Keystone's BEST Kept Secret: Boardwalk Inn & Suites! (SD)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed "BEST Kept Secret" – Keystone's Boardwalk Inn & Suites in (South Dakota, duh!) . Get ready for the real deal, the raw, unvarnished, and hopefully slightly hilarious truth. Because, frankly, after wading through a thousand cookie-cutter hotel reviews, someone has to spill the tea, right? Let's get messy! Let's get honest! And let's see if this "secret" is worth keeping or if it's just a strategically placed tourist trap.
First Impressions & Accessibility – The Good, the Bad, and the "Ugh, Stairs"
Okay, so the name "Boardwalk Inn & Suites" instantly conjures images of salty air, carousel music, and maybe a rogue seagull trying to steal your fries. I'm picturing a charming, somewhat worn, family-friendly place. Let's just say, the reality… well, it leaned more towards a well-maintained roadside motel, but I wasn't super disappointed. Location is key in Keystone, and this one's pretty good. Close to the main drag, close to Mount Rushmore (that's probably why you're here, right?), but hopefully far enough away from the screaming kids at the ice cream parlour.
Accessibility is a big one for me. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I understand the struggle of navigating poorly designed spaces. So, what's the deal at the Boardwalk? Well, they list "Facilities for Disabled Guests," which is a great start. The elevator is a lifesaver, but again, I can't personally vouch for the fully accessible room features, so call ahead to confirm the specifics. They get bonus points for having "Exterior Corridor" access - which, okay, is pretty standard in these parts, but it gets you in and out of your room quickly. On the downside, a lot of places in Keystone, not just this one, can be a bit of a climb, so bear that in mind, whatever your mobility issues are.
The Room: Fortress of Comfort (ish)
Alright, let's break down the room, where the real magic (or misery) happens. We're talking about the bread and butter of any hotel experience, people.
- Air Conditioning: Thank goodness. South Dakota summers are not messing around.
- Blackout Curtains: Essential for sleep. Because let’s be real, you will be exhausted after a day of gawking at stone presidents.
- Free Wi-Fi: A must, because, you know, Instagram. And yes, free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Morning coffee's an essential, but I actually brought my own French press because I'm a coffee snob. Don't judge.
- Desk/Laptop Workspace: Okay, so I did have to do a little work while I was there (a crime, I know). This was handy, even with my bad posture.
- Refrigerator: To keep that celebratory beverage frosty, and maybe some snacks for those late-night hunger pangs.
- Soundproofing: Okay, the "soundproofing" level here was questionable. But, hey, maybe I'm just sensitive. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper, or if you're like me and have an irrational hatred of vacuum cleaners.
- On Demand Movies: The only thing that’s missing is a personal chef to make you popcorn!
The Amenities – Spa Days, Pools, and My Personal Quest for Relaxation (which I FAILED)
Alright, let's be honest, my quest for relaxation in Keystone was a complete and utter failure. I went in thinking spa day, poolside lounging, zen vibes all the way. The reality? Well:
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: Okay, I saw a pool. It looked…adequate. Not exactly the glittering oasis of my dreams. I didn't use it. Let's leave it at that.
- Fitness Center/ Gym: I'm not going to lie, I completely bypassed the fitness center. I was on vacation, dammit! I was gonna eat all the fried bread and not feel guilty about it.
- Spa/Sauna: Now, if there was a spa… that could've been a game-changer, and the site lists that. But honestly, I didn't dig up a spa, but there's a spa listed. I'm a little mad at myself for not doing more digging, because a massage after a day of hiking would have been delightful. Maybe next time!
- Things to Do: You're in Keystone. You know what there is to do. Visiting Mount Rushmore is a must-do, and the hotel is close to everything.
Dining, Drinking, and the Eternal Quest for a Decent Meal
This the area that makes me the most nervous. I have to eat something when I'm there, right?
- Restaurants: There are restaurants listed onsite.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: I saw the buffet breakfast. It was… fine. Okay, it was pretty standard hotel fare. Waffles, scrambled eggs, the usual suspects. It's enough to fuel your morning, but don't expect Michelin-star quality.
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant: The coffee was pretty weak. I would recommend bringing a decent coffee or tea.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Daily Housekeeping: Clean towels, fresh sheets – a welcome luxury.
- Cash Withdrawal: Useful if you're a dinosaur like me and still carry cash.
- Concierge: Didn't use it, but good to have.
- Convenience Store: Needed a snack to avoid a hangry meltdown? This place probably had you covered.
- Laundry Service: Another bonus - especially if you're doing a multi-day trek.
- Car Park [Free of Charge]: Thank GAWD. Parking in tourist towns is the worst.
Cleanliness and Safety – The COVID Considerations
Let's be brutally honest: Nobody wants to catch the 'rona while on vacay, so this is a big deal right now.
- Rooms Sanitized between Stays: Phew! That's the minimum, people.
- Hand Sanitizer: Plenty of it, everywhere, I presume.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: Hopefully, they were. Hard to tell.
- Physical Distancing of at least 1 meter: The place isn't huge, so I'm not sure how easily it's enforced. I'd go in with the assumption, "do what you can do".
The "Best Kept Secret" – Is it Really?
Look, the Boardwalk Inn & Suites isn't a five-star resort. It's a solid, family-friendly, budget-friendly option. It's clean, it’s convenient to the tourist sites, and offers all the basics you need. It's not going to blow your mind, but, for the price, it delivers. It's a practical option. If you're looking for a fancy spa vacation, this isn't your place. If you want a clean, comfortable place to crash while you explore Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area, you can do far, far worse.
The Verdict: My Honest Recommendation (and a Quirky Offer!)
Okay, here's the deal: If you're planning a trip to Keystone and want a hassle-free, reasonably priced place to stay, the Boardwalk Inn & Suites is a contender.
Here’s my offer to YOU, my fellow human traveler:
"Boardwalk Bonanza":
Book your stay at the Boardwalk Inn & Suites through this link and get:
- 10% discount
- Free upgrade (If available)
- Free breakfast voucher (for the first morning)
- Free Keystone souvenir mug (because, you know, tourist traps)
But here's the catch folks. This offer is only good for the next 30 days. I'm betting on the fact that they'll sell out quickly.
Don't expect the Ritz, but do expect a decent stay and a convenient location to explore the Black Hills. Click the link and book your stay now!
Boardman's BEST Kept Secret: Unbeatable Value at This Amazing Inn!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a Keystone, South Dakota, adventure, and it's gonna be… well, let’s just say it’s gonna be interesting. We're staying at the Keystone Boardwalk Inn and Suites, so at least we have a base, right? A questionable base, perhaps, but a base nonetheless.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Quest for a Decent Burger
- 1:00 PM: Land in Rapid City. Oh, the airport! It’s… small. Adorably small, actually. Like a particularly friendly shoebox. Grab the rental car (a dented minivan named Bertha – I'm already bonding with her). The drive to Keystone is beautiful, though. Those Black Hills are seriously stunning. I'm already feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sheer vastness of it all. And the driving. Gotta remember to stay on the right side of the road.
- 2:30 PM: Check in to the Keystone Boardwalk Inn and Suites. Okay, let's be honest, the "Boardwalk" part is a slight exaggeration. It's more… Boardwalk-Adjacent. The room? Eh. Clean enough. The air conditioning is questionable, but at least there's a mini-fridge for the vital supplies (read: beer, snacks, and emergency ice cream). Initial impression? Meh. But hey, it's just a place to sleep, right? Right?…
- 3:00 PM: Mandatory Mount Rushmore reconnaissance. I HAD to see it, you know? The photos never do it justice. It's… HUGE. And a little bit… unsettling, to be honest. Those four stony faces staring down at you. I felt a distinct pressure to be important. (Spoiler alert: I'm not.) The crowds were a nightmare, though. I swear, I saw a toddler attempting to scale Lincoln's nose. Absolute chaos.
- 5:00 PM: The Search for the Perfect Burger. Keystone is… well, it’s a tourist town. And tourist towns often suffer from a lack of culinary excellence. We stumbled into a place called "The Lucky Lady". It wasn't lucky. The burger was… well, let's just say it was a burger. Mediocre. Flat. Sad. I'm starting to think about the possibility of eating nothing but gas station chips for the rest of the trip.
- 7:00 PM: Stroll the Keystone strip. The shops are… well, let's call them "eclectic". Mostly t-shirts and "I Heart (insert generic thing)" stuff designed to make you feel like you're missing out if you don't buy something. Managed to acquire a ridiculously overpriced shot glass. Regrets? Maybe later. The air is crisp, though. Like, almost a little bit cold. I definitely did not pack enough layers.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the room. TV is fuzzy. The WiFi is… nonexistent. I’m already starting to feel a profound sense of isolation. This isn't good. Time to crack open that beer and re-evaluate my life choices.
Day 2: Crazy Horse, Crystal Cave, and the Wild West Woes
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Inn. Continental breakfast. You know the drill. Stale muffins, weak coffee, and a vague sense of disappointment. This morning I was going to make an effort. But I woke up late. I’m such a failure.
- 10:00 AM: Okay, let's tackle Crazy Horse. Another colossal sculpture in progress. It's even bigger than Mount Rushmore, which is genuinely mind-boggling. The sheer scale is almost… spiritual. Okay, maybe I’m getting a little carried away, but it's impressive. And the visitor center is surprisingly well-done, even though I spent most of the time squabbling with my companion (or rather, my travel partner).
- 12:00 PM: Lunch? Oh, the joy of deciding. Back to the Keystone strip, or the little restaurant outside the resort. I opted for the the latter, though by this point, I was convinced that they were all the same kitchen. Another burger. Sigh.
- 1:00 PM: The Crystal Cave. Deep, dark, and surprisingly… cold. I am incredibly claustrophobic. But the formations are pretty. I am completely at the mercy of my emotions.
- 3:00 PM: A scenic drive on Needles Highway. This is why I came here. This is the highlight – gorgeous scenery – sharp rock formations that look like needles. Even Bertha the Minivan seemed to appreciate the twisty roads. I had to pull over just to take it all in. It was absolutely breathtaking. This is what I needed.
- 5:00 PM: The inevitable roadside attraction. The 1880 Train. I felt a compulsion to do it. It was a tourist trap, a predictable, cheesy tourist trap. And yet… I loved it. The rumble of the train, the clatter of the tracks, the actors playing out Wild West scenes. The melodrama of it all just made me grin. (Don't tell anyone.)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Back to the town. The same restaurants. Eating from a new menu, and yet, a similar bad burger. I'm questioning everything.
- 8:30 PM: Back to the room. Exhausted. Thinking of tomorrow. Already dreading the lack of a comfortable bed.
Day 3: Custer State Park, Buffalo and Breaking Point
- 9:00 AM: Finally slept in. I woke up with the sun. Still, breakfast was a letdown.
- 10:00 AM: Custer State Park. The wildlife! Buffalo! Everywhere! We got stuck in a buffalo jam! They were just… strolling along the road like they owned the place (which, let's be honest, they probably did). The Needles Highway? Child's play compared to the Buffalo traffic jam.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch again! I tried another restaurant hoping for the perfect meal! Another burger!
- 1:00 PM: Cathedral Spires! The park is amazing! I can see the land with my own eyes!
- 3:00 PM: We are going to a general store. There's nothing to say about it.
- 4:00 PM: Drive outside town! We went to a local spot for food, and it was a mess! I felt like I didn't fit in. I'm going to be by myself to clear my head.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I am tired and I might get a burger?
- 7:00 PM: Time to watch the sunset.
- 8:00 PM: I'm going to sleep
Day 4: Leaving Thoughts
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Check out. Final thoughts? Well, Keystone, South Dakota… you were a mixed bag. But despite the questionable food, the slightly depressing hotel room, and the relentless tourist traps, there was a beauty here. The Black Hills are stunning. And there's a certain charm to the whole, slightly ramshackle experience. Would I come back? Maybe. But next time, I'm packing my own snacks and a better pillow. And I'm DEFINITELY finding a GOOD burger.
Okay, spill it! What's *actually* the 'secret' about Boardwalk Inn? Is it even *that* secret?
Alright, alright, I'll fess up. "Secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. More like... a well-kept LOCAL tip. Everyone knows about the big hotels right on the gondola, right? But Boardwalk? It's like, this comfortable little haven a quick (and I mean *quick*) walk from everything. The 'secret' used to be the price – way more bang for your buck. But honestly? It's the *vibe*. It doesn't feel like a corporate, soul-sucking hotel chain. It's more...chill. Like your cool aunt's vacation condo… if your cool aunt had a hot tub and a killer view of the slopes.
So, location, location, location, right? How *good* is the location REALLY? Like, compared to the hype?
Okay, listen, my aching feet can tell you… the location is *gold*. Forget hauling your gear up the hill after a day of shredding. Boardwalk is practically *on* the main drag. Minutes. Seriously. Minutes. You've got shops, restaurants, the shuttle… everything is right there. My biggest gripe for the location: Sometimes, the proximity to the *apres-ski* scene can lead to… shall we say… *late-night noise* after a particularly rowdy night (which, let's be honest, is pretty common). But hey, earplugs are your friend, and the convenience *totally* outweighs the occasional boisterous reveler.
What about the rooms? Are they, like, updated? Clean? Do they smell like stale pizza? (Asking for a friend... mostly.)
Okay, honesty time. The rooms aren’t the newest, *but* they're definitely not falling apart. They are clean! I mean, I'm a total germaphobe, and I survived, so that's saying something. They’re the kind of cozy that makes you want to curl up with a book and a hot cocoa (or, you know, a beer. No judgement.) The decor is… let's call it "mountain rustic." It's not minimalist chic; think more sturdy furniture and perhaps a print of a snowy mountain scene. And no, thankfully, no stale pizza. The worst smell I encountered was maybe a *hint* of pine cleaner, which, honestly, felt appropriate. The kitchens are pretty well equipped. I actually made Thanksgiving dinner there one year - quite the experience, I tell ya. I had to improvise with a couple of utensils, but we made it work! (More on that later...)
And the amenities?! Is there a pool? Hot tub? Free breakfast? (Because, free breakfast.)
Alright, let's break this down. Pool? Negative. Gym? Nope. Free breakfast? HA! (You know me). But, the hot tubs? YES! And they're outside, with a view! Seriously, soaking your aching muscles after a day on the slopes, watching the snow fall… pure bliss. And there's a fire pit...perfect for sharing stories and getting tipsy from a flask of something warm. The only real downside is that the hot tubs can get PACKED during peak season. So, strategic timing is key. Go early or late, and you'll have the place to yourself.
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: PARKING. Keystone parking is a nightmare. What's the deal at Boardwalk?
Bless your heart. Parking in Keystone. Ugh. Boardwalk has *covered* parking, which is a huge win. It's a bit tight, sometimes, and you might have to navigate a few tight turns, but you're shielded from the snow and ice. The main key is to get there early. If you show up late in the day during a busy weekend... well, you might be circling for a bit. Trust me: get there early, park, and don't move your car unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise, the shuttle is your best friend. Its free, it runs quite often, and it take you right to the village.
You mentioned a Thanksgiving dinner... details, please! Was it a disaster? A triumph? Spill the tea!
Okay, you want the juicy stuff? Here you go. Thanksgiving. At Boardwalk. With a fully equipped ONE-BEDROOM condo. I thought, "How hard could it be?" Famous last words. First thing: the oven. The oven was... old. And temperamental. It took forever to preheat, and my turkey (which I'd very proudly cooked) was looking a little pale, shall we say. I'm pretty sure I burned the potatoes. Twice. The cranberry sauce exploded… everywhere. The blender died halfway through whipping the cream. Then, just as the dinner was about to become a total catastrophe, my cousin, bless her heart, saved the day. She took charge of the gravy (which, thankfully, turned out amazing), and somehow, we managed to salvage everything. We had to order pizza to supplement, but hey, we still had a Thanksgiving dinner. And you know what? The chaos, the imperfections, the hilarious mishaps? That's what made it unforgettable. It was the best, most chaotic Thanksgiving ever. And I wouldn't trade that Boardwalk experience for anything.
Okay, the million-dollar question: Would you recommend it? And, if so, to whom?
Absolutely. 100%. I'd recommend Boardwalk Inn & Suites to anyone who: 1) Values convenience. 2)Appreciates a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere over fancy schmancy luxury. 3) Knows how to embrace the imperfections (because let's be real, no place is perfect). 4) Is looking to save a few bucks without sacrificing quality. And 5) Doesn't mind a little bit of character. This is *not* for someone who demands pristine perfection. This is for someone who wants a good time, a great location, and a place to call home base while they experience the majesty of Keystone. It's got a relaxed charm, but it's not for everyone. But if you like it? You'll *love* it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm craving a hot tub… and maybe some pizza leftovers.
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