Powder House Lodge

The property offers a distinctive rustic cabin experience, providing a memorable stay nestled amidst the trees, making it a perfect base for exploring the Black Hills. Its signature feature, the highly acclaimed on-site restaurant, consistently receives praise for its exceptional cuisine and service, often drawing in locals alongside guests. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and families due to its prime location near major attractions, while couples appreciate the cozy and peaceful atmosphere of the individual cabins. Pet owners will also find accommodating options. Guests consistently highlight the overall cleanliness of the accommodations, the friendly staff, and the comfortable beds. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a cabin further from the main road for a quieter experience, and always call ahead to the popular restaurant to minimize wait times.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the range of facilities and amenities available, contributing to a comfortable stay. The outdoor pool is a popular feature, often described as heated and a refreshing spot after a day of sightseeing, though some guests noted it appears older with some broken tiles. Free Wi-Fi is provided, allowing guests to stay connected, though a few found it slow for electronic devices. For convenience, guest laundry facilities are available, albeit with only one washer and dryer. Many cabins are equipped with a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a microwave, adding to the self-sufficiency of the accommodations. Some units feature a gas fireplace, creating a cozy ambiance, along with a private deck or patio that often includes a swing, offering a peaceful outdoor space. A playground and picnic area are also on-site, and while an ice machine is available, some guests found it challenging to locate or access.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the accommodations receives widespread praise, with many guests describing their cabins as spotless, immaculately clean, and having a fresh scent upon arrival. The room condition generally offers a charming, rustic cabin aesthetic, with some units noted as newly furnished or remodeled. However, some guests found the rooms to be quite small or cramped, particularly the tiny bathrooms, which sometimes lacked sufficient towel hangers or hooks. While the beds are frequently lauded as very comfortable or even amazing, a notable number of guests found them to be too firm, with some experiencing hard pillows or a well-worn mattress that felt like sleeping in a bowl, leading to discomfort or a stiff neck. Noise levels are a mixed bag; while many appreciate the quiet setting, cabins closer to the highway can experience significant road noise. Additionally, some reported loud air conditioning units or noisy mini-fridges impacting sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site restaurant is consistently highlighted as a major draw, receiving overwhelming praise for its excellent food quality and high-quality dining experience. Guests frequently rave about specific dishes such as the prime rib, buffalo medallions, and buffalo filet, often describing them as delicious and perfectly cooked. The breakfast options are also highly rated, with mentions of tasty pancakes and good coffee. While the menu offers a wide variety, including game meats, some found certain dishes like the seafood pasta or some steaks to be underwhelming or overcooked. The service is generally described as attentive, friendly, and professional, though a few isolated incidents of rude or stressed staff were reported. The restaurant atmosphere is often noted as cozy, rustic, and homey, though it can become very busy and chaotic, especially during peak hours, with some guests seated in a less appealing, garage-like area. Despite occasional mixed feedback on specific dishes or service interactions, the restaurant remains a top recommendation for its overall quality and value.

Location & Accessibility
The location of the property is a significant advantage, offering a perfect base for exploring the region. It is conveniently situated just minutes from Mount Rushmore, typically an 8 to 10-minute drive, and very close to the shops and attractions of Keystone. Guests also appreciate its proximity to other major landmarks like Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the Black Hills. The setting is often described as beautiful and peaceful, nestled amidst trees and providing a sense of being out in the country. However, its placement directly on a busy highway means some cabins experience considerable road noise, particularly during the day, which can be a drawback for light sleepers. Parking can be challenging, with some guests finding it tight, difficult to maneuver larger vehicles, or located up a gravel driveway, and signage for parking and check-in is sometimes unclear.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the property generally receive high praise, with many guests highlighting the team's friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the staff for being accommodating and professional, contributing significantly to a positive experience. The check-in process is typically described as quick and easy, though a few guests reported encountering unhelpful or rude front desk staff, particularly regarding specific issues like pet policies or room access. While there is no daily maid service, guests appreciate the efficient system for obtaining fresh towels and supplies via a checklist. Specific instances of exceptional service include staff going above and beyond, such as mailing back a forgotten stuffed animal or providing helpful local recommendations. However, a few isolated complaints mentioned issues with housekeeping, such as finding body hair on beds or difficulties with linen returns, and some found the initial check-in signage to be poor.

Additional Information
For guests planning a stay, it's important to note several additional details. The property has a pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs, though some reviews indicate a potential additional fee or challenges in finding suitable outdoor areas for pets. It operates seasonally, closing for part of the year, which guests should consider when planning. Accessibility can be an issue for some, as many rooms require navigating stairs, making it less suitable for those with handicaps. Guests should be aware that some rooms may not have a phone, and the ice machine might not be conveniently located in every building, requiring a trip to the office. Cell phone signal can be poor on the property, and the Wi-Fi is generally restricted to staying customers. The popular on-site restaurant does not take traditional reservations but operates on a call-ahead waitlist system, and any discount coupons received with lodging may not be valid for dinner service.