Cozy Deadwood Escape < 1 Mi to Dtwn & Casinos

I booked the Ceder Wood Inn in early February 2025 for August 5-8, three nights for $495 USD. I was told I could cancel up until June, but no date was given. Around June 9 I had to cancel, and kept checking my card for the refund. By early August I was emailing to ask about it, since I hadn’t known there was a problem. The motel’s phone number went straight to a recording with another number for a reservation company. I’d only spoken with the owner when I first booked. On August 04, on my way to Sturgis, I stopped in Deadwood and went to the motel to talk to the owner. It was busy and everyone seemed to be having a great time, but she made time to speak with me. She said the room had been rented out and assured me I’d get a full refund. Those were her words. I’ve made several inquiries since, but have only been able to speak with the reservation company. They said my conversations were passed on to the owner. The communication was by email and FB messenger. It’s now Dec 1 and I still haven’t received anything, and I’m convinced I won’t. I’m not out $495 USD, but closer to $695 CAD. The motel looked clean when I visited, and people seemed to be enjoying themselves. After speaking with the owner, I didn’t expect further trouble. I’m not telling people to avoid the place, but I’d be careful about who I give my money to. Lesson learned. Update: I recently saw a Tripadvisor response saying there’s a no-refund policy for Sturgis. That was the first I’d heard of it since booking. I relied on the owner’s text, pictured below, which clearly says June but gives no date. It also says there’s no cancellation once full payment is made. I had only paid a deposit, not the full amount, and followed the cancellation policy I was given when making the reservation.

Downtown is just a short walk away, which is great. The room wasn’t as nice: the bathroom is tiny, with no good place to hang clothes or towels. The front desk is often unattended, but I liked being able to text for check-in instructions.

The staff’s kindness made the stay. Our room was clean and comfortable, and the whole place feels cute and cozy. It’s an easy walk to downtown Deadwood. Our room didn’t have a microwave, but the owner was helpful and accommodating, even after we checked out. Great quality for the price.

The rooms are cutely decorated, the beds are soft, and the shower had great hot water and pressure. It’s a charming, cozy place, with downtown an easy walk away. Rapid City and other places are about an hour and a half away, and this cost about half as much as the chain hotels. Staff communication was great, and they replied promptly. I booked after reading the reviews and I’m glad I did. I’d highly recommend it.