Bavarian Inn, Black Hills

The Bavarian Inn is a popular and laid-back motel for families and other (oftentimes repeat) visitors to Custer and its attractions. The inn is older, but clean and spacious, with plenty of little touches that add to its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The inn is set back from the road on five acres of lawns, trails, and wooded areas, which give it a remote, private feeling; deer and other wildlife are known to roam the property. The trees are hung with lanterns and there are picnic areas and decks scattered on the grounds. 

First-floor guests can drive right up to their rooms to unpack and there's a communal feeling in the comfortable lobby that's furnished with couches, chairs, booths, and coffee and game tables, as well as a gas fireplace and large flat-screen TV. Coffee and tea are always on offer, and there is a daily cookies and milk happy hour. The decor brings a little of the outside in: the main building is built around a large boulder, and there is a wall of planters. Overall, the Bavarian Inn is an excellent value for a visit to South Dakota’s national parks. 

The Bavarian Inn is located one mile from downtown Custer. The motel is set on five private acres, surrounded by trees, hills, and lots of green space. There are a few hotels nearby, but the inn has a private, out of the way feel. The area is busiest during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Crazy Horse Memorial is three miles from the motel, and Mt. Rushmore is twenty miles away. A car is necessary to visit the state parks and other area attractions, but parking at the motel is free and plentiful. Rapid City Regional Airport is a 50-mile drive from the inn.

Guest rooms at the Bavarian Inn are clean and spacious, with shared and furnished balcony space and views of the Black Hills. Deluxe Rooms were renovated to include light brown walls, black padded headboards, white comforters and bed linens, and wall-to-wall carpeting. Rooms in the newer building are larger than those in the original, and those that have not yet been updated have slightly dated furniture, but are still comfortable, with plenty of space. Amenities in all rooms include flat-screen TVs with cable channels, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, and free toiletries. Bathrooms are simple, with shower/tub combos and single sinks. The King Jacuzzi Room has a romantic double whirlpool that opens into the bedroom. The Family Suite has a variety of beds and a sleeper sofa for maximum capacity. 

Some guests have complained that the walls are thin, and that there are no blackout curtains. Guests with mobility issues should request first-floor rooms, as there is no elevator. Pet-friendly rooms have direct access to the outside for convenient walks, and the front desk is always stocked with treats for furry friends.

The Bavarian Inn has a lot of unexpected features. There's a seasonal outdoor pool with a sundeck, and a heated indoor pool and hot tub, with a supply of pool toys and games for guest use. Just off the pool is a game room with a pool table and a large stack of board games. An outdoor tennis court and almost mile-long European fitness trail are available, but there isn't a fitness center. Kids will enjoy the two outdoor playgrounds. On the Rocks chophouse serves dinner and drinks in a large dining room with a huge fresh salad bar, indoor charcoal grills, and white linen tablecloths. A kids' menu is available. Free breakfast is served every morning and includes pancakes, yogurt, fruit, juice, and coffee. There are vending machines and a guest laundry on the grounds. Wi-Fi is free throughout.