Custer's Hidden Gem: Econo Lodge Review & Booking!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the, ahem, unique world of Custer's Hidden Gem: Econo Lodge Review & Booking! This isn't your glossy travel brochure review. This is the REAL DEAL. The one that tells you if you're gonna have a memorable trip, or just… a trip.
Let's Talk Legwork (and Maybe a Little Leg Cramp): Accessibility
Alright, accessibility. This is important, people! I'm not personally wheelchair-bound, but I appreciate a place that at least tries to think about everyone. Econo Lodge gets… points for trying. I saw an elevator (hallelujah!), and I think some rooms are designated accessible. However: I didn't see any specific info detailing room modifications, like grab bars in the bathroom. So, call ahead if you have specific needs. Definitely CHECK before you book. This is crucial.
Rambling About Wi-Fi and the Digital Age (Ugh):
Internet, Internet Everywhere! Okay, so Wi-Fi. It says "Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms!" which is good! Gotta stay connected, right? Then there's the whole "Internet [LAN]" thing. Remember the days of LAN cables? Makes me feel old. Anyway, internet access is important nowadays, whether you're working or just posting about your vacation. Wi-Fi for special events? Okay, if you're having a conference.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Hunger-Induced Rant:
This is where things started to… well, they weren’t PERFECT. Look, a "poolside bar" sounds amazing, but I didn't see one. The "snack bar" was basically the vending machine. And the restaurant? Let's just say it's a little sparse. I'm talking… maybe a continental breakfast? Maybe? Breakfast [buffet]? Nope, not on my visit.
And the whole "Asian cuisine in restaurant" thing? I'm giving it a serious side-eye. Maybe it’s just me but I've had my share of "Asian cuisine" in hotel restaurants that made me question if I made some sort of wrong turn onto the set of a low budget movie.
My personal experience: I arrived late, starving. Room service [24-hour]? Nope. Went to the "convenience store" (which, as I recall, contained mostly chips and questionable candy). Thankfully I'd packed some snacks. Lesson learned: Pack your own damn snacks, especially if your blood sugar levels are as erratic as mine!
The "Relaxation" Factor (Or, Is the Sauna a Myth?):
Now, the "Spa" with all its trimmings… Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor]… it all sounds lovely. Sounds like a luxurious getaway! I saw a swimming pool, which was a plus. But details about all that luxury? A little lacking. I would seriously investigate whether those spas and saunas actually exist before getting your hopes up. I was hoping for a sauna after a long day out and about. But, it was nowhere to be seen. Maybe it was hidden. Maybe they misplaced it. Maybe it's a cleverly designed mirage. Consider it a mystery!
Cleanliness and Safety – The COVID Dance:
Okay, let's get serious for a second. Cleanliness is everything right now. The "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Daily disinfection in common areas", "Hand sanitizer", "Hygiene certification", "Room sanitization opt-out available", "Rooms sanitized between stays", "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items", "Shared stationery removed", "Staff trained in safety protocol"… all that sounds reassuring, right? I saw the hand sanitizer dispensers which is good. This part made me feel comfortable, so at least that's a plus.
The Little Things – Services and Conveniences Beyond the Essentials:
The "Air conditioning in public area" and "Air conditioning" in the rooms, both ticked off. "Elevator" checked. "Laundry service" – good! "Luggage storage" – yep. "Meeting/banquet facilities" – probably, but I didn't attend any meetings. "Hair dryer" – yes! I found a hairdryer (phew!). "Coffee/tea maker" in the room? Ding ding ding!
The Room Itself – My Little Fortress:
Let's talk ROOMS. I'm not gonna lie, the room wasn't the Ritz, but it was… functional. It had air conditioning, a bed (essential!), a TV. A bathroom, with a working shower (praise be!). It had a desk! A desk is always good for me. The extra-long bed was a bonus (I'm tall). Blackout curtains were appreciated. The details were somewhat lacking because, in reality, it was kind of a basic room, but functional.
Getting Around – Ease of Access:
"Car park [free of charge]" YES! Car park [on-site]? Also YES (and free!). Airport transfer isn't listed, so don't expect it. No taxi service mentioned, but you are in the US.
For the Kids – My Kid-Free Assessment:
"Babysitting service" - I honestly have no idea. Family-friendly? Probably. "Kids meal"? I saw nothing to confirm or deny it.
The Verdict – The Honest Truth (and a Special Offer):
Look, Custer's Hidden Gem: Econo Lodge is NOT a luxury experience. It's a budget-friendly option. BUT! It has its advantages. It's got a pool, free parking, a bed, and functional rooms. Most importantly, it's a place to put your bags after exploring Custer!
Here’s my REAL talk: This place is perfect for the budget-conscious traveler. It might not blow your mind, but it won't completely ruin your trip. Plus, the cleanliness is good. I was able to relax.
Here's my offer to you…
Book your stay at Custer's Hidden Gem right now with the BOOK now
Use the code "CUSTERFUN" at checkout. for a 10% discount!
\ Don't expect the world, and you won't be disappointed.
Unbelievable Pasadena Getaway: America's Best Value Inn Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Custer, South Dakota adventure, and let me tell you, it's going to be… well, let's just say it won't be the perfectly curated Insta-feed kind of trip. This is the REAL deal. We're talking Econo Lodge, questionable breakfast pastries, and a whole lotta wide-eyed wonder (and probably some hangry meltdowns).
Itinerary: Custer, South Dakota - A Messy, Wonderful Adventure (with a healthy dose of "winging it")
Day 1: Arrival, Aspirations, and Awkward Hotel Encounters
- 1:00 PM MST: DUSTY ARRIVAL! Hit the tarmac (or, you know, the slightly cracked pavement) in Rapid City. The Black Hills' vastness already hits you like a warm, slightly musty hug. Grab the rental car. Remember that time I tried to parallel park that same car in Chicago? Yeah, let's not talk about that. Pray for decent weather and fewer bumper scrapes this time.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in at the Econo Lodge, Custer. Ah, the sweet, sweet siren song of a budget motel. Let's be honest, the room probably hasn't been updated since the early 90's, but hey, at least there's air conditioning, and according to Expedia, a "deluxe continental breakfast" awaits in the morning. I’m already cautiously optimistic. Fingers crossed for no questionable stains on the bedspread. (Please, no.)
- 3:00 PM: The Search for Fuel (and a Sense of Purpose). First things first: gotta find the closest gas station and stock up on snacks. We're talking emergency Cheez-Its, the kind that'll get us through a sudden downpour of existential dread in the Badlands. Also, a map! Because Google Maps is great… until you lose signal in the middle of nowhere, which, let's be real, is inevitable.
- 4:00 PM: Custer State Park - a Quick Glimpse. Ideally, we'd just jump right into it. But the day is already half-gone and the sun is already sinking. Need to check for bison jams and the scenic routes of the Wildlife Loop. Maybe a quick drive through and a few photos for the gram, but we're saving the big park exploration for Day 2.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Debacle (or Delight?). Time to find grub. Custer's a small town, so choices might be limited. Will it be a cozy diner? A greasy spoon of local legend? Or will we end up at the only place open within a 50-mile radius? The suspense is killing me. Hope the waiter doesn't think I'm a tourist idiot.
- 7:30 PM: The Econo Lodge Evening Entertainment. Let's be realistic, we'll probably end up watching TV in bed. Maybe a cheesy movie? Or, if the wi-fi cooperates, we can catch up on mindless internet surfing. Maybe I'll read a book. I just need to get some good sleep, because tomorrow is going to be packed with adventure!
Day 2: Custer State Park! (The Big Day)
- 7:00 AM: "Deluxe" Continental Breakfast & Existential Dread. Time to face the 'deluxe continental breakfast' at the Econo Lodge. Pray for edible pastries, and hope there's actual coffee, not just brown-tinted well water. Also, try to remember why I thought this trip was a good idea while staring at the world through bleary eyes and a massive coffee deficit.
- 8:00 AM: Custer State Park - Wildlife Loop (Round 1). Okay, this is what we came for. We're driving the Wildlife Loop FIRST THING, before the crowds descend. Prepare for bison jams (hopefully!), begging burros, and maybe, just maybe, a glimpse of a majestic elk. Bring your camera, your patience, and maybe a Dramamine, just in case the car's a bit too bouncy.
- 9:30 AM: Hiking (or, More Accurately, "Stumbling" into Hiking). I'm not exactly a mountain goat, but we must attempt a hike. Maybe the Sunday Gulch Trail, which sounded manageable, even for a near-sedentary human like myself. The goal: breathe fresh air, take in the scenery, and maybe find a reason to believe in the inherent goodness of the world.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch Break - Picnic Time! Pack a picnic lunch to eat by a lake… or the side of the road… wherever we can find a scenic spot to shove down some sandwiches.
- 1:00 PM: Wildlife Loop (Round 2, Because Why Not). Let's do another loop and see if we missed anything the first time. There's a good chance we did. This time, focusing on the other side of the road, the light is different, the animals are, well, the same, but with a different vibe.
- 3:00 PM: Sylvan Lake. We have to see Sylvan Lake. Photos! Water! Nature! I'm envisioning a leisurely wander around the lake, taking in the beauty. Again, probably not exactly as serene as I'm imagining, but even the mess-ups are good stories later.
- 5:00 PM: Jewel Cave National Monument (or, The Great Cave Adventure). I'm not too claustrophobic, but this will probably be a little harrowing. But a cave is a cave, you know? And it's a unique experience. The tour is probably booked, so be there.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner - The Legendary Burger? Trying out a restaurant in Custer for dinner. I'll check out the reviews online, see if there is a local favorite spot.
- 8:30 PM: Wind Down. Back at the Econo Lodge. Maybe a beer, or some tea, or a book. Maybe fall asleep right away.
Day 3: Rushmore, Badlands, and a Farewell (for now).
- 7:00 AM: Another Awful Breakfast? Another day, another Econo Lodge breakfast. This time, try to bring your own coffee to start with!
- 8:00 AM: Mount Rushmore! Time to see those iconic faces. Prepare for crowds, selfies, and maybe a profound sense of patriotic wonder (or, perhaps, just a feeling of "well, I saw it"). Also, try to get a photo without a million other tourists in the frame. Good luck with that one.
- 9:30 AM: The Crazy Horse Memorial (or, Another Perspective on Monumental Sculptures). Slightly different, but still big. It's a different kind of story, a different kind of emotion. Be sure to appreciate the vision, the commitment, and the sheer scale of the project.
- 11:30 AM: Badlands National Park. Drive to the Badlands! Absolutely the highlight of the trip. Need to hit the scenic drives, the overlooks, maybe attempt a short hike or two. Hoping to see the light play on the spires and gullies. This part's gonna be epic.
- 1:00 PM: Picnic! Another picnic! Again, try to find a nice spot to watch the view and enjoy the food!
- 3:00 PM: Drive to the airport. The trip winds down.
- 5:00 PM: The Flight. End the trip! Until next time!
Important Notes & Disclaimers:
- Flexibility is Key: This itinerary is a suggestion. Don't be afraid to deviate! Get lost! That's where the best stories come from.
- Snacks are Non-Negotiable: Pack plenty. You'll thank me later.
- Embrace the Imperfections: Things won't always go according to plan. That's okay! Roll with it! That's part of the adventure.
- Be Kind to Yourself (and the Waitstaff): You're on vacation. Remember to relax, breathe, and be present. And tip well, always.
- I'm Not a Travel Expert: This is just my messy, unfiltered take on a trip to Custer. Do your own research, listen to your gut, and have fun!
So, there you have it: my potential Custer adventure. Wish me luck, and may your own travels be filled with more laughter than logistical failures. Now go forth and explore! And don't forget the snacks!
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Custer's Hidden Gem: Econo Lodge Review & Booking - Let's Get Real! (and Maybe Regret Some Choices)
Okay, So... Is the Econo Lodge in Custer ACTUALLY a "Hidden Gem"? (Spoiler: Maybe not.)
Alright, fine. Let's address the elephant in the, uh, slightly musty room. "Hidden Gem"? That's what the internet told me. Me, a weary traveler, hungry for a cheap(ish) night's sleep after a glorious day hiking in Custer State Park. I was lured in. The siren song of… affordability. And look... it *is* affordable. But gem? Let's just say it's more like a… well-worn pebble. A slightly charming, slightly chipped pebble.
And let me tell you, the "hidden" part is definitely true. Hidden from, like, updated decor and working Wi-Fi for a good portion of my stay. More on that later…
The Room Itself: Ambiance is... Rustic. Think "Grandma's Basement, But With More Bugs."
Okay, first impressions. The room… It was clean-ish. The bedspread? Yeah, it had seen things. Probably some long nights and a LOT of people. I'm not gonna lie, I did the *very* thorough inspection of the sheets, because, well, trust issues from past hotel stays. Fortunately, no suspicious stains. Bonus!
Then there was the… *smell*. Not necessarily BAD, just… *there*. A blend of old carpet, air freshener that was REALLY trying, and a faint hint of “maybe this room hasn’t had sunshine in a decade". You get used to it, you know, after like, the first sneeze.
Also, the bathroom? Tiny! Truly, I’m built like a normal human and felt like I was squeezing into a phone booth. But hey, the water was hot, and the pressure was actually pretty good. Small wins, people, small wins. And the bugs… yes, there were two or three. Little guys, minding their own business. I let them be. I mean, who am I to judge? We all have our struggles, right? (Though I *did* squash one… sorry, little buddy.)
Wi-Fi Woes: My Data Plan Got a Workout. (And My Temper Got a Test.)
The Wi-Fi… oh, the Wi-Fi. This deserves its own category. The first night? Practically non-existent. Think dial-up speeds in the age of… well, actually, it WAS slower than dial-up. I seriously considered driving to the local library to download a movie. (Okay, I *did* consider it, but I'm lazy.)
Spent a solid hour… okay, maybe more… trying to connect. Restarting my phone. Restarting the router. Talking to the front desk who "had no idea" what was wrong and offered nothing more than a vague shrug. I considered writing a passive-aggressive Facebook status. Decided against it. Took a deep breath. Used my phone's data plan. Spent way too much money on data. Curse the Wi-Fi gods! Lesson learned: be prepared to disconnect, or tether, and hope you can get through to the next morning.
The Breakfast: A Continental Adventure (of Questionable Edibles, Basically)
Free breakfast! See? Gems! Free food! But… listen, I'm not a food snob. I'm perfectly happy with a continental breakfast. Cereal, toast, maybe some lukewarm eggs and… oh, god. The eggs. They were… suspicious. Looked like they’d been sitting under a heat lamp since the dawn of time. I bravely tried a bite. Texture: rubbery. Taste: vaguely egg-like. Proceeded to gracefully, and quietly discard them.
The rest? Cereal was... cereal. Toast was toast. Coffee was… well, it was coffee. It got the job done. Don't go in expecting Michelin star-level dining. Consider it… fuel. Maybe bring your own breakfast bars.
Parking: Adequate. That's About It.
Parking? Yeah, they had parking. It was… adequate. Plenty of spaces. Nothing to write home about, except maybe to whine a bit. The lot was conveniently located. Never had a problem. That's really all I can say.
Location, Location, Location (and the Noise...): Is It Worth It?
Okay, here's where the Econo Lodge actually *wins*. The location is fantastic! Seriously, Custer State Park is right there! (Like, driving distance, not walking. Don't be silly.) Close to everything. Super convenient for all the hiking, bison watching, and general South Dakota fun you could ask for. Everything you want to see is reachable... and this is the one major redeeming quality.
But the noise… Oh boy, the noise. My room, unfortunately, faced the road. And it's a busy road! Trucks, motorcycles, people yelling… I swear I heard a party going on outside until about 2 am. Bring earplugs. Trust me on this.
Staff Interaction: Hit or Miss. (Mostly Miss, Sadly.)
The front desk staff… Well, let's just say the level of friendliness varied. One person was helpful, pointed me in the direction of the nearest gas station, and gave me useful advice. I really appreciated them. Another person, yeah, I think they were still learning English. Maybe it was a bad day for them? It was hard to tell, really. I never got a good, or consistent vibe.
Would I Stay Again? The Burning Question (and the Honest Answer)
Okay, so... Would I stay at the Econo Lodge in Custer again? Honestly? Probably. Because the location is amazing. And because… I'm cheap. And because, at the end of a long day of hiking, a warm-ish bed, even with its quirks, has its appeal.
BUT. I would go in prepared. Prepared with: a better-than-average data plan. Earplugs. Low expectations. A sense of humor. And maybe, *maybe*, a can of bug spray. Just in case. Look, it’s not perfect. It's not luxurious. It's definitely not a "gem" in the traditional sense. But it’s a place to crash, a place to get some sleep before the next adventure. And in the end, isn't that what matters? Maybe? Probably.
Booking Tips: Surviving the Virtual Gauntlet
Okay, so you're determined to book? Godspeed, you brave soul. Here's my advice:
- Book directly if you can (it might be cheaper). Check those third-party sites, but always compare prices.
- Read recent reviews. See what other brave souls have experienced. (And take my advice with a grain of salt, who knows what the place isGlobe Stay FinderEcono Lodge Custer (SD) United StatesEcono Lodge Custer (SD) United States
