Name: Chief Motel
Address: 120 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, South Dakota, United States of America, Custer, South Dakota, US
Price range: US$118–US$142 per night
Rating: 8.8

What guests think

At Chief Motel, travelers consistently find very clean rooms and a central Custer location, while the indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna are popular perks for guests, and parking outside the rooms is convenient.

Rooms are older—often small but comfortable—with many praising quiet nights and good beds. Service is widely described as kind and helpful, with flexible or accommodating check‑in. Some maintenance and tech hiccups appear, such as spotty Wi‑Fi, loud or imperfect A/C, and occasional hot‑tub or parking‑lot problems. Expect a budget‑friendly stay in a classic motel setting.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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Facilities

Guests frequently highlight the large indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, plus convenient or assigned parking. Occasional issues include hot‑tub temperature or jets, an outdoor pool needing cleaning, a rough parking lot, and a broken ice machine.

Related guest reviews

10

Jack

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

At $114 for the night, I wasn’t expecting much. However, it had good reviews on-line and the pictures looked inviting. Turns out, it was everything and more. The check was great, and the fellow at the front desk was VERY helpful and knowledgeable about the area. I was very surprised how clean the entire property was. The pool/spa area was spotless, and though it had some years on it, it has received top notch care. And the room… it was VERY clean! There were no odd smells or stains. I have been in hotel rooms that were 3 times more expensive, that were not as clean as this room. If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel, go else where. If you need a room for a night or five in a budget, this is a great option.

8

Carol

14 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Man at front desk was helpful and friendly. My granddaughter enjoyed the swimming pool. It was deeper than some. I enjoyed the hot tub, although the jets were not functional.

8

Alfred

31 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Centralized in the town, pool/spa area was nice and relaxing. Would recommend to a friend to stay.

4

Priscilla

22 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We booked and was confirmed a king bed but upon check in was advised no king only queen was available. Had no choice but to accept it. Queen bed was very very uncomfortable 😩. Toilets seemed very low for any size person. Pool was good but the Hot tub was not hot. Room was small but clean. Staff were friendly.

8

Sandra

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The motel was good. The parking lot was not. It really needs to be paved.

10

Laurissa

6 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I really liked staying at Chief Motel. It was a cozy place with very comfortable beds. Older but clean and neat. The only thing was that their outdoor pool was not the cleanest but we still swam in it. Just could have been better. Otherwise it was a great place to stay.

10

Margaret

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is great, the room was huge and super clean, the office staff was really nice and easy to work with (we weren't arriving until after the office closed for the day and they left our key for us so we could still check-in). Parking was convenient - right outside your room, and the motel was quiet.

8

SUSAN

26 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The property was clean and safe. Hot tub and pool was working and clean.

10

heather

24 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room service was friendly. Pool, hot tub and sauna. Location was great, right on the main drag.

10

Don

16 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in was fairley easy room was comfy close to a place to eat food was goodice machine didn't work but it was good only stayed one night due to time

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Cleanliness

Rooms and common areas are repeatedly described as very clean or spotless and well maintained. Towels and linens often receive praise.

Related guest reviews

10

Jack

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

At $114 for the night, I wasn’t expecting much. However, it had good reviews on-line and the pictures looked inviting. Turns out, it was everything and more. The check was great, and the fellow at the front desk was VERY helpful and knowledgeable about the area. I was very surprised how clean the entire property was. The pool/spa area was spotless, and though it had some years on it, it has received top notch care. And the room… it was VERY clean! There were no odd smells or stains. I have been in hotel rooms that were 3 times more expensive, that were not as clean as this room. If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel, go else where. If you need a room for a night or five in a budget, this is a great option.

10

Edwin

23 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This was the cheapest room available for the night, so I low expectations. I was wrong. The room was very clean. Kudos to the staff and management.

10

ANNETTE

16 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quaint, clean, convenient.

10

Susan

29 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Our room was clean and had all the needed amenities. Hot shower, better than average towels and maid service without having to request it. But best of all was the kindness of the owner/manager who helped us out when we had a family emergency.

10

Carolyn

29 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Clean room, helpful staff, assigned parking (that was great), comfortable bed. Excellent stay.

10

Frank

21 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was immaculately cleaned. The bathroom spotless with a large convenient vanity area.

10

Lori

18 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great stay. Walking distance to the downtown, comfortable beds and very clean.

10

Lori

28 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

2nd time staying here!! Love this place. Clean and friendly!! Close to everything. Just book it!!

10

Paul F

26 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean room, comfortable bed, nice owner! I’d definitely stay here again! Well worth the expense.

10

Margaret

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is great, the room was huge and super clean, the office staff was really nice and easy to work with (we weren't arriving until after the office closed for the day and they left our key for us so we could still check-in). Parking was convenient - right outside your room, and the motel was quiet.

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Rooms

Rooms are older and often small but comfortable, with many noting quiet nights and good beds; some are spacious. Downsides include dated decor, noisy or imperfect A/C, inconsistent Wi‑Fi, and occasional issues like a nonworking TV, door gaps, or noise near laundry.

Related guest reviews

4

Nancy

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

There was a half inch gap under our door which allowed moths into our room. It would have been large enough for a mouse to enter. The room was clean, if dated.

8

Dana

5 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very clean..a bit small but comfortable

8

Nicholas

30 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Second time staying here, and won't be my last. Rooms are a good size. Decor is a bit dated, in a charming way. Loved how many places we could hang garments/towels. AC and fan work very well, but I had to seal a bit of a gap where I could see around it, where it was mounted. There was foam around it, but it wasnt seated properly. Not really a big deal. Pool is large. Not a far walk away from the main part of Custer, but far enough to be a bit quieter.

8

Jo

16 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wifi sucks

8

Siegfried

24 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly and informative welcome. Clean and practicle rooms. Air condition very loud. Nice swimming pool. Good location.

4

Priscilla

22 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We booked and was confirmed a king bed but upon check in was advised no king only queen was available. Had no choice but to accept it. Queen bed was very very uncomfortable 😩. Toilets seemed very low for any size person. Pool was good but the Hot tub was not hot. Room was small but clean. Staff were friendly.

10

Claudia

21 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable beds and quiet place

6

Robin

8 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

location was what I needed. The wifi was weak and sometimes nonexistent. the TV never worked. I was traveling alone and just wanted the TV and wifi. But the room was clean

10

Margaret

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is great, the room was huge and super clean, the office staff was really nice and easy to work with (we weren't arriving until after the office closed for the day and they left our key for us so we could still check-in). Parking was convenient - right outside your room, and the motel was quiet.

10

Charles D

15 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is an older property that is well maintained. We did have an AC problem, but the temperature during our stay made that a non-issue. We were offered the choice to change rooms, but declined. Enjoyed the large indoor pool. Room was small, but had everything we needed.

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Service

Owner and staff are frequently praised as friendly, informative and helpful, with flexible or accommodating check‑in. A few guests reported check‑in problems or a wrong‑room assignment.

Related guest reviews

10

Kwan

31 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy to find , convenient location and friendly staff

2

Tricia

7 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I am very disappointed in this motel. On the day we arrived for check-in, there were several folks already waiting. One of them shared that the man who runs the property was nowhere to be found. One of them decided to call the police and have them do a welfare check. At this point we left for a quick bite and returned about an hour later. Still no update on the whereabouts of the man who runs the motel so we still couldn’t check in. By that time we needed to head out for an evening tour in Custer State Park. Rather than take our chances and drive 20 minutes back to the Chief Motel after our tour to find out if someone was there now to check us in, we decided to just find another place close by. We never did find out what happened to the guy from the Chief Motel. I do hope he is ok, but there is no excuse for there being no staff to check us in at the property.

10

Susan

29 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Our room was clean and had all the needed amenities. Hot shower, better than average towels and maid service without having to request it. But best of all was the kindness of the owner/manager who helped us out when we had a family emergency.

8

John

28 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I was very satisfied my overnight stay at the Chief. Bruce at the desk could not have been more helpful. Although an older property, the room was spotless and everything worked. The beds were comfortable. The water pressure was good. I had an assigned parking spot right in front of my room. And we were within walking distance from downtown Custer. I'll stay here again!

10

Clinton

26 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

When checking in we were given a run down of what to see in the area and how to get there. Very friendly and helpful at the front desk. Rooms were very clean despite being an older facility. Would stay here again.

10

Nancy

26 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bruce very congenial, friendly. Clean, comfortable room. Loved the pool, hot tub. Great location- right next to Mt Rushmore Brewery- delicious food, many choices.

10

Tena

24 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Mom and Pops run, very nice people. Very clean and nice immensities and continently located in downtown Custer

6

Christopher

1 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Was given a room that was occupied.

10

bob

22 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Owner is very informative and friendly. Rooms were clean and staff were friendly

10

April

29 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were there for just one night. The owner checked us in and was very helpful. And easy walked to great food places. Our only issue was the noise from washers right next door to our room.

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Location

Central Custer location within easy walking distance to restaurants and bars, and a convenient base for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. Several guests also mention it feels quiet despite the main‑street setting.

Related guest reviews

10

Eric

30 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Perfect location for everything i wanted to do in that area plus it was easy walking distance to a few stores and restaurants right on the main downtown street of Custer.

10

Kwan

31 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy to find , convenient location and friendly staff

10

Lori

18 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great stay. Walking distance to the downtown, comfortable beds and very clean.

10

Vanessa

8 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice motel, we really enjoyed the covered pool and the terrace and the good restaurants in town.

10

Lori

28 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

2nd time staying here!! Love this place. Clean and friendly!! Close to everything. Just book it!!

8

David

3 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a motel on the main drag of Custer. Easy walking to bars and many restaurants. It’s an older hotel and not much to look at on the outside. However the rooms are large and nicely appointed. Comfortable beds, nice towels, indoor pool and hot tub, coffee maker, nice size TV, in room are just some of the amenities. If you can get a good deal on it, it’s a great place. Took one star off as it’s a little pricey. Custer is a great base camp for the southern blackhills.

8

barbara

19 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Separate building for indoor pool and spa and a nice deck upstairs to sit and look around. The rooms have old fashioned keys and after telling the rest of the people in our group that the doors lock automatically after closing, I locked my key in my room 🙁 The motel is literally right next door to the Mount Rushmore Brewery which is a popular place to eat and drink. The owner gave me an Indian head penny when I had to go ask for an additional room key. He was quite a character and we enjoyed talking to him throughout our stay.

10

Margaret

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is great, the room was huge and super clean, the office staff was really nice and easy to work with (we weren't arriving until after the office closed for the day and they left our key for us so we could still check-in). Parking was convenient - right outside your room, and the motel was quiet.

8

David

17 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location

10

Rachel

28 May 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The property was nice, convenient and quiet. It was close to a lot of the places we wanted to visit in and around Custer.

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Dining

Not enough information in reviews.

Related guest reviews

10

Eric

30 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Perfect location for everything i wanted to do in that area plus it was easy walking distance to a few stores and restaurants right on the main downtown street of Custer.

10

Vanessa

8 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice motel, we really enjoyed the covered pool and the terrace and the good restaurants in town.

10

Sarah

18 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Cute motel: We loved our stay. Bed was comfortable, hot tub sauna and pool were great temperatures. Clean. Great location. Owner was friendly and his dog was cute. We would definitely stay again. Everything was great except the coffee, but there were plenty of places in the area for coffee and breakfast.

8

David

3 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a motel on the main drag of Custer. Easy walking to bars and many restaurants. It’s an older hotel and not much to look at on the outside. However the rooms are large and nicely appointed. Comfortable beds, nice towels, indoor pool and hot tub, coffee maker, nice size TV, in room are just some of the amenities. If you can get a good deal on it, it’s a great place. Took one star off as it’s a little pricey. Custer is a great base camp for the southern blackhills.

10

Benjamin

6 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This was great little motel! Older, but clearly well maintained and well loved. Great pool for a quick dip on a hot day on our cross country journey. Close by ice cream and a good breakfast joint the next morning. Would for sure stay again.

8

barbara

19 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Separate building for indoor pool and spa and a nice deck upstairs to sit and look around. The rooms have old fashioned keys and after telling the rest of the people in our group that the doors lock automatically after closing, I locked my key in my room 🙁 The motel is literally right next door to the Mount Rushmore Brewery which is a popular place to eat and drink. The owner gave me an Indian head penny when I had to go ask for an additional room key. He was quite a character and we enjoyed talking to him throughout our stay.

10

Sharon

13 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

My family has stayed at the Chief 4 times. Management is very friendly. Housekeeping above and beyond. Nice family-owned business. If having breakfast provided, skip this place. Plenty of places within walking distance.

10

Don

16 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in was fairley easy room was comfy close to a place to eat food was goodice machine didn't work but it was good only stayed one night due to time

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Month	Average price
May	US$108
June	US$117
July	US$134
August	US$122
September	US$133

Chief Motel

Prices for Chief Motel

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Triple Room (Two Queen Beds and One Twin Bed)

Double Room, 2 Bedrooms (With One Queen Bed + 1 Double Bed )

Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed

Double Room, 2 Queen Beds

Triple Room (One Queen Bed and Two Double Beds)

Guest reviews of Chief Motel

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Chief Motel

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20 $131	21 $131	22 $142	23 $142	24	25 $142	26 $142
27 $118	28	29	30