Sonesta Essential Rapid City

2.5 star property
Hotel with free breakfast, near Rushmore Mall

Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Rapid City

Lobby sitting area
Free daily continental breakfast
Room, 1 Queen Bed
Flat-screen TV
Room, 1 Queen Bed

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View 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

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Sofa bed
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 2 Double Beds

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Pet Friendly)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Sofa bed
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Sofa bed
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Sofa bed
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2020
Blackout curtains
Sofa bed
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

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About the area

Rapid City

Sonesta Essential Rapid City puts you in the centre of Rapid City, 1 km (0.6 mi) from Rushmore Mall and 3.3 km (2 mi) from Central States Fairgrounds. Highlights at this hotel include free continental breakfast, free self-parking and a conference centre. .This business-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas and a fitness centre, and has a business centre. Other amenities include a 24-hour business centre, coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of free RV/bus/truck parking. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this Rapid City hotel include Dinosaur Park and Storybook Island.

What's nearby

  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Rushmore Mall - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Watiki Water Park - 3 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Journey Museum & Learning Center - 5 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Central States Fairgrounds - 6 min drive - 3.5 km

Getting around

  • Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) - 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
A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. A 24-hour business centre and 6 meeting rooms are available. Free breakfast is available daily. Event space at this hotel measures 9060 square feet (842 square metres) and includes a conference centre. A fitness centre, 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 centre (24 hours)
  • Conference centre
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Wedding services available
  • Corner/local shop
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • ATM
  • No smoking on site
Sonesta Essential Rapid City offers 199 accommodations with free 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 a combined bath/shower unit and hairdryers.

This Rapid City hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry 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 centre
  • 6 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre (9,060 square foot 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 lift
  • 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
  • Smoke-free property

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

  • 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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) guidelines.

We should mention

  • Up to 4 children aged 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

What is the cancellation policy at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

Sonesta Essential Rapid City offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

Yep, Sonesta Essential Rapid City has a free self car park and free RV/bus/truck parking.

Does Sonesta Essential Rapid City serve breakfast?

Yeah, free continental breakfast is available daily from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

No, Sonesta Essential Rapid City does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Sonesta Essential Rapid City?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Reviews

Sonesta Essential Rapid City Reviews

6.8

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness
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

Reviews

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Emma

Travelled 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