Best Western Golden Spike Inn & Suites

The hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring the Black Hills region, offering convenient access to major attractions and a charming small-town atmosphere. Its central location makes it particularly appealing for sightseers and families looking to visit landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, as well as enjoy the local shops and restaurants. Many guests appreciate the hotel's generally clean environment and the convenience of its amenities, including a well-regarded breakfast. While most travelers find the staff friendly and helpful, some experiences indicate inconsistencies in service, particularly concerning room issues. Pet owners also find the hotel accommodating with designated exercise areas. To enhance your stay, guests should consider requesting updated rooms to avoid older decor and be aware that some facilities, like the outdoor pool, may have seasonal availability. It is also advisable to manage expectations regarding breakfast variety, especially for longer stays, as options can be repetitive.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, including both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, though the outdoor pool is often closed seasonally or due to weather. The hot tub is available, but some guests found it small or its jets not functioning properly, and pool water temperature can be cold. A well-stocked gift shop is available in the lobby, offering reasonably priced items. While an espresso bar is advertised, it has reportedly been closed since 2020. The fitness center is noted as small, with some guests reporting dirty equipment and a lack of proper ventilation or air conditioning. Laundry facilities are on-site, though some dryers have been reported as non-functional. Secure Wi-Fi is provided, and while vending machines are present, some have been found empty or out of order. Ample parking is available, but it can become congested, especially with trailers during peak seasons.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed. Many guests report clean rooms and appreciate the spaciousness of suites, which often include a refrigerator with freezer and a kitchenette, though cooking supplies are not provided. The beds receive varied reviews, with some finding them comfortable and others describing them as rock hard, lumpy, or overdue for replacement. Some rooms are noted as outdated or dark, and a significant number of guests reported issues with musty smells, humid air, or dirty carpets. Bathroom experiences also vary, with some being spacious while others are described as small, lacking proper lighting, or having drainage issues. Noise can be a concern, with reports of thin walls allowing sound from hallways, neighboring rooms, and even loud AC units. Isolated incidents of bed bugs and uncleaned sheets with hair were also reported.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast is a significant highlight for many guests, often described as awesome, hot and fresh, and delicious. It typically includes hot items like eggs, sausage, and biscuits with gravy, along with cereal, toast, and yogurt. However, some guests noted a lack of variety over multiple days, with options becoming repetitive and limited fresh fruit. The coffee is generally well-received, described as strong and hot, though some found it bitter or reported it running out. While a restaurant was once on-site, it has been closed since 2020, meaning guests need to seek dining options elsewhere. Despite some limitations in variety, the breakfast is widely considered a good start to the day, especially given its complimentary nature.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location for exploring the Black Hills area, making it highly convenient for visiting major attractions. Guests appreciate its proximity to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, and the Needles Highway, all within a short driving distance. The hotel is also within walking distance to downtown Hill City, offering easy access to local restaurants, shops, and the 1880 train. A grocery store is conveniently located nearby. Parking is generally ample, accommodating larger vehicles and trailers, though it can become quite congested during peak seasons or events like the Sturgis Rally, sometimes making it challenging to find a spot close to rooms.

Staff & Service
The majority of guests commend the hotel staff for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and efficient. Many highlight a quick check-in process and appreciate staff members who are knowledgeable about the local area and willing to assist with requests. Specific individuals are often praised for their customer-oriented approach. However, there are instances of mixed feedback, with some guests reporting indifferent staff, a lack of smiles, or perceived unhelpfulness, particularly when addressing room issues or compensation requests. Housekeeping service also receives varied comments; while some rooms are cleaned daily, others report a lack of regular service, requiring guests to request towel replacements or trash removal. Maintenance staff are generally noted for their quick response to in-room problems.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, providing a designated dog exercise area, which is highly valued by guests traveling with animals. However, the associated pet fee is considered high by some, and there have been reports of pets in supposedly pet-free buildings. A notable point of frustration for some guests is the hotel's seasonal closure for winter, which has led to unexpected reservation cancellations for those who booked in advance. Issues with reward points and gift card usage, including instances of double-charging, have also been reported. While the hotel generally offers good security with key card access to outdoor doors, some separate buildings have been noted as unlocked. Rooms may have limited electrical outlets and lack modern conveniences like USB charging ports.