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Sonesta Essential Rapid City

2.5 star property
Hotel with free breakfast, near Rushmore Mall

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

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
1902 N Lacrosse St, Rapid City, SD, 57701
  • Place, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Rushmore Mall
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Journey Museum & Learning Center
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

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 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 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 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

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

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About the neighborhood

Rapid City

Rushmore Mall is a short stroll from Sonesta Essential Rapid City, and other popular attractions like Central States Fairgrounds are within a few miles (5 km). This hotel has 199 rooms and welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Rushmore Mall - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Watiki Water Park - 3 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Journey Museum & Learning Center - 5 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Central States Fairgrounds - 6 min drive - 2.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

About this property

Sonesta Essential Rapid City

Hotel with free breakfast, near Rushmore Mall
Renovated in 2020, Sonesta Essential Rapid City offers a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and a conference center. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with dry cleaning/laundry, securing valuables, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a 24-hour business center, coffee/tea in a common area, and a computer station.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and free WiFi keeps guests connected. Select Comfort beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers. Coffee makers, free newspapers, and free local calls are also available.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness center.

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Days Inn by Wyndham Rapid City
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
6.6 out of 10, 1,004 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Gym

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 6 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference center (9,060 square feet of space)

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1964
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Reception hall
  • Renovated entire property - June 2020
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 25 per pet, per night
  • 2 total pets
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 4 kids 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 500 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

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

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)
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice).

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Is free cancellation available at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

Sonesta Essential Rapid City offers free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to see close to Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

This hotel is located in Rapid City, a short 12-minute walk from Rushmore Mall and also 7 minutes on foot from Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf. You'll also find Watiki Water Park and Central States Fairgrounds within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking and free RV/bus/truck parking are also available for guests.

Does Sonesta Essential Rapid City have a casino?

No, Sonesta Essential Rapid City doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a comfy mattress as well as wedding services and free breakfast.

Are there hot tubs at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

No, but some guestrooms at this hotel feature jetted bathtubs.

Does Sonesta Essential Rapid City have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Sonesta Essential Rapid City offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Will Sonesta Essential Rapid City allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Sonesta Essential Rapid City for a fee of USD 25 per pet, per night.

Does Sonesta Essential Rapid City have connecting rooms?

Yes, this hotel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

How close is the airport from Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

The closest major airport to Sonesta Essential Rapid City is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which is 14.4 mi away (22 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Sonesta Essential Rapid City.

Does Sonesta Essential Rapid City host weddings?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at Sonesta Essential Rapid City if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

Sonesta Essential Rapid City Reviews

Reviews

6.8
Rating 10 - Excellent. 110 out of 385 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 90 out of 385 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 81 out of 385 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 38 out of 385 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 66 out of 385 reviews

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Larry

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Property in process of being sold or closing. Staff was very helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Paul, Rochester

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Very friendly staff, however many issues with the room: black mold in the shower, dark long hairs plastered to shower wall x2days (even though I reported it and asked for the bathroom to be cleaned on the first day), broken treadmill and no towels in the fitness room, and no cups for water. I wouldn't stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Donna

Disliked: Staff & service
Billy Joe is a terrible manager and canceled our reservation.We were driving and we were not able to be reached as were driving so many hours and no reception.And my husband's phone died and she canceled our rooms.Absolutely.Unacceptable and two rooms were charged and she needs to refund us
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

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

2/10 Terrible

Kathleen A

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Yunlong

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Run down property.AC extremely noisy and not adjustable. Room is old and hallway is filthy and smells of chlorine.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This Sonesta is an older, multi-time re branded hotel, just off I-90 in Rapid City. It is clean with spacious rooms. The staff has been excellent. The breakfasts are good.It is close to all sorts of dining and shopping. I believe there are plans to add onsight restaurant or lounge.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

James P

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good room with king bed. Generally clean. Staff was very friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Matthew, Lake St. Louis

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Angela

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
They had a great spread for breakfast. Our room was cleaned fine but the beds weren't very comfortable. The carpet had a slightly damp feel like they had shampooed it but it hadn't thoroughly dried.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nathan

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A Nightmare. They give away reservations on busy nights. Stood in line with 12 others for almost an hour. FOUR out of FOUR people who got there key came back saying there were people in the room they gave them! All of us were unable to stay and had to find rooms on memorial day weekend, after 11:30 PM. Some people had small children. I had to drive 2.5 hours to Murdo SD to find a room, checked in there at 2:20 AM.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Johanna

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly and room was exactly as described. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesse

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Consistently reasonable rates, especially in comparison to other hotels in Rapid City and the surrounding area; clean, comfortable, ample-sized rooms; and the employees are always friendly, respectful, professional and helpful, especially the housekeeping department and Adam (Matthew?). And I love the full breakfast! Sonesta Essential has become my go-to hotel for my regular trips to Rapid City. Thank you so much!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Christian

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Jason

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jason

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan, EATON RAPIDS

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

8/10 Good

Frankay, Olathe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A little run down…torn curtains.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Justin

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Wade

Disliked: Cleanliness
Old and filthy. Blood on the shower curtain and shower wall. Food smeared on the desk. Non smoking room still smelled like smoke. Pillows were like big cotton balls. Sorry for poor rating but true
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Lakota

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The first two rooms were unacceptable. The third room we accepted, Howe we didn’t foresee that the toilet didn’t work (we had to seek out a plunger) the heater didn’t work and was blowing loud cold air even though we set it in the mid 70’s) some loud Additional fan kept turning out, which we shut off eventually. The internet didn’t work, so the TV was unwatchable with apps not working. The floor carpeting was damp. We froze and didn’t sleep well. The complimentary breakfast continued to be out off . Ended up not having breakfast here as items were out.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Rodney

Room are ok
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Shane

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in was long and tiresome with a new girl
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Terrible place

Room smelled like a very damp basement, was very dilapidated and there were damages to the walls and lots of water stains on the ceiling in the bathroom. There was a lot of noise like an AC noise or water running in the pipes that didn’t go away even after I turned off the ac and did not let me sleep well. I needed to check out early at 5 AM and the receptionist at the checkout was very rude and unprofessional. The best thing about this hotel was leaving it.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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