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1899 Inn

From $155/night • Score: 4.9★ (380 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

As an architectural critic who has traversed the globe reviewing everything from minimalist brutalist retreats in the Swiss Alps to neoclassical palazzos in Rome, I approach historic American properties with a specific brand of cautious fascination. Too often, properties trading on historical novelty sacrifice comfort for authenticity, leaving guests with creaking floorboards, inadequate plumbing, and an atmosphere that feels more like a dusty museum than a living, breathing sanctuary. However, arriving at the 1899 Inn in Deadwood, South Dakota, instantly dissolves any such skepticism. Perched proudly on the historic Presidential Hillside, this magnificent Queen Anne Victorian immediately asserts itself not merely as a relic of the past, but as a masterclass in lovingly preserved 19th-century residential architecture.

Built precisely at the turn of the century in 1899 for a prosperous local mining treasurer—an era when Deadwood was transitioning from a lawless mining camp into a civilized, affluent hub—the inn commands a striking presence on the landscape. As you wind your way up the hillside, the exterior reveals all the hallmarks of the Queen Anne style: an asymmetrical and dynamic facade, steeply pitched gables adorned with intricate wooden shingle work, a projecting corner tower, and a sweeping wraparound porch that practically begs guests to abandon their itineraries and surrender to the afternoon breeze. The color palette is a sophisticated, period-appropriate study in muted heritage tones that highlight the meticulous carpentry rather than screaming for attention.

Stepping past the threshold is akin to pressing rewind on a century of progress. The foyer welcomes you with polished quarter-sawn oak woodwork, rich wainscoting, and leaded glass windows that cast prismatic, amber-toned sunlight across the parlor. Yet, unlike heavy Victorian interiors that can occasionally feel claustrophobic or overly dim, the 1899 Inn manages to feel luminous and airy. The current stewards of the property have walked the delicate tightrope between museum-quality historical preservation and modern luxury hospitality with astonishing grace. Original brass hardware, hand-carved fireplace mantels, and period antiques sit comfortably alongside discreet, up-to-date climate control and plush, contemporary soft furnishings. Gazing down from the wraparound porch, looking out over the densely wooded slopes toward Mount Moriah Cemetery just uphill and the glittering, historic rooftops of Deadwood Gulch below, the sense of place is absolute, intoxicating, and utterly transportive.

The Room Experience

To fully appreciate the accommodations at the 1899 Inn, one must discard modern notions of cookie-cutter hotel rooms where every square foot is optimized for corporate efficiency. Here, each guest chamber is a distinct, highly individualized chapter in the home’s century-old narrative. During my stay, I occupied one of the premier rooms, an expansive sanctuary boasting high ceilings, deeply recessed windows framed by heavy velvet drapery, and a commanding view of the private garden lawn and the valley below.

The bed—an heirloom-quality wooden queen frame dressed in impossibly crisp, high-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens and weighted down with a plush duvet—serves as the undisputed anchor of the room. It is the sort of bed that actively conspires against early rising, offering a cocoon of restorative comfort after a day spent exploring the rugged terrain of the Black Hills. Flanking the bed are antique bedside tables holding reading lamps that cast a warm, flattering glow over the restored plaster walls and carefully curated Victorian artwork.

Architectural quirks, rather than being smoothed over, are celebrated here. A slight slope in the original hardwood flooring reminds you of the building's dynamic history, while a cozy reading nook tucked into a bay window provides the ultimate vantage point for curling up with a novel as twilight settles over Deadwood Gulch. Storage is thoughtfully integrated through antique armoires and wardrobes that offer ample hanging space without disrupting the aesthetic integrity of the room.

The bathroom, a frequent Achilles' heel for historic boutique properties, has been executed with commendable foresight. While retaining vintage touches such as classic subway tiling and a pedestal sink, the plumbing is thoroughly modernized. The shower delivers robust water pressure and instantaneous hot water—a non-negotiable luxury after a strenuous hike in nearby Custer State Park. High-end, locally sourced botanical bath amenities are generously provided, filling the room with subtle notes of cedar and wildflowers. Sound insulation is surprisingly effective; despite the inn’s central hillside location, the rooms provide a cocoon of profound acoustic tranquility, ensuring uninterrupted sleep that defies the bustling saloon culture humming just a short walk down the hill.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

At $155 per night, the 1899 Inn shatters conventional pricing expectations for properties of this caliber, delivering an array of signature amenities that easily rival hotels commanding triple that rate. The true soul of the property, however, lies not in a checklist of luxury hardware, but in its impeccably cultivated atmosphere of refined, unpretentious hospitality.

The crown jewel of the outdoor spaces is the wraparound porch, outfitted with classic wicker rocking chairs and cushioned gliders. It is a social nexus for guests in the late afternoon, where strangers easily become companions over a complimentary glass of wine or local cider. Below the porch extends a meticulously manicured private garden lawn, terraced into the hillside and framed by towering pines and perennial flowerbeds. It is a rare, tranquil oasis in a town heavily defined by neon lights and bustling tourist thoroughfares.

Inside, the common parlors invite lingering. Guests are encouraged to treat the historic common areas as an extension of their private rooms. A well-curated library of regional history, classic literature, and board games sits ready for rainy afternoons. The hosts maintain an encyclopedic knowledge of the Black Hills, offering bespoke concierge recommendations that steer guests away from tourist traps and toward hidden scenic overlooks, secret hiking trails, and authentic local artisans.

The overarching atmosphere is that of staying at the private estate of an exceptionally hospitable, cultured local family. There is an absence of corporate coldness here; every interaction feels genuine, warm, and deeply invested in ensuring your Black Hills immersion is flawless.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

For the discerning traveler, hotel breakfast is frequently an exercise in disappointment—a melancholy landscape of rubbery scrambled eggs under heat lamps and industrial pastries. The 1899 Inn dramatically upends this paradigm, transforming the morning meal into a marquee daily event that anchors the entire stay.

Served in the sun-drenched dining room on heirloom china, breakfast is a scratch-made, gourmet affair that changes daily depending on seasonal availability and local market finds. During my tenure, mornings began with locally roasted artisanal coffee, freshly squeezed juices, and a bakery basket featuring warm-from-the-oven scones infused with huckleberries harvested nearby in the Black Hills. The savory course—a meticulously constructed quiche featuring farm-fresh eggs, locally sourced artisan cheeses, and heritage vegetables, accompanied by crisp, thick-cut heritage bacon—was a masterclass in balance, texture, and flavor.

When evening falls, the culinary and social landscape shifts down the hillside. Because the inn occupies an enviable "walkable-core" setting on Presidential Hillside, guests are merely a five-minute stroll from the vibrant heart of historic downtown Deadwood. You can effortlessly trade the quiet contemplation of the inn's garden for the electric, frontier-infused energy of Main Street.

The beauty of the 1899 Inn’s location is this absolute permeability: you have unfettered, immediate access to the lively saloons, gaming halls, and fine dining of downtown, yet you can retreat up the hillside at a moment's notice to absolute peace and quiet.

Who This Stay Is For

Discerning properties rarely appeal to everyone universally, and part of my duty as a hospitality critic is to define the ideal demographic for a specific stay. The 1899 Inn is not designed for the traveler seeking slick, minimalist corporate luxury, automated mobile-key check-ins, or sprawling resort complexes with massive swimming pools and bustling convention spaces.

Instead, this property is custom-built for a specific, appreciative tier of modern traveler:

If you prefer soul-less chain consistency, the 1899 Inn will challenge you to slow down and engage with your environment. If you cherish character, narrative, culinary craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality, this hillside sanctuary will exceed your expectations at every turn.

Practical Travel Notes

To ensure your experience at the 1899 Inn and Deadwood is executed flawlessly, keep the following logistical insights in mind:

The Verdict: Immaculate Victorian bed-and-breakfast charm providing peaceful hillside quiet above the bustling saloons. The 1899 Inn is a triumph of historic preservation and heartfelt hospitality.