Cambria Hotel Rapid City

The peach and brick facade of this mid-range hotel reveals polished, contemporary interiors. Brown, beige, and crimson hues mingle in the lobby, a large and heigh-ceilinged open-plan space that's also home to the hotel's bistro and bar. Several seating clusters dot the inviting space, which also offers plenty of dining tables, a sleek bar, and computers for guests' use. Soaring floor-to-ceiling windows fill the room with natural light, while a bison head mounted on a cream-colored exposed stone wall lends an inkling of a rustic touch to the slick and sleek decor. Overall, it's a solid choice in an area that's occupied by several comparable options, drawing both business and leisure travelers (couples and families with kids alike) that are attracted by the hotel's varied set of features and clean, spacious suites.

The hotel is situated right off of a main highway (Interstate 90) that runs through South Dakota, in an area that's home to several other similar properties and a couple of fast food dining options. A car is recommended to get around -- though the hotel does offer a free area and airport shuttle service. It's about a 10-minute drive to Rapid City from here, where guests will find many more restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions like The Journey Museum and Learning Center, as well as Dinosaur Park. Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, the city’s convention center, is an 11-minute drive. The area's main attraction is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which is about a 40-minute drive away. Other points of interest include the Badlands National Park (50-minute drive), Reptile Gardens (18-minute drive), Bear Country USA wildlife park (21-minute drive), Crazy Horse Memorial (51-minute drive), and Wind Cave National Park (over an hour's drive). Rapid City Regional Airport is about a 17-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel offers spacious studio suites and one-bedroom suites that are tastefully appointed -- though chainlike -- with contemporary decor. A cream and black color palette is accented by vibrant bursts of red courtesy of pillows and other decorative touches here and there. Plush beds are topped with cream-colored bedspreads dotted with black dragonfly silhouettes. Living rooms have sleeper sofas, armchairs, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs (bedrooms also have additional TVs), plus all of the units have desks, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Sleek, contemporary bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Most rooms overlook the parking lot and prairie around the hotel. 

The hotel offers a solid set of features aimed at both leisure and business travelers. Wellness/fitness facilities include an indoor heated pool and hot tub, as well as a 24/7 fitness center with a good variety of Precor cardio and strength-training machines, free weights, and a large flat-screen TV. Dining-wise, the hotel's Reflect Bistro serves classic American fare like burgers and steak for dinner, as well as cooked-to-order breakfasts (not included in rates). Coffee and pastries are available to-go. The lobby bar offers happy hour specials. Room service is also available.

There are two computers and a printer for guest use in the lobby, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. A small shop sells snacks, drinks, and sundries. Other amenities include three meeting rooms, guest laundry facilities, and free area and airport shuttle service. Outdoor lot parking is free.