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Sonesta Essential Rapid City

2.5 star property
Hotel near Rushmore Mall in Rapid City

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Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Rapid City

Lobby sitting area
Room, 1 Queen Bed | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk
Room, 1 Queen Bed | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk
Flat-screen TV
Free daily continental breakfast

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Gym
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
1902 N Lacrosse St, Rapid City, SD, 57701
  • Place, Rushmore Mall
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, The Monument Civic Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Central States Fairgrounds
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Double Beds

Room, 2 Double Beds | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Room, 2 Double Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Suite, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Suite, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds (Pet Friendly)

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Pet Friendly) | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Pet Friendly)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, individually furnished, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Rapid City

City center stay.At this Rapid City hotel, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Rushmore Mall and 3 miles (5 km) of Central States Fairgrounds. Dinosaur Park and Storybook Island are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Rushmore Mall - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • The Monument Civic Center - 4 min drive - 2.4 miles
  • Watiki Water Park - 4 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Central States Fairgrounds - 5 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Main Street Square - 5 min drive - 2.8 miles

Getting around

  • Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Texas Roadhouse - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Freddys - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Five Guys - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Sonesta Essential Rapid City

Hotel near Rushmore Mall in Rapid City
A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. A 24-hour business center and 6 meeting rooms are available. Free breakfast is available daily. Event space at this hotel measures 9060 square feet (842 square meters) and includes a conference center. A fitness center, a vending machine, and a garden are also featured at the business-friendly Sonesta Essential Rapid City. Free self parking is available. A complete renovation of Sonesta Essential Rapid City was completed in June 2020.

This Rapid City hotel is smoke free.

  • 199 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • 9060 sq ft of conference space
  • 842 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1964
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Conference center
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Wedding services available
  • Convenience store
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • ATM
  • No smoking on site
Sonesta Essential Rapid City offers 199 accommodations with complimentary newspapers and coffee/tea makers. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Select Comfort beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and hair dryers.

This Rapid City hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property grounds

Foothills Inn

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
4.0 out of 5, Very Good, 1,235 reviews
$62 nightly
The price is $70
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Total with taxes and fees
Foothills Inn

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 25 per pet, per night
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 4 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 500 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 25 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice)
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and cash. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice).

We should mention

  • Up to 4 children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Ramada Hotel Rapid City
Ramada Rapid City
Rapid City Ramada
Ramada Rapid City Hotel
Ramada Wyndham Rapid City Hotel
Rapid City Ramada Hotel Rapid City
Ramada Wyndham Rapid City
Clarion Inn
Ramada by Wyndham Rapid City
Sonesta Essential Rapid City Hotel
Sonesta Essential Rapid City Rapid City
Sonesta Essential Rapid City Hotel Rapid City

Frequently asked questions

How close is Sonesta Essential Rapid City to the airport?

Sonesta Essential Rapid City is 14.4 mi (22-min drive) away from the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Sonesta Essential Rapid City have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Sonesta Essential Rapid City.

Does Sonesta Essential Rapid City offer free breakfast?

Sonesta Essential Rapid City offers free continental breakfast every day from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Sonesta Essential Rapid City have a pool?

Sonesta Essential Rapid City does not have a pool.

Does Sonesta Essential Rapid City have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Sonesta Essential Rapid City to downtown Rapid City?

Sonesta Essential Rapid City is 2 mi away from Rapid City.

Sonesta Essential Rapid City Reviews

Reviews

6.8
Rating 10 - Excellent. 109 out of 378 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 89 out of 378 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 80 out of 378 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 37 out of 378 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 63 out of 378 reviews

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan, EATON RAPIDS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

ASHLY, OGILVIE

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Poor, the front desk staff appeared to be on drugs and the room they gave us was occupied
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Leland

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Bathroom has water stains on ceiling and stains on comforter
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Leland

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Don’t let the Sonesta name fool you, this place is a dump. Homeless drunk people outside the lobby. This is a motel from the 70’s with lipstick.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Tiffany

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
We didn’t arrive until 8pm and the room wasn’t ready. The manager was appalled and promise to get it ready if we could give them an hour. When we arrived back the manager himself was making the beds. The pull out sofa had no coverings and dead bugs on the mattress. The water ran only lukewarm in one of the bathrooms. The manager apologized and stated the room would be comped.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Denise

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Will not stay at the hotel chain again
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Howard L

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

The worst hotel stay in 59 years.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

David

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Room comfort

Won’t be back

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness

Stayed for the discount

Dusty, found an ancient spice of pizza under the fridge, one of the electrical outlets didn't work, and smelled like an ashtray even though it's supposed to be non smoking room. Small tables in front of the room were frequented by randoms, whom I doubt were guests, that smoked cigarettes. AC did not work well, made the ashtray smell worse.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derrek

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Traveled with group, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Sean

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Had to book a room last minute from Mt. Rushmore. No Elevator. Booking a ride to the airport was horrendous. I waited in line multiple times requesting help for an airport ride at 0430. Finally had to book an uber at 2359 to ensure airport travel. I will accept some responsibility, but otherwise, a ride to the airport was very cumbersome.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Laura

Traveled with family
The laundering services were broken so we couldn't get into the room at checkin time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pat

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Julianne

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very hot and hallways seemed dirty.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Matt

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Kaycee

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
the front desk kyle was helpful. however the manager is not. he knows for the fact that
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Odilia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Matt

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the worst experiences I have ever had with a hotel. In 20+ years of traveling for work this is, by far, the most poorly run establishment I've seen - either overbooked or no staff to clean rooms, an MIA manager, staff not equipped to deal with a deluge of unhappy patrons. I was given a key that, at first, did not work. After two tries, the key functioned but the room was occupied. I was told to have some food and return in 30 minutes. After half an hour I returned to a dozen or so customers with no rooms ('not ready yet'). After three hours I called Expedia to get a refund - Expedia was working on it as of 6/22. The manager finally appeared and promised a refund. I booked a second hotel successfully. Avoid Sonesta like the plague.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place in a beautiful setting! 100% recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Jill

Traveled with group
Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Decent place to stay

It was a decent place to stay. It was an older motel, and we had an exterior door that you just drove up to. Beds were comfortable and the room was clean for the most part. Our check-in was terrible and a very rude person. However, the manager did address the issue. Breakfast was ok, just wish they had healthier options. One day they had some fruit, and the yogurt machine was never working. One day on our stay, the kitchen person must’ve not came in and in the steamers the sausage was frozen along with the eggs and the biscuits. People were warming them up in the waffle irons and the person at the front desk doesn’t seem to care said he didn’t know what he was doing. This time of the year it was the cheapest motel in the Rapid City area. If you’re just staying for one night, it would be fine.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

LYNEL

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Bathroom was not clean. I overpaid. Rates for the next 7 days was $80 cheaper. Furniture was worn out. Check in clerk not very helpfully. They did have a good breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

The room I was first given was not cleaned and had the housekeeper cart in it. The person at the front desk asked me to wait to see if the person responsible for cleaning was coming back. After more than 30 minutes I returned to the front desk and was given a clean room. From the discussion I overheard with another party at the front desk, I was not the only person this happened to that night. Things like this happen, the staff handled the situation very well.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025