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Rate based on Check-in: Jun 10, 2012 Check-out: Jun 13, 2012

The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

3 stars
523 6th Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
3.9
out of 5 25 reviews
Great Location Downtown

I was driving across the US and this hotel was a welcome change from the chain hotels. Location was... See full review

  • Taft
  • May 21, 2012
Relaxed in style!

We enjoy historical places and this certainly was, with grace and comfort!! See full review

  • Chris Gone to the dogs
  • May 12, 2012
Modern luxury meets 1920s grandeur in this downtown historic landmark
The Hotel Alex Johnson offers a thoroughly modern experience (flat-screen televisions, pillowtop beds) in a rich 1920s setting. Railroad magnate Alex Johnson built the retreat in 1927 (construction began the day before work started on Mount Rushmore), and its original details have been carefully restored (note the bricks in the lobby floor, some of which still show Native American symbols). Today the six-story building serves as a fixture in the historic district of downtown, surrounded by shops, galleries and restaurants.
Highlights
  • Elegantly restored historic landmark in the heart of downtown Rapid City
  • Home to Seattle's Best Cafe and Paddy O'Neill's Irish Pub
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Recipient of the First Governor's Great Service Award and Governor's Service Star
Rooms
All 143 guest rooms at the Hotel Alex Johnson have been restored to 21st-century standards without sacrificing their original character -- think exposed wood beams and elegant armoires. Flat-screen televisions and pillowtop beds are the standard here, and some rooms also feature hot tubs, kitchenettes, wet bars and other upgraded amenities.
Dining
The Hotel Alex Johnson is home to the largest Seattle's Best Cafe in the country. In addition to fresh pastries and cookies, the coffeehouse also serves hot breakfast and lunch sandwiches in a relaxed setting with free Wi-Fi, HDTVs and a fireplace ringed by cozy leather chairs. Guests can also choose from numerous restaurants within walking distance.
Entertainment
Also located at the Hotel Alex Johnson, Paddy O'Neill's Irish Pub pours upscale beers and whiskeys from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. In the warmer months, snag a seat outside and watch passersby. Live entertainment comes through here on a weekly basis, and patrons can play Video Lottery, too.
Recreation
Health fans will appreciate the state-of-the-art fitness center (stocked with cardiovascular equipment and weights) at the Hotel Alex Johnson, while the on-site Paul Mitchell Salon and Spa invites the weary to relax and unwind.
Transportation
  • Rapid City Regional Airport (9 mi/14.5 km)
Attractions
  • Crazy Horse Memorial (25 mi/40.2 km)
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial (25 mi/40.2 km)
  • Bear Country U.S.A. (30 mi/48.3 km)
  • Canyon Lake (30 mi/48.3 km)
  • Deadwood (40 mi/64.4 km)
  • Badlands National Park (40 mi/64.4 km)
  • Custer State Park (60 mi/96.6 km)
  • Jewel Cave National Monument (70 mi/112.7 km)
  • Wind Cave National Park (75 mi/120.7 km)
  • Buffalo Gap Grasslands (80 mi/128.7 km)
Policies and fees
The hotel has a historic preservation fee of $5 USD per room per night.

 

 

This is not a comprehensive list of fees. Any amounts listed above may not include taxes and are subject to change.

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3 stars Grand Gateway Hotel
Reviewer score 3.5 out of 5
2 stars Days Inn West Rapid City
Reviewer score 3.3 out of 5

Hotel Map

Nearby airports
Rapid City Regional Airport, (RAP), 10.40, MI, NE; Custer County Airport, (3DR), 35.00, MI, W; Black Hills Arpt, (SPF), 35.00, MI, W;
Area description
City Center, 6th St. & Main

Amenities

  • AM/FM Alarm Clock
  • Barber Shop
  • Barber/Beauty Shop
  • Brailled Elevators
  • Business center
  • Coffee Maker in Room
  • Coffee Shop
  • Disco
  • Exercise Gym
  • FAX
  • Fitness center
  • Gift Shop
  • Hairdryer in Room
  • High-speed Internet
  • In Room Movies
  • Internet Access
  • Iron
  • Kitchenette
  • Laundry Service
  • Lounge
  • Meeting/Banquet Facilities
  • Microwave
  • Multilingual
  • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
  • Outdoor Parking
  • Parking
  • Pets allowed
  • Ramp Access to Buildings
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant
  • Safe Deposit Box
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Smoke-free policy
  • Sofa Bed
  • Telephone
  • Television with Cable
  • Turndown Service
  • Vending Machines
  • Wet Bar
  • Wireless Internet

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
04:00 PM
Check-out:
11:00 AM

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (25)

Ratings and reviews for The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Overall score

3.9 / 5
About the scores
25 out of 25
Amenities:
3.6
Room cleanliness:
4.4
Hotel staff:
4.3
Room comfort:
4.1
Location:
4.5
Value:
4.2

84% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Reviewer score

4

Would recommend

Taft
Oakland, CA
May 21, 2012

Great Location Downtown

I was driving across the US and this hotel was a welcome change from the chain hotels. Location was great. We loved the historic character of the property. We got much more than we paid for at this hotel. Turned out to be one of the best we stayed in.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Reviewer score

4

Would recommend

Chris Gone to the dogs
Shawano Wi
May 12, 2012

Relaxed in style!

We enjoy historical places and this certainly was, with grace and comfort!!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
4
Review of The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Reviewer score

4

Would recommend

likethedirection
Columbus, Ohio
May 2, 2012

A great historic hotel

The hotel is historic and some things probably need an update, but overall, I thought The Hotel Alex Johnson was great. The historical pictures around the hotel along with the great history made the stay more interesting. The location is unbeatable. The bed was very comfortable, towels fluffy, and ammenities were good. I would've paid much more than $60 to stay here.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Murphy's Pub and Grill - Casual atmosphere with great food.

Review of The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Reviewer score

4

Would recommend

Junie Bee
Valentine, NE
Apr 1, 2012

Rapid City night out

Very good! I always enjoy staying at the Alex Johnson in Rapid City. It's close to restaurants, a very nice downtown and pleasant.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Wine Cellar-almost next door

Review of The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Reviewer score

5

Would recommend

Jake R
Business
Washington State
Mar 25, 2012

Alex Johnson Hotel

The Alex Johnson in Rapid City is an excellent historic hotel in the heart of downtown Rapid City. The rooms were well appointed and clean and the staff was helpful and attentive. The location is close to a lot of restaurants and downtown attractions. We stayed during the off-tourist season and the hotel was an excellent value. I recommend it!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
4
Value:
5
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Reviewer score

2

Would not recommend

wykel
Wyoming, USA
Mar 23, 2012

Not what I expected

I heard this hotel had been remodeled and since it is historical I wanted to give it a try. Well the room was clean and comfortable but VERY small. The walls must be very thin as we could here our "neighbors" intire conversations. The bathroom is super small, sink, toilet, and tub all squeezed into one very tiny room. We tried to turn on the heater to help with noise control but it smelled when we turned it on and was ancient looking so we thought best to leave it be....so we put in our ear plugs and went to sleep. I really doubt I'll stay here again as there are other hotels for less money that are as nice or nicer and much quieter and include a breakfast. The other issue we had was having to park a block and 1/2 away on the very top of the parking garage with no cover.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
3
Location:
3
Value:
2
Review of The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Reviewer score

5

Would recommend

dmac77
Rapid City, SD, USA
Mar 19, 2012

it was great

the room was nice and clean. i loved that i was able to go to the roof to the new bar they have there and see all the lights at night.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Reviewer score

4

Would recommend

Chopperdan81
Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
Feb 15, 2012

Extra Fee

I didn't care for them asking for a second credit card for amenities. Even if you don't use any of their stuff they charge you $20 and refund it to you two weeks later.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
3
Review of The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Reviewer score

5

Would recommend

monroene
Nebraska, USA
Jan 31, 2012

Great Stay!

The beds in this hotel are the most comfotable beds I have ever slept in, the pillows were wonderful as well. I just had surgery a couple of weeks ago and was affraid to go to any hotel because lets be honest after major surgery the only comfortable bed is your own, but this was wonderful I had no complaints. Everything was wonderful about this hotel from the friendly service to the bath & body works shampoo, conditioner and soaps in the room. I have not one complaint!!! Also the Sky bar was neat being able to look over the city is very relaxing.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of The Hotel Alex Johnson, an Ascend Collection hotel

Reviewer score

4

Would recommend

BH native
Business
ND
Dec 2, 2011

Well maintained historical lodging

Having grown up in the area and always wondering what it would be like to stay at the HAJ, my stay was very enjoyable. The investment in upgrades and upkeep was obvious, the staff was great and the view from the 9th floor was awesome. I'll book again the next time I'm back that way.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
5
Trip purpose:

Business

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