Back in 2012 we spent several nights at the historic Alex Johnson in downtown Rapid City. We knew, without a doubt, that we wanted to stay there again for our big 2019 trip.
The hotel is historic, unique, and very conveniently located.
It really is a nice location to stay at while in the area. AND, its just so cool and historic. We wanted to make sure we spent some quality time at the Alex Johnson too, just to take in all of it's coolness.
Since our last visit, the hotel has been taken over by Hilton. They are obviously trying to keep Hilton standards, and I think that is a good move.
We noticed that all of the staff was great and helpful. We had a very sweet room service person named Michelle who really did a great job. There were about 3 young men doing valet parking every time we used it, and they were friendly and helpful. Also, we stopped by the front desk one evening to ask some questions. A very friendly employee named Ross gave us a lot of helpful information.... AND he gave us each a very tasty chocolate bar/medallion (see photo) molded in the logo of the hotel! They do sell these at the hotel, but we felt pretty lucky to have been given a set! Nice touch!
The CLASSIC hotel decor we loved from our first visit was still there, and unchanged. I am certain past visitors (like Alfred Hitchcock!) saw the same great Native American influenced carvings and art we were able to admire in the lobby when he was there 70 years ago.
I think Hilton has done an honest job of trying the keep the place the same in ways that need to be kept, but it has also upped the standard where it could.
Also, look closely at the chandelier and the floor tile. The Alex Johnson has not covered up the swastika like shapes that had been used in some of the decorations. These were put there well before the symbol was hijacked by a German political party.
They do have a walking tour type brochure about the hotel that points some of the preserved features like this out. I also appreciated some of the images on the outside of the building above the windows. Those were influence by the Indian head and Buffalo Nickel designs. They look great.
There are also ghost stories associated with the hotel. Staff talked openly about this, and even told us which room were supposedly haunted! There IS a special package you can get at the hotel if you want to stay in one of the haunted rooms!
Anyway, here are just a few pictures we took around the hotel.......
We noticed that all of the staff was great and helpful. We had a very sweet room service person named Michelle who really did a great job. There were about 3 young men doing valet parking every time we used it, and they were friendly and helpful. Also, we stopped by the front desk one evening to ask some questions. A very friendly employee named Ross gave us a lot of helpful information.... AND he gave us each a very tasty chocolate bar/medallion (see photo) molded in the logo of the hotel! They do sell these at the hotel, but we felt pretty lucky to have been given a set! Nice touch!
Also, look closely at the chandelier and the floor tile. The Alex Johnson has not covered up the swastika like shapes that had been used in some of the decorations. These were put there well before the symbol was hijacked by a German political party.
There are also ghost stories associated with the hotel. Staff talked openly about this, and even told us which room were supposedly haunted! There IS a special package you can get at the hotel if you want to stay in one of the haunted rooms!
It was a nice brief stop on our road trip.
We walked around. We enjoyed the free ice water. We bought postcards.
I don't see the Corn Palace as a site you would want to spend all day at (frankly, a half hour stop can cover it). Still, it is legendary and worth a stop!
The place is kinda comparable to Wall Drug.... Its just big and a LOT! I saw pins, patches, candy, toys, etc, etc. They had food places AND a Caribou Coffee!
