Accommodations

There’s something about Hot Springs [1] that attracts the creative and independent entrepreneur. This is most evident in the interesting assortment of lodging options available here. While chain hotels and motels are amply represented, the most interesting places are the bed-and-breakfasts and independently run establishments tucked here and there about town. All rates are for summer season, double occupancy, or by the room, as appropriate.

$50–100

If you are looking for an authentic log cabin experience, check out the Historic Log Cabin Inn (1246 Sherman St., 605/745-5166, www.historiclogcabins.com [2], open year-round, $40–60) Located on the northern edge of town just off of Highway 385, the cabins were built in the late 1920s. To this day, they retain a rustic charm with nice decks overlooking the VA hospital and the community. Amenities include free wireless Internet access, continental breakfast, outdoor hot tub, picnic tables, and gas grills. Decorated for Christmas year-round, this is a pet-friendly property.

The Hide-A-Way Cabins (442 S. Chicago St., 605/745-5683, May–Oct., closed in winter, $55–75) located in “Lower Hot Springs” have full kitchenettes in four of the five units. The cabins are situated on Fall River, close to a very nice picnic area along the Freedom Trail.

Clean and economical hotel rooms can be found at Dollar Inn at Battle Mountain (402 Battle Mountain Ave./Hwy. 385, 605/745-3182 or 888/745-4149, www.dollarinnhotsprings.com [3], May–Oct., closed in winter, $69–79). Continental breakfast is included, and rooms come with microwave and fridge. The rooms are fairly standard hotel room fare, but they are spacious and clean. Free wireless Internet is available.

The Smith Fargo Suites (321 N. River St., 605/890-0585, www.smithfargosuites.com [4], May–Oct., closed in winter, $99), located in the historic Fargo Mercantile Building, built in 1910, are the one of the newest additions to the Hot Springs [1] collection of esoteric lodging. Opened in 2009, the three beautiful and elegant suites (Oriental, Miner, and Victorian) are positioned on the second floor above the retail-level flea market shops. The common areas and the suites are all quite beautiful, featuring hand-painted murals, stained glass, lots of tile, and theme-appropriate furnishings in each room. The Victorian Suite is three rooms plus a bath. The Miner and Oriental Suites each have two rooms plus a bath. The fully appointed kitchen is shared by all, and room rates include a free continental breakfast. All rooms have 42-inch flat-screen televisions, high speed wireless Internet, microwaves, and refrigerators.

America’s Best Value Inn by the River (602 NW River St., 605/745-4292, open year-round, $80) is a pretty property with a great central location near the Historic District of town. The hotel is also located at the northern end of the Freedom Trail. At one time the property was a Best Western hotel, so the rooms are standard-issue chain-style. Amenities include free continental breakfast, cable TV, and an outdoor pool. Three log cabins ($125) are also available on the property.

The Budget Host Hills Inn (640 S. Sixth St., 605/745-3130, www.budgethosthillsinn.com [5], Mar–Oct., closed in winter, $95), located on the south end of Hot Springs, is another reasonable alternative. The 35-room facility has a small pool, free Internet, microwaves, and refrigerators. Putt-4-Fun, a mini-golf course, is right next door, and the property is located near Fall River and the Freedom Trail. This is an older hotel property, but it is well maintained.

The Historic Mueller House Bed and Breakfast (201 S. Sixth St., 605/745-5272, www.muellerhousebedandbreakfast.com [6], open year-round, $89–129), built in 1888, is a Victorian-style building with a homey feel. It is located just a few blocks from the main street in town, close to shopping and dining. There are three rooms available, one with a Native American theme, one in country style, and one in Western style. Upon request, the owners are happy to serve a gluten-free breakfast. There is a resident dog there and friendly guest dogs are welcome. Free wireless Internet is provided.

$100–150

The Red Rock River Resort (603 N. River St., 605/745-4400 or 888/306-8921, www.redrockriverresort.com [7], open year-round, $135–144) is located in the historic Minnekahta Block, another project of early Hot Springs [1] pioneer Fred Evans. Built in 1891, this beautiful historic sandstone building now houses a fine dining establishment, a spa facility, and several renovated rooms, each with a private bath. With high ceilings and deep windows, the rooms feature luxurious bedding and feather-down pillows. Amenities include air-conditioning and cable television. The spa has hot tubs, a warm sand room, a dry sauna, and a granite heat room.

The FlatIron Guest Suites (745 N. River St., 605/745-5301, www.flatiron.bz [8], open year-round, $115–160) are beautifully decorated by the owner. The rooms all have a contemporary feel and the fabrics used for the curtains, bedspreads, and linens are all plush. Fine-quality wood furnishings, light fixtures, ceiling fans, beautiful kitchen tiles, countertops, and tile and hardwood flooring throughout create a luxurious feel to all of the suites. The suites are located on the second floor of the historic sandstone Gibson Building, a hotel originally built in 1911. The backyard patio, surrounded by flower beds and an ornate metal fence, is the best place in town for enjoying morning coffee or cool summer evenings.

Perched on the top of a hill and overlooking Fall River, A Dakota Dream Bed and Breakfast (801 Almond St., 605/745-4633 or 888/881-4633, www.adakotadream.com [9], open year-round, $110–150) has a fascinating history and the best porch sitting in town. In 1891, established as the Sioux City Gentleman’s Gaming Club, the octagonal top floor was designed to allow gamblers a view of the town below, giving gamblers fair warning if a raid was headed in their direction. Today, a hot tub overlooking town is available to guests staying in any of the six colorful and elegant rooms.

Over $150

The Sojourner Inn (1729 Minnekahta, 605/745-3361, www.sojournerinn.net [10], open year-round, $159–169) was built in 1890 and each floor of the building is a themed suite. The Serengheti Suite is a one-bedroom suite decorated with artifacts from the Gold Coast of Africa and opens onto the garden area on the first floor. The Wilderness Retreat is decorated with antler accessories and wildlife art. The Rustic Ranch Suite is decorated with Western furniture and art. Each suite has a fully appointed kitchen. Located just one block from River Street (Rte. 385), the Inn is close to shopping and the northern edge of the one-mile paved Freedom Trail that parallels the river.

Anise’s B & B for People with Pets (1 Canyon View Circle, 605/745-7455 or 800/794-4142, www.bnb4pets.com [11], $150–165) has to be one of the finest locations in the hills for people who are traveling with pets. Located on 15 acres, much of it fenced for dogs, it is a safe and beautiful place to stay and to leave your animals during the day while you’re out wandering the hills. The house is a three-story wood building with a wraparound deck for outside dining or just to enjoy a cup of coffee outdoors. Just a few blocks from town, the property is nestled up against Battle Mountain and is surrounded by ponderosa pine, giving the whole place a sense of seclusion. There are two beautifully appointed suites, one upstairs and one down, each with a private entrance. The upstairs Jacuzzi Suite is elegant and Victorian in style and has two bedrooms, one with a king bed and one with two daybeds. The downstairs Fireplace Suite also has two bedrooms, one with a king and one with a queen. As the name implies, this suite has its own private fireplace. A continental breakfast is included with the room rate. A full cooked breakfast is additional. Discounts are offered for stays longer than one night.