“Great place to stay in Rapid City”

This is a stunning historic and iconic hotel, right in the centre of Rapid City and close to lots of bars and restaurants. Out room was OK. Wear and tear evident but spotlessly clean and the bed and pillows were really comfortable. We did find the reception staff fairly miserable bunch, on the w… more

This is a stunning historic and iconic hotel, right in the centre of Rapid City and close to lots of bars and restaurants. Out room was OK. Wear and tear evident but spotlessly clean and the bed and pillows were really comfortable. We did find the reception staff fairly miserable bunch, on the whole. Efficient, yes but the service was without a smile!

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“Great location for restaurants and walking the shops”

We stayed here twice, at the beginning and at the end of our trip. The rooms are small if you aren't a Hilton member. We had a small room our first stay and a larger, spacious room at the end of our stay, using our Hilton Honors. The higher floors are quieter as well as the rooms facing off the mai… more

We stayed here twice, at the beginning and at the end of our trip. The rooms are small if you aren't a Hilton member. We had a small room our first stay and a larger, spacious room at the end of our stay, using our Hilton Honors. The higher floors are quieter as well as the rooms facing off the main street. We were there for their Car Show and then, their annual Pumpkin Festival. Street parking is tricky if you don't use their valet service. The location is great for walking and eating at the restaurants nearby.

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“Good Enough for Cary Grant”

Given that Rapid City is the hub of so much tourism you’d think the city would have more interesting hotel options. We opted for the Alex Johnson because of its history and downtown location. It worked out fine in terms of a base from which to explore Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the Badlands. … more

Given that Rapid City is the hub of so much tourism you’d think the city would have more interesting hotel options. We opted for the Alex Johnson because of its history and downtown location. It worked out fine in terms of a base from which to explore Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the Badlands. It was also nice to experience what there is of Rapid City’s Main Street and local restaurants. Aside from the lobby and one banquet room which have period authenticity, there’s not much remaining of what I’m sure was once a lovely place in its prime. The rooms, renovated by Hilton, are “cookie cutter”. Our room was clean, bathroom also clean with good water pressure in the shower. The bed was comfortable enough. Breakfast is served in the Irish Pub bar. The food was tasty but not the setting is not very cozy. I mean, it is an Irish sports bar pub! Given a the options, I guess I would still stay here again. Expectations adjusted. This is Rapid City, not New York or London or Paris. Two more details: Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint stayed here when filming “North by Northwest”. As a film buff learning that made my stay absolutely tolerable. I mean, if it’s good enough for Cary Grant! Oh, and Valet parking is $30 a night.

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“Historic charm but that’s about it.”

There aren’t many high end hotel options to choose from when visiting Rapid City. I was hoping that the historic charm of the hotel would make this a diamond in the rough, but alas no. First and foremost this hotel seems to be suffering from a staffing shortage and there are no seasoned staff. I tr… more

There aren’t many high end hotel options to choose from when visiting Rapid City. I was hoping that the historic charm of the hotel would make this a diamond in the rough, but alas no. First and foremost this hotel seems to be suffering from a staffing shortage and there are no seasoned staff. I travel frequently and think this may be the only time I wasn’t really welcomed to a hotel. At check in, I was handed a key and that’s it. No information about the property offered. No “the elevator is…”. The poor valet, who was very nice and helpful, was doing triple time also serving as floor sweeper and sundries clerk (I think she was on her 17th hour of work). She warned us that due to short staffing it could be 25 min to get our car out so plan ahead. I terms of the room experience, thank God I brought ear plugs. Our room faced the entrance and construction noise started around 6 AM. Incessant beeping. And that was after listening to the ice machine gurgle all night. On the plus side, it is conveniently located downtown.

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