Medora's Hidden Gem: Rodeway Inn - Roosevelt & Makoshika Await!
Medora's Hidden Gem: Rodeway Inn - Roosevelt & Makoshika Await! - A Rambling, Honest Review (Let's Be Real!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the (sometimes) glorious, (occasionally) slightly chaotic world of the Rodeway Inn in Medora, North Dakota. Forget those perfectly polished travel brochures – this is the real deal, folks. We're gonna talk about everything, from the gloriously wide-open spaces to potential… ahem …awkwardness. And trust me, there's plenty to unpack. This isn't your cookie-cutter hotel experience; this is a genuine taste of the Dakotas, flaws and all.
The Core Stuff: Sleeping, Working, and (Maybe) Hiding From Your Kids
Let’s start with the basics, because, well, we need a place to sleep when we're exploring the magical Theodore Roosevelt National Park, right?
Accessibility: They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is fantastic. I didn't personally need it, but it's a huge plus knowing it's there for others. Kudos, Rodeway Inn!
Internet Access (and the Eternal Struggle): Okay, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! bit is mostly true. I'd say it was… reliable… about 70% of the time. Sometimes it was faster than a prairie dog disappearing into its hole. Other times, well, let's just say I spent a good chunk of my vacation staring at the loading icon. Internet access – LAN? Haven't tried that one. I'm more of a Wi-Fi warrior from the get-go. Internet services…well, let's hope the Wi-Fi is good enough.
Rooms: Alright, let's face it, this isn't the Ritz. But they're CLEAN. And that, honestly, is HUGE. I mean, Cleanliness and safety are clearly a priority. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available if that's your thing, but honestly, after seeing the Anti-viral cleaning products in action, I felt pretty darn safe. (And the Daily housekeeping was a lifesaver after a day of hiking!) The Non-smoking rooms are a must for me, and the Soundproof rooms - well, they exist, and that's all I can say, it's Medora after all!
The rooms themselves are pretty standard but perfectly functional. You get all the basics – Air conditioning, a refrigerator for your (hopefully) local craft beer, a Coffee/tea maker (essential!), a desk to pretend you’re working (we all do it!), and a comfy seating area. They also have Extra long beds which is a huge plus for us tall folks. They have a Hair dryer for those who prefer a blow-out, and Linens that felt quite nice. Free bottled water, what a blessing. They have a Bathroom phone, but I didn't use it. I guess it's helpful in some situations.
Accessibility is a big plus. Also, the Exterior corridor look like the classic motor hotel vibe.
The Food & Drink Scene (Where Things Get Interesting)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, let's be honest, I didn’t expect a Michelin-star experience here. But they offer a decent spread. If you are thinking of a Breakfast in room they have options for you. The Breakfast [buffet] is pretty standard. I wouldn't say I loved it, but it got the job done, fuel to start a day! They had Coffee/tea in restaurant. It's a good thing they also offer Bottle of water, in case you get parched!
And while there's no Asian cuisine in restaurant or Vegetarian restaurant (this is Medora, people!), they do have Restaurants nearby within walking distance.
Alternative Meal arrangements: They have that!
Relaxation & Things to Do (Or, Why You're Really Here)
This is where the Rodeway Inn shines because it's all about location, location, location!
- Things to do: You’re here for Theodore Roosevelt National Park! Seriously, just go. Go, go, go! This place is a stone's throw from the south unit entrance and has an easy way to get there.
- Ways to relax: They don't have all the bells and whistles like a spa with a Pool with view or a Sauna. But, I'm not sure you even need a spa when you're surrounded by such natural beauty! Maybe spend some time at the Terrace after all the sightseeing.
The Perks & Quirks (The Real Meat of the Review)
- Cleanliness: They're on top of it. Seriously, the rooms were spotless. This is a huge win for me.
- The Staff: The staff were friendly and helpful. Always a smile, always willing to assist. They followed the Safety protocol.
- For the Kids: Family/child friendly, and the Babysitting service is something.
- Getting around: Car park [free of charge] is another bonus. And there’s Taxi service if you need it.
The Emotional Response (My Honest Take)
Okay, here's the truth: I wasn't expecting luxury, and I didn't get it. But what I DID get was a clean, comfortable, and convenient base camp for exploring one of the most beautiful places in America. And that, my friends, is worth its weight in gold.
The Wi-Fi could be better. The breakfast buffet could use a little… oomph. But honestly, I was too busy staring out the window at the endless sky and planning my next hike to really care.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Absolutely! If you're looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly option that puts you right in the heart of Medora, the Rodeway Inn is a solid choice. It's not fancy, but it's comfortable, clean, and the location is unbeatable. Just set your Wi-Fi expectations low, and prepare to be blown away by the natural beauty surrounding you.
And now, for the ultimate hook to get you to book…
Stop scrolling through endless options! Forget the overpriced resorts. Embrace the spirit of adventure! Book your stay at the Rodeway Inn in Medora and experience the breathtaking beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Forget the fancy spas – the fresh air and stunning landscapes are the ultimate rejuvenating escape. Secure your spot now and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Luxury Spanish Escape: Nueva Alcazaba Hotel Apartment Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your typical, sterile travel itinerary. This is my ACTUAL, probably slightly disastrous, journey to Medora, North Dakota, and the glorious, windswept nothingness of Makoshika State Park. And yes, I'm staying at the Rodeway Inn Gateway… pray for me.
Title: Medora Mayhem & Badlands Bliss: A Messy Roadmap to the Soul (Maybe)
Phase 1: Arrival & Rodeway Inn Roulette (Day 1)
- Morning: My flight gets in. Pray to the gods of baggage claim that my suitcase hasn't ended up in… well, anywhere BUT North Dakota. Airport anxiety is a REAL THING, you know? Anticipate a full 20 minutes wasted just staring at the carousel.
- Mid-day: Check-in at the Rodeway Inn Gateway. Oh, lord, here we go. Expectation: a clean, functional room. Reality: a room that smells faintly of stale cigarettes, a mysterious stain on the carpet, and a TV that only gets three channels. (I'm not even kidding, I'm mentally preparing for this.) The "free breakfast" is probably a collection of individually wrapped pastries that have the nutritional value of cardboard. I'll brave it though, because I am a warrior! A hungry, slightly nauseous warrior.
- Afternoon: Quick scout around Medora. First impressions are crucial, and I anticipate feeling a strange mix of excited and, honestly, a little bewildered. It's the Wild West, but also… a tourist town. I have to remember to keep my expectations in check. I might grab a coffee from, well, somewhere. Because coffee.
- Evening: Eat some local food. Seriously, I am going to eat local food no matter what. I was thinking burgers. I was thinking French fries. I was thinking anything that I can put into my mouth and instantly give me energy. Will probably wander around. I do not like sitting in a room by myself. I'll give a live update on how those burgers are.
Phase 2: Theodore Roosevelt's Ghost & Badlands Breathtaking (Day 2)
- Morning: Theodore Roosevelt National Park: South Unit. Now, this is why I came. The Badlands. The vastness. The… potential to get lost and eaten by a coyote. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little.) I'm planning on doing some hiking but need to decide which trails are actually for human beings and not mountain goats. The most important part: Photos. So. Many. Photos.
- Anecdote: Alright, here's a story: when I went to this park the last time, I thought I saw a bison. I was SO EXCITED. I practically sprinted down a little hill, and then… it was just a particularly fluffy rock. My disappointment was profound. This time, I'm bringing binoculars and a healthy dose of skepticism.
- Mid-day: Picnic lunch somewhere with a view. Sandwiches, apples, maybe even some trail mix if I'm feeling fancy. Don't forget water. Lots and lots of water. Sunscreen too. You can't overestimate the sun in the Badlands. Remember that silly rock formation I mentioned? Yeah, well, I'll find something similar.
- Afternoon: Explore the park some more. Maybe take a scenic drive, spot wildlife (hopefully this time!), definitely soak in the sheer immensity of it all. Try some more hiking, but on a trail recommended by, well, someone.
- Evening: Try to catch the sunset over the Badlands. It's supposed to be legendary. Anticipate being utterly and completely speechless. Dinner, and possibly a post-sunset beer (or two) to decompress from the emotional overload.
Phase 3: Makoshika Moonscape & Existential Dread (Day 3)
- Morning: Drive to Makoshika State Park (Montana). It's a bit of a drive, but I'm told it's worth it. Apparently, it's even MORE Badlands-y than the National Park. I'm bracing myself for even more raw, untamed beauty. And maybe a moment of "am I the only person here?" It's going to be quite!
- Mid-day: Hike and explore. This time, I'm ready for the heat, the wind, and the general feeling of being a tiny speck in the universe. Take hundreds of photos, and possibly start a philosophical debate with myself about the meaning of it all. Maybe find a cool fossil. Maybe not. It all depends.
- Afternoon: More exploring, more photos, more contemplation. I might even try to find a good place to sit and just… be. To breathe. To just… absorb all that space and silence. This might get emotional. Or it might just make my butt hurt from sitting too long.
- Evening: Drive back to Medora. Dinner, and then… Probably collapse into bed at the Rodeway Inn, exhausted but happy. Pray the room doesn't have any new "features" that I didn't notice the first time.
Phase 4: Farewell & Departure (Day 4)
- Morning: Last-minute exploration of Medora. Maybe I'll finally hit that souvenir shop. Maybe I'll get coffee from a different place. I haven't decided, I don't want to think about it. Last chance to breathe that fresh, dry air. Last chance to feel small, and also kind of powerful, at the same time.
- Mid-day: One last burger? Yes, probably. Then, it's time to say goodbye to Medora and the Badlands.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport. Try not to overthink it. Try not to dwell on the sheer distance I've traveled, the memories made, and the slightly questionable experience.
- Evening: Home. Probably exhausted. Probably slightly sunburnt. Definitely with a head full of amazing, overwhelming memories. And already dreaming of the next adventure.
Notes & Imperfections:
- This is a loose plan. I'm expecting to get lost, change my mind, and make a lot of impulsive decisions.
- I'm terrible at packing. Expect to forget something essential (like my charger).
- I'm easily distracted. There will be many photo stops.
- May or may not attempt to befriend any local wildlife. This is a high risk, high reward endeavor.
- The Rodeway Inn Gateway is a wildcard. Pray for me.
- I am not a professional travel blogger. This is just me, rambling, and hoping the trip is good.
Okay, wish me luck. I'm going in! And I can't wait to tell you all about it - after I've had several cups of coffee to recover!
UAE's Hidden Gem: L'Arabia Hotel Apartments - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
So, Rodeway Inn in Medora... Hidden Gem? Really? Spill the Tea!
Okay, okay, lemme be brutally honest. "Hidden Gem" might be a *slight* exaggeration. More like... a strategically placed, reasonably priced refuge after you've spent all day wrestling with the badlands. Let's just say it's the kind of place where the AC might be louder than the silence, and the "continental breakfast" involves more questionable pastries than actual fruit. But here's the thing: after a day of hiking and staring at those majestic buttes, a lukewarm shower and a vaguely edible waffle starts to feel like pure luxury. The Rodeway Inn in Medora? Not the Ritz. But it’s home base, and sometimes, that's all you need.
What's the Room Like? Let's Get Real.
The rooms… they're a mixed bag. I’ve stayed in a room that smelled faintly of… well, let’s just say it wasn’t roses. Another time, the TV had, like, 12 channels, half of which were static. And don’t get me started on the decor. Think… "1980s motel chic" meets "thrift store find." BUT, and this is a big but, they're generally clean. The bed *usually* has clean sheets. And after a day of dodging rattlesnakes on the trails (true story, almost stepped on one!), a relatively clean bed feels like winning the lottery.
One year, though? Disaster. We'd booked online assuming the usual, right? Nope. A room on the first floor, right by the ice machine. And the ice machine, bless its little metal heart, was like a caffeinated drummer. *CLANG! CLATTER! CLUNK!* All. Night. Long. I swear, I got up at 3 AM and just stared at the machine. It stared back. I considered unplugging it, but figured the ensuing chaos wouldn't be worth the trouble. Lesson learned? Request a room far, far away from any mechanical noisemakers. You'll thank me.
Makoshika State Park is the Big Draw. How Close Is the Inn?
Okay, this is where the Rodeway Inn shines! It's a SUPER convenient basecamp for exploring Makoshika State Park. You're looking at a simple and very short drive to the park entrance. The views from the park itself are...well, breathtaking. The Red-Rock formations… the badlands… it's like being on another planet! After a day hiking the trails, you realize how dusty you are. And then, thank God for the Rodeway Inn, like your own personal launch pad back to basecamp, to shower off all that lovely dust. Close proximity is a *huge* plus. It's a major win for tired hikers like myself.
The Breakfast. Tell Me *Everything*
Alright, here's the deal with the "continental breakfast." Don't go in expecting a gourmet experience. Think… the bare minimum. They usually have instant oatmeal (which, let's be honest, is basically glue), a variety of sugary cereals, sometimes those sad little pre-packaged muffins, and the ever-present waffle maker (the kind that gives you a weirdly-shaped waffle. I’ve never really understood those, and the waffle batter always looks suspect.)
One time, they had actual, real fruit. I think I saw a strawberry. It was a miracle! But seriously, manage your expectations. Grab some coffee (if the coffee maker is working; it wasn't always in my experience. And by the time the coffee *did* kick in, it was nearly lunch!). Bring your own protein bar. Think of it as fuel, not fine dining. You're there to explore the badlands, not to eat Michelin-starred cuisine.
What About Amenities? Any Pool? Any Gym?
Okay, so no pool. No gym. This isn't the place for a luxurious spa experience. Honestly, after a day of hiking, all *I* need is a decent shower and a comfortable bed. But don’t expect to get any fitness things done here. The only exercise is probably dodging the mosquitoes.
There's usually Wi-Fi, but the connection can be… spotty. Prepare to be disconnected. Embrace it! Consider it a digital detox. (Though, I did spend a solid hour one night desperately trying to upload photos to Instagram. The struggle was real.)
The Staff. Friendly? Helpful? Existential?
The staff? They're usually pretty friendly. This isn’t a five-star hotel where you get the white glove treatment, but they're generally helpful and not particularly existential. They're running a motel in a small town - they're probably used to a lot of weird tourists. I've had pleasant interactions, helpful advice on local restaurants, and a few times when I was just too damn tired to deal with anything, they basically just left me alone. Which, honestly, is sometimes the best kind of service.
I *did* have one encounter where the front desk clerk seemed slightly… overwhelmed. It was during the height of tourist season, and the poor soul looked like they’d been working a triple shift. I’m sure they’ve seen it all. But hey, they managed to get me a room key, so… A+ for effort, I’d say.
So, Bottom Line: Would You Stay There Again?
Absolutely. Despite the questionable waffles and the sometimes-noisy AC, I'd stay at the Rodeway Inn in Medora again. It's not perfect, no. But it's affordable, conveniently located, and provides exactly what I need: a place to crash after a day of exploring the amazingness that is Makoshika. It's the kind of place you embrace because it's *there*. And sometimes, that's enough.
Plus, let’s be honest, Medora itself is magical. The badlands, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, everything. Whatever flaws the Rodeway Inn has, they're easily forgiven when you're waking up to that view. Plus, I am cheap, and this place is CHEAP! So yeah, I'd go. And honestly, I probably will again. Just not in room 101. Never again.
