Sonesta Essential Rapid City

2.5 star property
Hotel with free breakfast, near Rushmore Mall

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Rapid City

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

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 2 Double Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Pet Friendly)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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.

Similar properties

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
  • 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.

Will I be able to park 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.

Is Sonesta Essential Rapid City a good place to stay for couples?

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 this hotel offers jetted bathtubs in some guestrooms.

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).

Can I book a room with a balcony 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

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

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

Sanjay

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service
Room was decent. Beds and bathroom amenities were nice. But there was no laundry detergent and housekeeping was tardy. The 3 guys at the front desk were very helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Linda

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Not at all like a Sonesta

The service was super friendly!! The lobby is gorgeous. This is more "motel" style with the doors/room access from outside... It's an older building - could use tlc, but was clean and comfy
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Mike

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Michele

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
There were cleaning rags left in the bathroom. There was leftovers from the previous occupants left in the fridge. Bathroom fan was filthy. The air conditioner fan was rattling and clicking all night.
Left in bathroom
Left in bathroom
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Justin

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
No complimentary soap in the shower.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emma

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great staff

Staff at check in was brilliant, really friendly, funny and helpful - especially with loading our cases into our uber!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

David

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The staff are very nice and accommodating. They made us feel safe in a very unsafe area. The partial remodel of the property looks good. Our bed was broke and lower at the head than the foot, i woke up with a head ache. Our ac worked but made a very awful noise that woke us up at 4am. We didnt get a lot of rest.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Visiting family. Convenient location and good for dog traveling with me.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

David

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We were at breakfast seven mornings. They were always out of the main foods. Yogurt machine empty. Out of sausage. Waffle machine empty. coffee etc....
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrea, Kingsport

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
There were dirty towels in the bathroom. Hair in the sink. Bathroom floor was dirty. Front desk person the night of check in was rude. Would not recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

darleen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bed was comfortable and clean
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Joane, Sioux Falls

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cleaning staff was good, conveniently located off the interstate with good parking, family diner down the street and lounge across the street were convenient and enjoyable. TV didn't have a remote, coffee maker was missing the tray you put the coffee into, didn't bother with addressing either.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Leland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It is a nice place to stay. But overall, could use more color. But i loved it
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Steve

The TV won’t let me to adjusted the closed caption to on.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

brian

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

Happy

Was in town for Sturgis Rally was treated great would stay there again
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jason

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good budget hotel

Hotel was clean. The restaurant was closed during our stay but was being completely remodeled and looked like it will be nice. I’d stay here again when I’m in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Boni

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
I liked the amenities offered: hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, iron, etc… The room was fairly clean. The room was very quiet!! We requested a refill on the body soap and never received it. The breakfast was out of food every morning we came down regardless of the time, and there was no one around to ask to have it replenished. We had to eat at a restaurant every morning we were there.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Kia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

meh

The workers where very polite to me explained everything very well… The tv remote barely worked and the shower barely drained… it was ok for a one night stay but i wouldn’t of been able to stay more than one night. :/
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025