Rapid City's BEST Kept Secret: MainStay Suites Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Rapid City's BEST Kept Secret: MainStay Suites Review (You Won't Believe This!) - Seriously!
Okay, so I’m back from Rapid City. And listen, I’m not one for hype, you know? But… MainStay Suites? Seriously, it's a hidden gem. I went in cynical, expecting the usual cookie-cutter experience. Came out… well, let’s just say I’m already mentally planning my next trip. And you, my friend, need to know about this. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy, honest, and somewhat rambling ride into the heart of what makes this place surprisingly awesome.
Let's get one thing straight: Rapid City can be… well, a bit dusty. But the MainStay Suites? It's an oasis.
Accessibility & First Impressions (The Good and the… Meh):
First, let's be real. I need accessibility info. And MainStay does a pretty solid job. They have wheelchair accessibility – duh, it’s in the name, practically! – and facilities for disabled guests are flagged everywhere. I didn't personally test everything, but seeing elevators and knowing that they have all the rooms available makes me give them a good point for being compliant.
Now, the lobby. Standard hotel lobby, right? Nothing earth-shattering. But the front desk is 24-hour, which is a HUGE win when you're battling jet lag and need a friendly face at 3 AM to point you towards the coffee. Speaking of which… Coffee is in the breakfast… and in the room! Oh, this is gonna be great!
The Room: My Kingdom for a Comfortable Bed (And Free Wi-Fi!)
Okay, the room. This is where the magic really starts. My room (a non-smoking one, thankfully - non-smoking rooms are a must!) was… surprisingly spacious. And clean. Seriously clean. And I'm a neat freak, so that's saying something. Cleanliness and safety are obviously a big focus here. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double check. And that feeling of fresh linen… bliss.
The bed! Oh, the bed! Extra long bed, people! I'm tall, and I actually didn't have my toes hanging off the end. Pure heaven. And the blackout curtains? Needed them after a long trip. Perfect for catching that late-afternoon nap.
You know what else matters? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and, like, everywhere else! Public areas too!) Seriously, it’s 2024. No more paying extra for internet. The internet access – wireless was fast and reliable. And look! Internet access – LAN too! So it's good for business or for streaming.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathroom, bathrobes, bathtub, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, 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, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, 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. I am very happy. Things To Do… and Ways to Relax (More Than Just Sleeping!)
Okay, so you're not just going to sit in your room (though, trust me, you could). MainStay Suites has a surprising array of amenities.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: It's the kind of pool where you actually want to spend an afternoon. Nothing fancy, but clean, well-maintained, and a perfect antidote to a day of sightseeing.
- Fitness center: I didn’t hit the gym/fitness center (hey, I was on vacation!), but I peeked. It looked decent, with the usual treadmills and weights. A good option if you actually keep up your exercise routine. (I didn't.)
- Things to do: I'm not mentioning any city attractions because it is about the Hotel.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure!)
This is where MainStay Suites really surprised me.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, so the breakfast [buffet] scene is standard. Cereal, pastries, the usual suspects. But the actual breakfast service was actually good. The coffee was drinkable, and there was enough variety to keep me happy. Also, i love anything with Asian breakfast! And I'm not kidding!
- Snack bar: Useful place for a quick coffee or a snack.
- Restaurants: Not specific in the property, so I'll skip it.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
- Daily housekeeping: A life-saver! Coming back to a clean room after a day of exploring is pure joy.
- Laundry service: A BIG plus after a dusty day in the Badlands.
- Free car park : One more point for the place!
- Luggage storage: Excellent service just in case!
Cleanliness and Safety (Crucial, Especially Now!)
I felt incredibly safe at MainStay Suites. They're clearly taking cleanliness and safety seriously. I saw evidence of daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to safety protocol. This is a BIG deal for me, and MainStay Suites gets an A+ on this front.
Staff (The Secret Ingredient)
Seriously, the staff were fantastic. Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care about making my stay enjoyable. The 24-hour front desk was a lifesaver. That kind of personal touch makes all the difference.
The Anecdote That Made Me Love the Place (A Total Rant!)
Okay, so this is going to sound ridiculous. I had a minor issue with my room key not working. No big deal, right? Except it was late, I was tired, and just wanted to crash. The guy at the front desk, this dude, was so understanding. He apologized profusely, fixed the issue immediately, and even offered me a free bottle of water. It was such a small thing, but it completely turned my mood around. He turned something annoying into something positive with ease, and that's a level of service you just don't find everywhere. It's this kind of personal touch that elevates a hotel experience from "okay" to “I’m definitely coming back.”
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because No Place is Perfect)
Alright, so it's not perfect. Here’s a dose of honesty. The décor is a bit… predictable. And the lighting in the hallways is a bit dim. But honestly, those are minor quibbles. The positives far outweigh the negatives.
My Final Verdict (Would I go back?)
Absolutely!. MainStay Suites is a fantastic value. The rooms are comfortable, the location is great, the staff is excellent, and the commitment to cleanliness is top-notch. And more than that? It felt friendly. It feels like they care about their guests. That's the kind of place I want to stay.
Stop scrolling! Here's the Deal for YOU!
Book your stay at MainStay Suites in Rapid City RIGHT NOW!
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Why You Should Book Now:
- Peace of Mind: Experience a stay where your safety and comfort are the top priorities. With their commitment to cleanliness and friendly staff, you can relax knowing you're in good hands.
- Unbeatable Value: Get the comfort and convenience of a great hotel at a price that won't break the bank.
- Unwind in style: Explore Rapid City, while taking time to relax.
- Don't Miss Out: MainStay Suites is a hidden gem. Book now before everyone else discovers this secret!
- Make memories: Remember this great stay!
- Be Smart: Stay at the Best Hotel in Town.
Don't wait! Your awesome Rapid City adventure awaits! Book NOW!
KL's CUTEST Hidden Gem: Kota Damansara Cozy House! (Emporis Must-See!)
Alright, alright, alright… here's the deal. A Rapid City itinerary, from the MainStay Suites, with yours truly as your (slightly messy) guide. Buckle up, buttercups. You're gonna get the real deal, not some sanitized travel brochure bull.
Day 1: Arrival and… Well, Settling In (and a Touch of Panic)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP). Ugh, airports. Always the same story: overpriced coffee, screaming kids, and the lingering feeling that you're about to be swallowed whole by a giant metal tube. This MainStay Suites is supposed to be near everything, but I swear, finding the free airport shuttle felt like a cryptic treasure hunt. Finally, a friendly (and surprisingly chatty) shuttle driver with a name tag that said "Earl" rescued me. Earl, you're a lifesaver.
1:30 PM: Check into the MainStay Suites. Okay, not bad. Clean enough. Free breakfast. The little things, right? Immediately, though, I have a mini-meltdown. I forgot my travel pillow! How am I supposed to sleep?? This is a travelling crisis. I curse myself for being a disorganized mess. Sigh. Gotta get a pillow, stat.
2:00 - 4:00 PM: Explore the MainStay and prepare for the rest of the day.
- Finding the Pillow: First stop: the lobby. I check the vending machines for pillows. No luck. I ask the front desk. "Oh, we don't sell pillows, dear," the receptionist says, looking at me like I'm a lunatic. Great. Time to improvise.
- Settling: Since there's nothing else to do for now, I unpack and get comfortable in the room. I take a look outside and write in my travel journal. It's not easy to decide about the first day. Should I go to Mount Rushmore or drive around the Black Hills?
- The Solution After a small while I had an idea. I decide to order two pillows for my room.
4:00 - 6:00 PM: Quick tour of downtown Rapid City. It's a bit of a drive, but what can I say, it's already the beginning of my trip.
- The Journey: I go to downtown. The hotel lobby is very beautiful. It has very relaxing vibe.
- Downtown Rapid City: I take a look around. The first thing that catches my eyes is the bronze statues. I take some pictures with each one. Then I go to the Memorial Park. It's a very calm place to take a stroll. I spend some time there, trying to get a feeling of the place.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a place called Firehouse Brewing Company. Listen, finding decent food in a new city is an adventure in itself. I wasn't expecting much, but the place had character. The beer was decent, the burger satisfying, and the atmosphere… well, it was loud and chaotic in the best way. Plus, they actually had a TV playing something other than the news. Win! Feeling slightly less like a travel disaster.
8:30 PM: Back to the suite. The pillow is waiting. I'm saved! I'm practically giddy. Now, time to finally relax, right? Nope. Can't stop myself from starting to plan Day 2. Obsessive travel planning is a curse and a blessing.
Day 2: Mount Rushmore, Badlands… and a Lesson in Humility
7:00 AM: Okay, the "free breakfast" at MainStay Suites. The usual suspects: rubbery eggs, questionable sausage, and lukewarm coffee. But hey, it's free. Fuel is fuel. I try not to dwell on the nutritional value.
8:00 AM: The pilgrimage to Mount Rushmore begins. The drive is beautiful. The Black Hills are seriously impressive. The scenery is exactly as described… but not because of the tourist brochures. It's just breathtakingly huge and green. Road signs say to watch out for wildlife. Should I be worried about mountain lions? I'm hoping not.
9:00 - 11:00 AM: Mount Rushmore. The monument itself. The sheer audacity of it is mind-boggling. You walk up and there it is: Four giant faces carved into a mountain. I get goosebumps! I get that strange feeling of overwhelming historical relevance, and I suddenly realize I'm standing where generations of people have stood, feeling the same way. I spend a solid hour just staring, trying to absorb the magnitude of it all. This place deserves respect.
- The Crowd: The crowd, though… the crowd. Tourists from every corner of the world. The selfie sticks are a weapon. The kids are whining. But hey, we’re all there experiencing the same thing in our own way. I find a quiet spot, away from the selfie-stick fray, and just… breathe it in.
12:00 PM: Lunch in the area. I opt for the tourist trap diner. The food is forgettable, but the giant milkshake is a triumph. Worth every calorie/dollar.
1:00 - 4:00 PM: On my way to the Badlands. The Badlands are nothing you expect. I'm stunned by how bizarrely beautiful the landscape is. It's truly Martian-like. I take a bunch of pictures. I walk some of the trails. The colors… the light… the sheer emptiness… This place is otherworldly.
- The Hike: I pick a relatively easy trail, thinking, "I'm in good shape." Famous last words. The sun beats down. I'm quickly out of breath. My water bottle is suddenly half-empty. I'm surrounded by nothing, and it's glorious and terrifying at the same time. I finally realize I've bitten off more than I could chew, so I decide to turn back instead of risking my life. Humility lesson learned.
5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I take a long, cold shower. The only relief.
7:00 PM: Dinner is a simple affair. Pizza delivered to the room, a guilty pleasure after a day of hiking (or, more accurately, attempting to hike). I watch some trash TV (I don't want to leave my room after today's experience, I want to chill) and fall asleep before the credits roll.
Day 3: Custer State Park and a Last-Minute Scramble
8:00 AM: Another breakfast at the MainStay. I have accepted my fate with the eggs.
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Custer State Park. This place is a wildlife sanctuary. I hit the Wildlife Loop Road. The bison are majestic. I'm amazed at the animals. I stop for many photo sessions. I spend the rest of the day driving and soaking it all in. I find some great trails. Definitely recommend this.
- The Bison Jam: I get stuck in a "bison jam." Not a traffic jam, a bison jam. A herd of the massive beasts decides to cross the road directly in front of my car. I have to wait. I can see them roaming. It takes a solid half-hour before they clear. It's terrifying and exhilarating. This is one of those moments you can't make up.
3:00 PM: Rapid City. I buy some souvenirs. Things are closing up so I don't have much time left. I get my last snack.
5:00 PM: Head back to the hotel.
6:00 PM: Prepare for Departure. Back for the airport.
8:00 PM: Back at the airport back. The plane is delayed. I eat an overpriced sandwich. I mentally review the trip. I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
This trip, like any trip, had its ups and downs. Bad breakfasts, missed hiking goals, and near-constant feelings of being slightly lost and overwhelmed. But I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Rapid City, South Dakota, is a place that sneaks up on you. It's not perfect, it's a bit rough around the edges, but it's real, beautiful, and unforgettable. And hey, I got my pillow. That's what counts, right?
Tokyo Riverside Dream: Cozy Studio in Tangerang!
Okay, spill the tea. What's SO secret and amazing about the MainStay Suites in Rapid City, South Dakota? Everyone raves about the Black Hills...but the MainStay?! Really?
The Rooms. What about the rooms? Are they actually suites? (I've seen a LOT of "suites" that are just... fancy closets.)
The Breakfast. Because let's face it, that can make or break a hotel stay. Tell me *everything*.
Okay, okay, so the rooms and breakfast are decent. But what makes it REALLY stand out? What’s this magical “secret” you’re hinting at?
So, no downsides? Nothing sucks? Be honest.
Let’s talk location. Is it actually convenient for seeing the Black Hills?
What about the pool? Every kid wants a pool!
Okay, you've convinced me. Sell me on this place even *more*. What one single thing makes you, personally, love it?
