Honestly, if you're driving through North Dakota, you've probably seen a dozen mid-range hotels that all look the same from the highway. You know the ones. Beige siding, a flickering sign, and the promise of a waffle. But when you pull into the Hampton Inn & Suites Dickinson, things feel a little different. It’s not just a place to crash after a long day of staring at the I-94 horizon.
Located at 110 14th Street West, this spot has built a bit of a reputation among locals and oil-patch workers alike. Most people think it’s just another cookie-cutter Hilton property. It’s not.
Why Location Actually Matters Here
Dickinson isn’t exactly a sprawling metropolis, but where you stay determines whether you’re stuck in traffic or five minutes from a decent steak. The Hampton Inn & Suites Dickinson sits right near the Dakota Dinosaur Museum. You can literally walk there in about 15 minutes. If you have kids, that’s a lifesaver. No one wants to buckle and unbuckle car seats for a half-mile drive.
It’s also the gateway to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. You're about 30 miles from the South Unit entrance in Medora. That sounds far, but in North Dakota miles, that’s basically next door.
I’ve heard people complain that it’s "on the higher end" price-wise for the area. Kinda true. But consider this: you aren't fighting for parking or dealing with the noise of the main drag. It’s tucked away just enough to feel quiet, yet you’re 0.75 miles from the city center.
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The Room Situation: Suites vs. Standard
Let’s talk about the "Suites" part of the name. A lot of hotels slap that on the sign even if the "suite" is just a room with a slightly larger chair. Here, the King Studio Suites actually have some breathing room.
They’ve got the 1 King Bed with a Sofa Bed option which is great for families. It sleeps four or five people without everyone tripping over each other's suitcases.
- Microwaves and Fridges: Every room has them. This is huge because Dickinson has some great local spots—like Phat Fish Brewing—and you’re going to want to bring leftovers back.
- The Beds: They use those custom-designed Hampton beds. They’re weirdly soft but firm in the right places.
- Connectivity: WiFi is free. It’s fast enough for a Zoom call, which isn't always a given in Western ND.
One thing that surprises people is the pheasant cleaning station. Yeah, you read that right. This is North Dakota. During hunting season, this hotel transforms into a hub for outdoorsmen. Having a dedicated spot to deal with your haul is a massive perk that most "city" hotels wouldn't dream of offering.
Breakfast and the "Waffle Factor"
We have to talk about the breakfast. It’s free. It’s hot. It’s served from 6 AM to 10 AM.
The variety is actually decent. You’ve got the classic DIY waffles, but they also rotate through eggs, sausage, and breakfast potatoes. Is it five-star dining? No. But it’s significantly better than the "stale bagel and a prayer" offered by the budget motels down the road.
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The lobby has a fireplace. In a North Dakota January, when the wind is whipping at 40 miles per hour and the temperature is -20°F, that fireplace becomes the most important amenity in the building. It makes the "Perfect Mix" lobby design actually feel like a living room rather than a transit lounge.
The Maintenance Reality
I'm not going to sit here and tell you it’s perfect. It’s a busy hotel. Some guests have noted that the pool water can feel a bit cool, or that the elevator is a bit slow during peak checkout times.
Cleanliness ratings are usually high—some sites even show a 9.5 out of 10. That's a big deal in a town that sees a lot of dust and mud from the surrounding industrial and agricultural work. The staff is generally praised for being "friendly" and "helpful," which goes a long way when you’ve been driving for eight hours.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book the Hampton Inn & Suites Dickinson, don't just click the first rate you see.
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- Check for "Low Season" Rates: May is usually cheaper and less crowded than the peak summer months when everyone is headed to Medora.
- Request a Room Away from the Elevator: If you’re a light sleeper, this is non-negotiable. The foot traffic near the lifts can get noisy.
- Pet Policy: They allow pets (dogs and cats), but there’s a non-refundable fee—usually $50 for a short stay. Call ahead to confirm the limit, as they usually cap it at two pets per room.
- Digital Key: Use the Hilton Honors app. You can skip the front desk entirely and unlock your door with your phone. It saves about 10 minutes of standing in line behind a youth hockey team.
When you're ready to head out, grab a coffee from the lobby (it’s usually fresh) and hit the road early. The drive to the Badlands is best done at sunrise. The colors on the rock formations at that hour are something you won't forget anytime soon.