Pierre, SD's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Pierre's Hidden Gem? My Unfiltered Take on the Quality Inn (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, so let's be real. Pierre, South Dakota, isn't exactly known as a hotbed of luxurious resorts. But nestled amongst the prairie winds and the State Capitol building, there lies…the Quality Inn. And let me tell you, I wasn't expecting much. Truthfully, I was bracing myself for a bland, generic experience. But… hold the phone, because this Quality Inn threw me a curveball. Buckle up, buttercups, because this review's gonna get real.
First Impressions & Accessibility (The Good Stuff!)
Pulling up, the exterior wasn't exactly swoon-worthy. Standard motel fare, you know? But the lobby? Surprisingly bright and welcoming. The check-in was a breeze, a glorious, contactless breeze – yes! (Thank you, 2024!) They offered a simple cashless payment service, which, in this day and age, is pretty much a necessity. My initial impression, aided by the elevator, was that the place was at least trying to be user-friendly. They’ve got facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. The presence of CCTV in common areas and outside the property gave me a sense of security, though I'm not sure if it's really THAT important, especially in this part of the country.
Rooms: A Mixed Bag of Expectations
My room? Okay, here's where things get interesting. The air conditioning worked, which is a non-negotiable in South Dakota summers. FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a godsend for a digital nomad like myself. The Internet access, with both Wi-Fi and Internet [LAN] options, was surprisingly robust. I got a decent speed for getting my work done. And a big shout out for the Wi-Fi for special events option, they had you covered.
Now, let’s be honest. It wasn't exactly a five-star suite. But it was… comfortable. The bed was comfy, if a little firm (which I secretly appreciated). I even got those delightful little complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker, which, after a long day of driving, felt like a warm hug. The satellite/cable channels were plentiful for those needing an escape. It was all pretty standard fare, with things like an alarm clock, hair dryer, in-room safe box, and desk. The mirror was useful, although I forgot to bring my own toothbrush and didn't feel like calling for more toiletries at 11 pm.
The Cleanliness & Safety Dance (Are We Safe?)
This is where the Quality Inn really surprised me. I usually approach motel cleanliness with a healthy dose of skepticism. But… I gotta give them credit. The place felt genuinely clean. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. They even had anti-viral cleaning products in use! They also had hand sanitizer aplenty. Professional-grade sanitizing services seemed to be in place. They weren't messing around. I was even able to choose to opt-out of room sanitization, although I'm weird and opted in! I have to give them credit for taking care of their guests. And yes, they had smoke alarms, fire extinguisher and smoke detector.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure)
Okay, the breakfast. This is where the experience takes a slight dip for me, and in a really significant way. They boasted a Breakfast [buffet], which, in a post-pandemic world, is risky business. But… it was mostly okay. There were the usual suspects: Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, coffee/tea in restaurant, and buffet in restaurant, but frankly, it was a bit of a beige landscape. I missed an extra kick to it - where was the flavor? The breakfast takeaway service was useful, though.
I did not check the Restaurant or Snack bar out. I did notice the Poolside bar, and given I was there in the winter, I had to give up on the idea. The Bottle of water was a nice touch, though. They had other options like a Coffee shop, but I only went to the breakfast place.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or Not!)
Here’s where the Quality Inn… well, it’s not a resort, folks. There's a Swimming pool [outdoor] which, again, wasn't available for me. There's a Fitness center, which I didn't brave. And there was a Spa/sauna, which I did not use. So, yeah, not a ton of bells and whistles. But hey, I wasn't exactly expecting a luxurious spa retreat in the middle of South Dakota.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
They offered a reasonable range of services: Daily housekeeping (thank you!), laundry service, and dry cleaning. The car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge] were a massive bonus. And the front desk [24-hour] was helpful, though I didn't really need them. The convenience store was probably for the junk food lovers, and the luggage storage was a nice touch. The elevator was appreciated, although I only was on the first floor.
Getting Around: A Road Tripper's Dream
The car park [free of charge] was a massive win. Airport transfer and taxi service might be valuable for some, but I was pretty happy in my car!
The Quirks & the Quirks That Made Me Question Everything
Okay, so here’s the real, honest-to-goodness truth. I was there for a meeting. The meeting/banquet facilities were…adequate. I'm not sure if I would put the Quality Inn on my list of seminars or meetings. I did get to see the projector/LED display and the meeting stationery.
Final Verdict: Unexpectedly Pleasant
Look, the Quality Inn in Pierre isn't going to reinvent the wheel. It's not the most glamorous hotel. But, and this is a big BUT, it's clean, comfortable, and the staff (from the front desk to the cleaning crew) seem to genuinely care. The cleanliness surprised me, and the location was convenient enough. If you're looking for a comfortable, reasonably priced stay in Pierre, this Quality Inn delivers. They gave it their best shot, and I can respect that. Just don't expect a spa day!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the chaotic, beautiful, slightly-stained-with-coffee reflection of a trip to… Pierre, South Dakota. Yes. Pierre. My brain’s already starting to wonder why, but we’re committed. And let’s be honest, a Quality Inn in Pierre is prime material for a good, honest, and possibly disastrous adventure.
The Pierre Pilgrimage: A Quality Inn Odyssey
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Plains
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Pierre Regional Airport (PIR) – which, let’s be real, is probably smaller than my childhood bedroom. The breathtaking view of… well, mostly flat land and a few sad-looking trees hits me like a brick of solitude. Immediately, I’m asking myself the big questions: What am I DOING here? Is there really a decent coffee shop within a 50-mile radius?
- 1:30 PM: Pick up rental car (a grey sedan, named Brenda, because I have no imagination). The rental guy, bless his heart, looks like he’s seen a ghost. Probably from all the folks who've come and gone out of here. He hands me the keys with a sigh that’s more eloquent than any brochure could ever be.
- 2:00 PM: Check into the Quality Inn. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and regret. The front desk clerk is either incredibly friendly or secretly judging my questionable fashion choices (a floral shirt and hiking boots, because… reasons). Room key secured.
- 2:30 PM: The room: surprisingly okay! Clean enough. Two double beds. The TV has about 50 channels, and judging by the remote buttons, at least 43 don't work. My emotional reaction? A sigh of relief. At least I have a safe place to park my bags and stare out the window at… more plains.
- 3:00 PM: Attempt to unpack. Fail. The suitcase explodes, scattering clothes everywhere. Briefly consider abandoning everything and becoming a hermit. Decide against it because, you know, deadlines.
- 3:30 PM: Wander the Quality Inn. Discover the gym (looks like it hasn't been used since the Reagan administration), the pool (closed - apparently the plumbing system is having an existential crisis), and the breakfast area. The breakfast area has a tiny continental breakfast. This is going to be a long trip.
- 4:00 PM: Venture into Pierre. Population: I'd guess somewhere between "a bunch" and "fewer people than my hometown." Aimless drive around town. The capital building is impressive, I guess. I stop for a moment to reflect on the grandeur, then immediately remember I’m still wearing the floral shirt.
- 5:30 PM: Dinner at a local diner (I'm not going to name it, because I'm pretty sure they're a protected species.). Waitress is named Barb. Barb has seen it all. I order the special: roast beef with mashed potatoes. It arrives. It tastes like… well, it tastes like a diner special. It's edible. I tip generously because Barb is a diamond in the rough. Her stories are gold.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the Quality Inn. Channel surf. Decide the best show is whatever's not on.
- 8:00 PM: Embrace the awkwardness of the hotel vending machine. Spend $4 on stale potato chips and a soda I don't really want. Contemplate if the chips are worth the price of a small book, or possibly, my sanity. The answer is no on both counts.
- 9:00 PM: Attempt to read. Fall asleep immediately. The Plains have won.
Day 2: History and… More Lunch
- 8:00 AM: Alarm clock. Breakfast at the Quality Inn. The breakfast buffet is… well, it’s there. I bravely consume a lukewarm waffle and a cup of coffee that's more brown than coffee.
- 9:00 AM: South Dakota State Capitol tour. Discover some pretty interesting facts. The art is rather… official. I spend more time admiring the ceilings than the portraits of stern-faced men.
- 10:30 AM: South Dakota State Museum. Surprisingly well-maintained! I learn a LOT about the history of this state, Native American culture, and the pioneers. I find myself actually intrigued. Maybe Pierre isn't so bad after all. (Spoiler alert: it’s still Pierre.)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! I find another local diner. It has a different waitress. The food is… different. One word: mayonnaise.
- 1:30 PM: Walk along the Missouri River. The sheer size of the river is a bit overwhelming. Watch the tiny boats. Suddenly realize I miss the ocean -- I miss the vast unknown.
- 2:00 PM: Attempt to find a decent coffee shop. No luck. Settle for gas station coffee. It's the kind of coffee that makes you wonder what you did to deserve it. It tastes like burnt rubber and sadness, but it'll have to do.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. This gets me. The art there is remarkable. The stories are powerful. I spend an hour here, absolutely captivated. This is the most moving experience I've had so far and it’s a reminder that, even in the middle of nowhere, there's beauty and truth to be found. I think about how small our problems are in light of the real issues: history, loss, culture.
- 4:30 PM: Back to the Quality Inn. Mild despair sets in. Maybe Brenda the car is a getaway vehicle?
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. They have a special. The food is… food.
- 7:30 PM: Channel surf. The channels work better today. The highlight? A documentary about… corn. Okay, Pierre. You win.
- 9:00 PM: Early bedtime. Ready for an early escape in the morning.
Day 3: The Escape (and the Unexpected)
- 6:00 AM: Wake up. Pack. I can’t believe the trip is almost over, but I can't believe I agreed to this in the first place.
- 7:00 AM: A final glance at the Quality Inn lobby. Leave the room key and a silent thank you (and maybe a small prayer) to Brenda for escaping.
- 7:30 AM: Drive. No more plans. Just… drive.
- 8:00 AM: Realize there are things in the trunk. Turn around.
- 8:30 AM: Visit the local gas station and get a coffee this time with a muffin; which is surprisingly good!
- 9:00 AM: Drive towards Rapid City. Think about the journey. Contemplate the meaning of my life.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Mount Rushmore. Take a deep breath, and stare at the impressive faces of presidents.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM: Get back on the road.
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at the airport.
Final Thoughts:
Pierre, South Dakota, you beautiful, slightly baffling, and incredibly flat place. I came, I saw, I ate diner food, and I learned a thing or two. The Quality Inn? Well, it was a place to sleep. And sometimes, that’s all you need. The memories? Mostly good, the food… let’s just say it was an experience. Would I go back? Maybe. But first, I need a vacation from my vacation. And a very strong coffee.
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Okay, spill the beans! What's *really* the deal with this "Best Kept Secret" Quality Inn in Pierre? Is it actually decent?
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they… clean? And is the wifi a total nightmare?
The Breakfast! Is it the usual sad, continental fare?
Okay, let's get specific. What's the BEST part of this seemingly-normal Quality Inn?
Any downsides? What could be better?
Would you recommend the Pierre Quality Inn? Seriously, would you?!
Any specific instances where this place wowed?
What are some things you think the hotel could improve on?
Bottom line: Is it worth the price?
