Yes, you can bring your dog to Hot Springs Hills Inn. We're a pet-friendly motel in Hot Springs, SD, with at-door parking that makes coming and going with a dog easy, plus plenty of good walking spots right nearby. Give us a call before you book so we can put you in a room that works well for you and your pup.
Is Hot Springs Hills Inn really pet-friendly?
We are, and we mean it in a practical way, not just a policy on paper. Our rooms sit at ground level with parking right at your door, so you don't have to haul a leash and a water bowl through a big lobby every time your dog needs to go out.
A few things that help:
– Call ahead so we know a dog is coming and can set up the right room.
– Please keep your dog leashed in the parking lot and around the grounds.
– Don't leave your dog alone in the room if they're the barking or chewing type.
– Clean up after them outside, and we'll all stay friendly neighbors.
We keep our rooms clean for the next guest, so we do ask you to be mindful of that. Most folks traveling with dogs already are, and it works out just fine.
Where can I walk my dog near the motel?
This is one of the best parts of staying in Hot Springs with a dog. The Fall River trail is an easy paved path that follows the water right through town, and it's a short trip from our front door. It's flat, shaded in spots, and great for a morning or evening walk when the day cools off.
If you want a longer outing, there are a few good options a short drive away:
– **Wind Cave National Park** has trails and open prairie above ground where leashed dogs are welcome on some paths and in parking areas. Dogs can't go on the cave tours or on most backcountry trails, so plan for someone to stay up top or keep the walks short and above ground.
– **Around Hot Springs itself** you'll find quiet side streets and sidewalks for a low-key stroll, plus the sandstone bluffs that give the town its look.
A quick note: summer afternoons here can get warm, and pavement heats up. Walk your dog in the morning or evening, and always bring water.
How do I make the stay smooth for me and my dog?
A little planning goes a long way. Here's what we tell guests who ask.
Before you arrive
Pack a bag for your dog like you would for a kid: food, bowls, a leash, waste bags, a favorite toy, and any medication. Bring a towel too, since the trails and the pool area can leave a dog damp or dusty.
While you're here
Your room comes with a fridge, so keeping dog food or treats cold is no trouble. If your dog gets anxious in new places, the recliner and a quiet room usually help everyone settle in. And if you're heading to the Mammoth Site or a cave tour where dogs can't come, plan those trips for the cooler parts of the day and don't leave your pup in a hot car.
When you check in, just let us know your plans. We're a small, family-run place, so it's easy to ask us where the nearest patch of grass is or which trail is best that week. That's the kind of thing we like helping with.
Safe travels, and we'll see you and your dog soon.