Sylvan Lake Lodge, Custer

In order to stay in the sleeping cabin, we had to air out the stale smoke smell from the fireplace. Additionally, a curtain on one of the windows was too short to cover the window, and the showerhead was falling out of the wall of the shower. Also, housekeeping replaced the towels once during our 3 night stay, wastebaskets were never emptied, and beds were never made.

It's really a two star with a three star rating. The location is spectacular, but the rooms are about what you'd expect at a typical motel 8. The original portion of the lodge has more class. The lobby/lounge is still very much in Frank Lloyd Wright's style, however some of that charm is now missing in the dining room. The view of the lake is nearly gone due to tree growth. Maintenance is not up to par in some of the grounds and building. Food was good, but not gourmet. Breakfast buffet lacked variety. The over all feel was that service and upkeep have been neglected. Sad to see an iconic lodge slipping.

Sylvan Lake Lodge Restaurant, SD - Big fuss over a cheap martini. "I ordered a Beefeater martini, and that's what they served (I know the taste). When I got my bill, it added $1.25 for Bombay Sapphire. When I asked my server to correct this, she explained that the bar was out of Beefeater so they substituted Bombay Sapphire. LIE! Before I entered the restaurant, I stopped by the bar and asked if they stocked my favorite gin, Plymouth. The bartender picked up each bottle of gin and called out the name, including Beefeater (did not have my favorite). And I know the server asked the bartender for Beefeater because my wife was going towards the bathroom and passed by the bar and heard my server order my Beefeater Martini. I asked my server to correct the bill. It took 10 minutes for her to return with a revised bill that added $1 to the Martini cost and added $1.25 for "Beefeater". CHEAT! I know, and so does everybody who has shopped at a liquor store, that Bombay Sapphire is priced much higher than Beefeater. I did not have time or the desire to continue the argument over one cheap martini, so I paid the bill and deducted the $2.25 from the tip. "As for my meal, they overcooked my Walleye." I would you recommend this hotel to a anyone!

BEAUTIFUL area!! We called just days in advance and were told of a great 3 room cabin by the water that would be perfect for us, and we were SO excited to stay there with our friends and our 5 little kids (all under age 5!). However, due to THEIR overbooking, they expected US to pack up and move everything in the middle of our stay after our first night there. We requested to speak to the manager, but never did get to until he showed up (after waiting 5 HOURS for him to come talk to us!) with park rangers to kick us out of the cabin we were all set up in. He DAMANDED we move, called us liars (saying we somehow knew that we'd have to move when we made the reservations), told us to leave or they would FORCE us to leave. The only positive is it gave us a life's lesson to teach our sobbing little kids as to how NOT to treat other people! Oh...and the cabin ISN'T on the water...and you share a fire pit with your neighbor...FYI

My family and I just returned from a trip to the Black Hills. We rented a sleeping cabin at Sylvan Lake Resorts for one night. Our two young children loved it because they could make noise and explore the area. You cannot see the lake from the cabins, but the atmosphere is peaceful. Behind the honeymoon cabin is the best veiw of the mountain peaks, and the trail around the lake is enjoyable, especially if you have a limited amount of time for trails. Take time to go around Wildlife Loop while you're there and either of the scenic highways are worthwhile. The season for the chuckwagon shows and boat rentals hadn't started yet, so if that's important, check ahead of time. The dining room at the lodge is a little pricey for eating every meal there, but Custer and Hill City have affordable alternatives, if you need them. The bathroom in the cabin is tiny but clean. The tv doesn't get many channels, but with the views and activities available, you won't care!

Located in the heart of the Black Hills, within hiking distance of Harney Peak, the highest mountain between the Rockies and the Pyrennes, this lodge is a little bit of heaven. It was built at a time when rooms were a bit smaller than one finds today, but the interior ambience of rock and timber reflects the marvelous natural handiwork of the surrounding hills; the breakfast buffet is superb; the lake below is a peaceful oasis; and, the spectacular Needles Drive leads one down the mountainside to the Black Hills Playhouse, which offers professional live theatre all summer long. In nearby Hill City, the Alpine Inn offers superb lunches with a European touch. My wife and I make the 800-mile round trip each and every summer for these reasons!

The setting of Sylvan Lake is truly breathtaking while the resort’s atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming. The staff and service are outstanding. Our stay at Sylvan was outstanding.

We both had buffalo sirloin, which was good but not exceptional. My main problem was that they did not serve French dressing at their salad bar. I think any sensible restaurant should offer French dressing. I had a Moose Drool beer with my meal. There was nothing special about the beer, but it was fun to have the waitress ask, “How’s your Moose Drool?”

It's a long drive from Ohio, but, worth every minute, once you step out of the car at Sylvan Lake Resort. The views from The Lodge and the Honeymoon Cabin are second to none. The Lodge Manager has got to be the finest anywhere. My wife and I were married at the Honeymoon Cabin in 1992 and honestly can't wait to return yearly. It is by far our little piece of heaven on earth.