Hotel Alex Johnson is the one Rapid City hotel that people choose for the building itself. It is a historic downtown landmark at 523 6th Street, dating to the late 1920s, and it sits in the middle of the walkable core that holds Main Street Square, the City of Presidents statues, Prairie Edge, Art Alley and the Journey Museum. The hotel has a place in the city's own story: the temporary Abraham Lincoln statue that once stood outside it is what inspired the whole City of Presidents trail. Inside, the street level includes Paddy O'Neill's Irish Pub, and on the roof Juniper at The Vertex Sky Bar offers seasonal fine dining and cocktails with panoramic views of the Black Hills. Those two venues mean you can eat, drink and watch the sunset without leaving the building, which is a real advantage on a trip where most lodging requires a drive to dinner. It is part of the Curio Collection, a brand that signals a boutique, independent-feeling hotel, and it appeals to travelers who prefer character over a standard roadside layout.
The location is the strongest argument. If you plan to spend a day or two exploring downtown on foot, staying here removes the need to move the car between stops. You can walk to coffee, breakfast, museums and dinner, and return for a rest before an evening in the square. The trade-off is that the major drive-in attractions, including Reptile Gardens, Bear Country and the Highway 16 corridor toward Mount Rushmore, are a car ride away, and downtown parking arrangements can be less convenient than at a suburban motel.
Ask the hotel about parking and any fees when you book, and confirm the current details when you book, since policies change.
Because this is a historic building, rooms can vary in size, layout and character, and that is part of the appeal and part of the risk. Travelers who want identical modern rooms may prefer a newer chain property, while those who like a sense of place often find the quirks charming. Read the room descriptions carefully, ask about noise if you are a light sleeper, since a downtown location can bring street activity on busy evenings, and request a higher floor or a quieter side if that matters.
Rates tend to rise in summer and during the early August rally week, so book early if your dates are fixed.
The hotel works best for couples, history lovers and travelers who want a walkable base. It also suits a mixed itinerary in which you spend the days driving to the Black Hills and the evenings in town, because the rooftop bar and the pub give you somewhere good to return to.
For families with young children, a hotel with a pool and a suburban setting may be more convenient, though older children often enjoy the downtown atmosphere. If you are planning a special occasion, the rooftop is the feature to build the evening around, so check the seasonal hours and the reservation policy before you go.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic downtown landmark
- ✓Irish pub on the ground floor
- ✓Rooftop sky bar with Black Hills views
- ✓Steps from City of Presidents statues
- ✓Walk to Main Street Square
- ✓Short walk to the Journey Museum
- ✓Curio Collection boutique brand
- ✓Parking details when you book
Good questions
Where is the hotel?+
At 523 6th Street in the middle of downtown Rapid City, within walking distance of Main Street Square, the City of Presidents statues and Art Alley.
What is on site to eat and drink?+
An Irish pub on the ground floor and a rooftop sky bar and restaurant with seasonal dining and views of the Black Hills. Confirm seasonal hours before you go.
Is it good for a Mount Rushmore trip?+
Yes as a base, since Rapid City is the main gateway. Plan on a drive to Mount Rushmore and the Highway 16 attractions, and confirm parking arrangements with the hotel.
