Where NOT to stay in Deadwood, SD

[Darnell Boeckel]

To the point, BLACK HILLS AND SUITES in deadwood south dakota.
ok, now the reasons. this is a cheaper motel, with a pool and cont. breakfast on the trail. sounds good doesnt it? too bad the owner is an idiot. by the way his name is Joe.
we stayed there last year for a weekend of riding.
ok now the real deal. cont. bkfst? better like lucky charms and bagels for bkfst. ok, there is flake cereal and cheerios too and maybe oj.
so, after 2 days of riding, on the 3rd day my better 1/2 didnt want to ride, so i went alone. she went to the front desk and told them she needed a late check out. when i got back, didnt even have my coat off, the owner came and told me i needed to go to the front desk, i was being charged a $25 late check out fee since she told them AT THE FRONT DESK AND DIDNT TELL THEM VIA THE INTERNET, THE WAY WE BOOKED THE ROOM. i was then told i was planning to skip out and stiff him for the last night. all nights were booked at one time and payed via credit card. not even possible to skip out.
when i pointed out the air didnt work in the hot tub, i was told it works fine, however, he needed to drain it to fix it. wonder what he was gonna fix since it all worked fine???
ok that was last year. want to know more, read my next post.

 

[Darnell Boeckel]

another reason why not to stay at black hills inn & suites

ok flash forward to 2011.
in mid december we decided to go to the hills riding again, this time taking the kids. 3 boys age 10 to 16. so a room with a kitchenette made sense. we did our research and black hills inn seemed to have the best rates, pool and hot tub, and who doesnt want a hot tub after a day of riding?
but swore we would NEVER go back there again.
we went through black hills reservations, who told us there was new managment at this motel.
the room was advertised as having a seperate bedroom, a sofa sleeper and a chair that made into a single bed, (i guess now days a recliner means a single bed??) (it does at black hills inn) with fully stocked kitchen, meaning cooking/eating utensils. sounds good doesnt it?
so we booked and put it on the card. went through dec 31.
when i walked into the motel, guess who was running the desk, yup, same guy from last year. so i checked in, and as i was walking back out, he says the pool closes at 8pm. i asked if that wasnt a little early, by the time we get in from riding, have supper, its gonna be after 8. he told me thats when he closes the office and thats when the pool closes.
so no hot tub friday night.
so we ride, get back, make supper, in this fully stocked kitchen, there are 3 strainers, 3 forks 4 knives 4 spoons 1 sharp knife 2 shredders, 1 plate and 6 coffee saucer and a few cups. so, we could drain all kinds of spaghetti, we just couldnt boil water with no kettles, no frying pans or anything else to put on the stove top.
so sunday night after supper, about 8 we were gonna go soak, we were told by guys in the lobby, they were kicked out of the pool at 7pm, it was locked tight.
at checkout when i asked about the early closure, i was informed it was posted on the pool door. yet when we booked in dec, there was no mention of this. and it was my problem if i didnt use the pool.
so we went back to black hills reservations, they talked to him, (joe) and he would not refund anything, and if i needed more in the kitchen, i should have asked for it. oh yeah, if we didnt do all the dishes and clean the kitchen there was a $100 fee charged to our card.
so i tried one more time to resolve this with joe, over the phone, and i was told the pool was open when i was there, i should have used it then. and i was told last year i was going to skip out, and if i ever go back he will have me arrested.
so then i called Lead chamber of commerce to see if i could register any kind of complaint, and told the very nice lady working there this whole story, who was astounded at my ordeal. and would be happy to pass this on to the staff and not recommend this hotel to people.
DO NOT STAY AT BLACK HILLS INN & SUITES IN DEADWOOD SOUTH DAKOTA, sleep in your car instead!

 

[stum1967]

Is this motel the one south of the Deadwood Gultch but on the other side of the road?

 

[Darnell Boeckel]

We were very surprized by this guys POOR customer service and actions, stayed at many motels and never had anything like this happen before....
It's really nice to stay on the trail and just take off without having to haul someplace. Is there a place in Lead,SD that is on the trail?
Been to Deadwood several times and everyone has been wonderful, so this deal really leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Glad to hear you will pass it on!!!!!!
Darnell

 

[wag13]

i would recommend the Golden Hills in Lead....its the hotel right across the road from the Lynn's Dakotamart in Lead and is just north of the highschool there......but there is a trail right across the road from the hotel parking lot and if you are bringing a big trailer then park in the grocery store parking lot where there is plenty of space to park and just ride out from there

 

[Darnell Boeckel]

Hi, Is there a trail from Spearfish out? We were told you can unload at the golf course and ride out from there. Thanks for your help.
Have you ever stayed at the Super 8 in deadwood?

 

[Firetrail]

Trail

There is no trail out of Spearfish. You can park at the Big Hill lot that is close to Spearfish. Big Hill lot is on the northern end of the trail system and it is about 28 miles to Trailshead from there. The trails are groomed daily from there so the riding should be good and the big hill lot was just made bigger last year. It is also not as used as other lots.

 

[mjlynn]

Is this motel the one south of the Deadwood Gultch but on the other side of the road?

we just got back from the hills monday and we usually stay at spearfish canyon but this time i went with some younger guys so they wanted to stay in deadwood so we stayed at the gulch and it was like 80 bucks on friday and saturday night and sunday night it was only 40 bucks.. you also get free coupons for a free breakfest at the restraunt.. also very nice hot tub and we are definetaly going to stay there again..

 

[Ross Anderson]

I just wanted to let the readers know that we have been staying at The Black Hills Inn and Suites for 10 plus years. The management has changed a few times over the years, but the current owner (Joe) is one of the most accomadating guys we have dealt with. We stay there 2-4 times per season both with and without kids. It is right on the trail and offers a larger than most parking area. The rooms are simple but always clean. The hot tub does feel good after the ride and we generally wait and have supper after our hotub soak and it works out great! Bagels, toast, cereal and milk and juice is a fine breakfast for me. ( good deal considering its a bonus and room rates are very reasonable) Joe has always been very accomadating with us all you need to do is ask. Extra pillows, checking on hours of local businesses for us etc etc. He has actually been more than accomodating with us. We have brought several different groups of people with us through the years and many people have returned there even during different seasons such as Sturgis or summer travels, so others share our pleasurable experiences there. I am sorry that this guy had a bad experience, but please check it out for yourself. It is a very convenient place to stay when riding in the Black Hills. Exactly what I look for when booking a place right on trail, reasonable rates, clean place to crash for the night, and yes a hotub and breakfast. Please check out Black Hills Inn and Suites for yourself before passing it by!!

 

[rsoukup37]

we usually always stay at the comfort inn in deadwood. big lot of unloading trailers and can just ride across the road right onto the trail which takes you right into rec springs

 

[Darnell Boeckel]

good for you

well im glad it worked out well for you, but i GOT BURNED THERE, TWICE. wont happen a third time. i guess i have a problem paying for a pool in my room rates, then not being able to use it. more so, not being told the pool closes at 8 or earlier when i made my reservations. i was not the only one this affected that weekend. several other upset customers that couldnt use the pool.
but hey, its your money, do what you want, i know my stand on the place.

 

[revrider07]

Right on Darnell I hate people that post on snowest with one post that defend a place with poor service. MY FAVORITE LINE IT IS WHAT IS. I have stayed there one time and one night only POOR SERVICE.

 

[Darnell Boeckel]

customer service from joe

after reading the post about how great joe is, i recalled last year, which was our first time riding in the hills, while having our bowl of cold cereal for bkfst, i asked joe just how far it was from deadwood to deerfield and buckhorn, we had new sleds so didnt know how far to expect to run on a tank, and where we could fill fuel on the trail. he was very rude in telling me he didnt snowmobile and he had no idea it how far it was and it must say on the map where to fill up. you would think anyone living in deadwood would have a clue how far to deerfield and buckhorn and spearfish???? but not joe......

but again, hey, if he went out of his way for YOU, ya must be more special than me.........

 

[srx_600]

we usually always stay at the comfort inn in deadwood. big lot of unloading trailers and can just ride across the road right onto the trail which takes you right into rec springs

I wouldnt listen to this guy

Just kidding this guy knows his stuff, and it is a great place to stay!

 

[Ross Anderson]

Just telling myside of the story.Years of good times.Sorry you had a bad time.

 

[LonnyBoozer]

Darnell Boeckel is the Biggest Whiniest Prick in the Dakotas

Fellow Snowesters, I was just trolling through the Dakotas riding section, looking at all the topics when I came across this. I just want to give you all a little insight on the subject at hand.

I know Darnell Boeckel very well. Talked to him face to face countless times. I personally know someone who sold some real estate to the man. I seriously do not know of a bigger prick in the Dakota areas. I can understand how any decent person can have a huge problem with him. 1. Liar - has made many false accusations about numerous people and situations. 2. Dishonest - will tell you one thing one second and then turn around and LIE about it to your face. 3. Arrogant SOB - will start a problem with you just to show how important he thinks he is. Then when you beat him at his own game... he will not talk to you but through his lawyers. Yes, he has sued/threatened to pursue legal action on people. I personally know someone who almost filed harassment charges against him for verbal harassment. I think his one and only friend is his lawyer - who he pays alot of money to - so he has to like him.

I can not say anything about this Black Hills Inn but I can actually see how the manager could have a problem with the guy. Any small, stupid, and unnecessary problem becomes basically a law suit with this guy.

Sorry, I do not bash people on this site, except for this one case. I do not usually talk bad about people at all, except for this one man. Everything I have said is true and have seen first hand. Take this how you will but I would rather have this info out there, than to let him corrupt the minds of good people and potentially good businesses.

Thanks

 

[puddytat]

I have known darnell for over 35 years and have had many buisness dealings with him in the past and probably many more too come in the future. He may come off as a prick when someone is trying to take advantage of him but when that happens I am even a bigger PRICK than him. I guess if bending over and taking it up the a$$ and keeping a smile on your face and asking for more please when someone is scr#w!ng you over makes me a good person than I would rather be an a$$hole!!! As for the real estate sale you brought up I guess if getting a lawyer involved after someone has had your money paid in full for over a year and won't remove his (valueable merchendise) aka:junk makes someone a whinny prick then so be it!!!!!
LonnyBoozer I am not sure who you are but I have a good idea. From the sounds of your post you must have been involved with trying to bend darnell over and when he didn't bend you got your feelings hurt!!!!

Fellow Snowesters, I was just trolling through the Dakotas riding section, looking at all the topics when I came across this. I just want to give you all a little insight on the subject at hand.

I know Darnell Boeckel very well. Talked to him face to face countless times. I personally know someone who sold some real estate to the man. I seriously do not know of a bigger prick in the Dakota areas. I can understand how any decent person can have a huge problem with him. 1. Liar - has made many false accusations about numerous people and situations. 2. Dishonest - will tell you one thing one second and then turn around and LIE about it to your face. 3. Arrogant SOB - will start a problem with you just to show how important he thinks he is. Then when you beat him at his own game... he will not talk to you but through his lawyers. Yes, he has sued/threatened to pursue legal action on people. I personally know someone who almost filed harassment charges against him for verbal harassment. I think his one and only friend is his lawyer - who he pays alot of money to - so he has to like him.

I can not say anything about this Black Hills Inn but I can actually see how the manager could have a problem with the guy. Any small, stupid, and unnecessary problem becomes basically a law suit with this guy.

Sorry, I do not bash people on this site, except for this one case. I do not usually talk bad about people at all, except for this one man. Everything I have said is true and have seen first hand. Take this how you will but I would rather have this info out there, than to let him corrupt the minds of good people and potentially good businesses.

Thanks

 

[Black Hills Inn & Suites]

Black Hills Inn & Suites Response

There are a lot of claims here. Let’s take a look at them.

Stay 1: Mr. & Mrs. Boeckel had a two day prepaid reservation made through a third party booking agent. We did not hold his credit card information. The Boeckels changed their stay to add an extra day and incurred late check out charges. When Darnell Boeckel came back on their checkout day, they loaded their gear up and the truck was pointed towards the driveway and running. I had to physically walk in front of the truck to prevent Mr Boeckel from driving off without paying their bill for $84.45. ( signed, time-stamped receipt) Not only is it ethically improper to drive off without paying your hotel bill, in SD it is illegal.
The second issue Boeckel raises from the first stay is the Hot Tub was not working, there was “no air”. Actually, our Hot Tub does not have air injection. For the jets to operate the pump speed is increased and with the increased water volume, there is a jetting action through an orifice. At that time, someone had broken out two of the jet orifice mounts, so the volume of water going through bigger orifices was the same as through the typically smaller orifices and did not have as much jetting action. To remedy, the hot tub had to be drained and dry for 24 hours for glue to cure. Hard to fix, if people demand to use the Hot Tub!
Stay 2: Claims that the Boeckels were not able to use the pool/Hot Tub. He was informed that the pool is open during office hours only and the hours during his stay were 8-8 first day, 8-9 second day and 8-7 third day. Security video shows that even though Boeckel or his children were at the hotel during those hours, they made no effort to use the pool area.
Boeckel also claims a lack of kitchen supplies and lists an “entire” inventory. He missed a couple frying pans and glass bakeware when he mentioned there were NO frying pans. Why did Boeckel take the time to do a “complete” inventory, yet he could not bother to ASK for cooking supplies he “needed”?
Boeckel claims a recliner was listed as a “chair that turns into a bed (?)”, when on the room descriptions, it is listed as a recliner.
Regarding the comment that the booking agent informed Boeckel that this hotel was under new management, we find that odd since we maintain a close relationship with the booking agent Boeckel used.
Boeckel was also recorded on security video going through all the cabinets in the common area after midnight in addition to leaving the TV in the common area blaring all night on his last night. He also left every light, the TV and the heaters on high when he checked out of their room. Of course, our electricity is free.
For the record, our Continental Breakfast has Milk, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wheat and white bread for toast, variety of bagels, three kinds of cereal and four kinds of spreads.
We do what we can to accommodate guests, we have filled tires, charged dead batteries, loaned tools, kept trailers onsite for days while the owners go touring and have even given a ride to Spearfish to pick up a battery among other favors and did not charge a cent.
We make every attempt to treat our guests fairly and with respect. We expect the same. Apparently, Mr. Darnell Boeckel does not know the definition of respect or libel.

 

[Darnell Boeckel]

hey lonnyboozer,
dont you know you shouldnt say things behind peoples back you wouldnt say to there face?
if your gonna trash somebody, why not let everyone know who you are?
heres your chance to be a man and let everyone know who you are.
not too optimistic on that one....
still got that ski doo citation 4500 parked in your daddys front yard?

 

[revrider07]

Not many snowwesters posting any good info on this thread about this place I think that is funny.