You’re driving across the Dakotas. It’s flat. It's windy. Suddenly, the skyline of Sioux Falls pops up like a literal oasis. If you’re looking for a Holiday Inn in Sioux Falls SD, you’ll quickly realize you aren't just looking for one building. There are actually several spread across the city, and choosing the wrong one can kind of ruin your vibe depending on why you’re actually in town.
Sioux Falls is weirdly big for where it is. It’s the heartbeat of the region. Because of that, the hotel market is surprisingly cutthroat. Most people just click the first link they see, but if you want to be near the Big Sioux River versus being near the Empire Mall, those are two totally different Saturdays. Honestly, the "best" spot depends entirely on whether you're here to see the falls or just crashing after a long haul on I-90.
The Big Three: Understanding the Layout
There isn't just a single "Holiday Inn." You’ve got the City Centre location, the Airport/North one near the Sanford Premiere Center, and then the Express versions scattered like confetti.
The Holiday Inn Sioux Falls-City Centre is the heavy hitter. It sits right on West 8th Street. This is the one you want if you actually want to see Sioux Falls. You can walk to the SculptureWalk, which is this permanent-but-rotating outdoor art gallery that winds through the downtown area. It’s actually pretty cool, and honestly, more cities should do it. From this hotel, you’re also just a short hop from Falls Park. If you haven't been, the park is basically the city’s namesake—massive pink quartzite rocks with water rushing over them. It sounds like a postcard, and it kind of is.
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Then you have the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls-North. This one is a different beast entirely. It’s located near the intersection of I-29 and I-90. If you’re in town for a concert at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center or a game at the Sioux Falls Arena, stay here. Don't bother with downtown. The traffic during a concert can get annoying, and being able to basically walk or take a two-minute shuttle is a game-changer.
Why the City Centre Location Still Dominates
Most people gravitate toward the City Centre because it feels less like a corporate box. It’s got that high-rise feel—well, high-rise for South Dakota. The views of the river are legit.
Inside, they have the Grille 100. It’s not your typical "hotel food" that tastes like cardboard and sadness. They actually do a decent steak. But the real reason people stay here? The 10th floor. There are some suites and meeting rooms up there that give you a panoramic view of the cathedral and the historic district. It’s one of the few places in the city where you can actually see the layout of the land.
Parking downtown can be a headache, though. The hotel has a garage, but if you’re driving a massive dually pickup—which, let's be real, a lot of people in SD are—it’s a tight squeeze. Just a heads up.
The Logistics Most Travel Sites Ignore
Let’s talk about the Airport location for a second. It’s technically the Holiday Inn & Suites Sioux Falls - Airport.
It’s right by the Joe Foss Field (FSD). If you’ve got a 6:00 AM flight, this is the only logical choice. The shuttle is reliable. I’ve seen people try to stay at the Express locations further south and then panic because an Uber wasn't available at 4:30 AM on a Tuesday. Sioux Falls is growing, but it’s not Chicago. Rideshares can be spotty in the early hours.
- Pro Tip: The Airport Holiday Inn has a massive indoor pool area with a water play land thing for kids. It’s loud. If you’re a business traveler looking for silence, maybe ask for a room away from the atrium.
- Dining: Crooked Pint Ale House is attached to the Airport/North location. They’re famous for Lucys—basically burgers stuffed with cheese. It’s aggressive but delicious.
What People Get Wrong About the Holiday Inn Express Options
There are at least three Express locations. One by the Empire Mall, one in Brandon (just east), and one in the Southwest part of town.
People confuse them constantly.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sioux Falls-Empire is basically in the middle of a shopping mecca. If you’re here for a tax-free shopping spree (South Dakota has no state income tax, so people flock here to spend), this is your basecamp. It’s newer, cleaner, and has that standard cinnamon roll breakfast that we all secretly love.
The Southwest location is closer to the newer medical centers and Avera on Louise. It’s quieter. There’s less "vibe," but you’ll actually get some sleep.
The Local Expert Perspective: Timing is Everything
Sioux Falls is a different city in July than it is in January.
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In the summer, the Holiday Inn in Sioux Falls SD (specifically downtown) will be packed with people heading to Sturgis. You’ll see thousands of motorcycles. It’s loud, it’s vibrant, and it’s expensive. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, don't book during the first two weeks of August.
In the winter, everything moves indoors. The skywalk system in the City Centre location becomes your best friend. You can move around without your face freezing off. South Dakota wind chill is no joke. I’ve seen it hit -30°F. At that point, the quality of the hotel's HVAC system becomes the most important amenity they offer.
A Note on the "Sioux Falls Vibe"
The staff at these hotels usually have that Midwest "nice" thing going on. It’s genuine. If you ask a front desk clerk at the Holiday Inn for a recommendation, they aren’t going to give you a corporate-approved list. They’re going to tell you to go to Look’s Marketplace or CH Patisserie. Trust them.
Pricing Realities
Expect to pay a premium for the City Centre and the Airport locations. You’re paying for the proximity. The Express locations are usually $30-$50 cheaper per night.
If you’re a loyalty member, the points value here is actually pretty decent compared to coastal cities. You can often snag a room for 20,000 to 35,000 points, which is a steal when the cash rate spikes during the Sioux Empire Fair or big Sanford Sports Complex tournaments.
The Verdict on Amenities
Let's get real for a second.
- WiFi: Usually solid. The City Centre revamped theirs recently because they host a lot of tech-adjacent business conferences.
- Gyms: They exist. They’re fine. Don't expect a CrossFit box, but you can run on a treadmill and lift some dumbbells.
- Breakfast: The full-service hotels (City Centre/Airport) don't include it for free unless you have status or a specific package. The Express locations do. If you have a family of five, those Express cinnamon rolls will save you $80 a morning.
How to Actually Choose
Stop looking at the stars and look at the map.
If you want to walk to dinner and a brewery (like Fernson or WoodGrain), stay City Centre.
If you’re flying or going to a concert at the Arena, stay North/Airport.
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If you’re just passing through on I-90 and want a clean bed and a quick exit, stay at the Express in Brandon or the North location.
If you’re here for a week-long hockey tournament at the Scheels IcePlex, the Airport location is the closest full-service spot.
Moving Forward: Your Sioux Falls Plan
Don't just book and show up. Sioux Falls is a "reservation" town now. It didn't used to be, but it is today.
- Check the Event Calendar: Look at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center schedule. If a major country star or a massive MMA fight is in town, prices at the North Holiday Inn will triple.
- Verify the Location: Double-check the address. "Sioux Falls SD" covers a lot of ground. Make sure you aren't booking the mall location when you meant to be downtown.
- Request a Higher Floor: Especially at the City Centre. The street noise isn't terrible, but the views from the 7th floor and up are significantly better.
- Download the IHG App: It sounds corporate, but the digital check-in actually works here, and in a town that gets busy during "rush hour" (yes, Sioux Falls has a rush hour now), skipping the line is worth it.
Sioux Falls has grown up. The hotels have had to keep up. Whether you’re here for the falls, the fossils, or just a fast-food run at B&G Milkyway, picking the right Holiday Inn is the difference between a "meh" trip and a great one. Take five minutes to map your destinations before you hit that "book" button. You'll thank yourself when you aren't driving 20 minutes across town in a blizzard just to get a burger.