Surprise upgrades are always fun. I scored a rather nice one last week during a stay at the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre.
Why I Booked the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre
As I mentioned while detailing my rental car debacle, I traveled to the region because my best friend’s mom died. The funeral was in Pipestone, Minnesota, which is about an hour’s drive from the nearest commercial airport: Sioux Falls.
None of the hotels in Pipestone (at least, the ones I saw) were affiliated with major points programs — or even OTAs. Another factor for my choosing Sioux Falls was that my plane got in after 10:00 PM. I knew I’d be tired from a client job the day before (which ran into the early morning). Then driving an hour (in the dark) wasn’t that appealing. My friend would likely be sleeping by the time I got to Pipestone, anyway.
So I opted to spend a night in Sioux Falls. I have a bunch of IHG points from my IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card — and the haul we earned a few years ago during IHG’s postcard promotion (Please bring it back, IHG!). I decided to cash some in for this stay. A king room cost 19,000 points for one night. It’s certainly not the best points redemption I’ve ever received at an IHG hotel but it wasn’t outrageous.
Check-In
I arrived at the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre following a quick Lyft ride from FSD airport. Check-in was fast and easy. The gentleman behind the counter thanked me for my IHG Platinum status (which is complimentary for IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card members).
I asked him how easy it is to catch a Lyft, Uber, or taxi to the airport during the mornings.
“We have a free shuttle that runs twice an hour,” he said. “Can I book you a spot on that?”
Perfect!
Inside my key packet was a coupon for $5 off a drink at the hotel lounge. (If you know me, you know I love cocktails and hotel bars. But I was still steaming mad about the rental car situation and getting tired. So I didn’t get the chance to use it.)
I got to my room — and the keys didn’t work. Par for the course that day.
I went back down to the front desk and asked for new keys. The front desk rep quickly helped me and I went back upstairs. Those keys worked!
Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre Suite
A sofa, lounge chair, large screen TV, and small table greeted me when I flipped on the light switch. I was surprised because the gentleman at the front desk didn’t mention anything about an upgrade.
I laughed because I needed a room for about ten hours. A standard room would’ve done just fine. There’s no way I had time to enjoy the suite. But I truly appreciated the gesture.
The living room was nice sized — perfect for entertaining a few guests or a family spending time together.
Unlike some other suites I’ve enjoyed, this had its own powder room.
There’s no closet of which to speak. But there are hangers and racks in the living room and bedroom.
Here’s the bathroom and shower.
Note they include what I think are the best earplugs for travelers!
The bed was comfortable. I would’ve liked slightly firmer pillows.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a lot of sleep that night. (None of it due to the hotel or room.) I always sleep like crud the night before I have to get up early for something important. I’m terrified I’ll oversleep — no matter how many alarms and wake-up calls are set. (Maybe I should’ve gone downstairs and used that $5 coupon for a glass of wine!)
Plus, I was concerned about whether or not I’d have a car to get to Pipestone the next morning.
The room does need updating. The carpet, furniture, and tables seemed a little tired. But it wasn’t anything horrible. I’d definitely stay in that room again. Though the hotel’s corporate sales manager wrote that “Many updates and changes on the horizon.”
For what it’s worth, here’s the view from the room.
And outside while I got some air before my shuttle ride.
Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre Employees
I can’t remember ever being compelled to write a post solely about a hotel’s staff.
But this property’s employees earned their very own blog post.
So keep an eye out for that.
Final Approach
I’m grateful for the suite upgrade at the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre. I wish I could’ve enjoyed it more! While the room needs some refreshing, it’s still comfortable and clean. Perhaps I need another trip to Sioux Falls…
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Nice review Chris.
Thank you!
Great review of a hotel I used to stay at for travels to Sioux Falls. One thing your readers should know is that this hotel charges a ridiculous $14.50 “Hotel Services & Downtown Fee” that includes parking (which on their website they also list as “free”), 2 free bottles of water in your room, and a $5 beverage credit for use at the lounge. Because of this silly mandatory resort-type fee, I’ve decided to stay at other hotels when traveling to Sioux Falls.