Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn

Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn is on West Mount Rushmore Road in Custer, the historic town that serves as the gateway to Custer State Park and the southern Hills. According to the brand's property page, it has an indoor heated pool that runs from early May to the start of October, a free continental breakfast served in the morning with hot and cold items, and free on-site outdoor parking for cars, motor coaches and RVs. Rooms are equipped with a smart television, air conditioning with individual controls, a mini refrigerator, a microwave, a single-cup coffee brewer, free Wi-Fi and a hairdryer, and the hotel offers two-room suites with three queen beds for larger families. The property is smoke-free, has accessible rooms and entrances, and provides cribs and rollaway beds. There is no elevator, so ask about ground-floor rooms if stairs are a concern. Custer puts you close to Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, Wind Cave and Jewel Cave, with Mount Rushmore a short drive north. Confirm current services and seasonal hours when you book.

Custer is the practical middle ground of the Hills. It has more restaurants, shops and services than the lodges inside the park, a quieter feel than Keystone and an easy position for the southern Hills attractions. From the hotel, Custer State Park's gate is a short drive, Crazy Horse is closer than from Rapid City and the caves are within reach. The town's historic main street, with its small museums and shops, offers an easy evening walk, and the Mickelson Trail passes nearby for early-morning rides.

The hotel's features suit families and road-trippers. The seasonal indoor pool is a welcome break after a hot day, the breakfast saves time and money, and the large parking area is a real advantage for RVs, motor coaches and groups traveling with trailers or motorcycles. The three-queen suites let a family of five or six stay in one space. Because there is no elevator, ground-floor rooms are worth requesting if you have mobility needs or heavy luggage. Rates rise in peak season and around the August rally, so book early and review the cancellation terms.

Plan the stay around the region. From Custer, a simple three-day plan might include Custer State Park and the Wildlife Loop one day, Wind Cave and the Mammoth Site on another, and Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Iron Mountain Road on a third. In the shoulder seasons, check pool hours, since the pool is seasonal, and confirm that attractions you want are open. Compare Custer with Hill City for a more resort-like feel and with Keystone for proximity to the memorial. For a comfortable, low-risk base with practical amenities, this hotel is a sensible choice.