Nov. 29, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by The Ramkota Companies.

Whether it’s a busy week in the South Dakota legislative session, an annual hunting trip or other travel needs, if one Pierre hotel can’t accommodate a visitor, its sister property likely will be waiting.

ClubHouse Hotel & Suites and the Ramkota Hotel are next to one another in the state capital, both part of The Ramkota Companies, and both continually are improving and looking for new ways to serve guests.

“So many people don’t know we’re part of the same company, but we work closely together and easily feed off each other,” said Debi Kessler, district operations manager and Ramkota general manager.

“This has been a really strong year for both of us. And between Christmas at the Capitol and hunting season, there are many reasons for people to still come stay with us.”

Hunting season always illustrates the strength of both properties, its leaders say.

At the Ramkota, “we’re going on three generations that have stayed with us while hunting,” Kessler said. “We had one group of guys that’s been coming here 36 years. It’s a tradition, and they just love the Ramkota. They brought their sons, and now their grandsons are coming.”

At the ClubHouse, which opened in 2011, “I really experience the loyalty too,” said Bobbi Hawks, general manager. “We have a lot of people who have been staying here since it opened. We see that both here and at the Ramkota – if one can’t house visitors, the other one often can. We’ve had times where groups have booked late, and we were still able to accommodate them.”

The front desk teams “work really well together,” Kessler added. “It’s very easy to be a one-stop shop because of that. They’re very committed to customer service, which is awesome.”

Both properties also have or will have new reasons to stay.

Starting in December, the 79-room ClubHouse will begin renovating its lobby, business center and breakfast area, giving it a more modern look and adding a big-screen TV and additional seating.

“Our presidential suite also will see a revamp in December with all-new furniture, carpet and light fixtures,” Hawks said. “And then beginning in March, we’ll be repainting and recarpeting all our rooms, with new windows and bedding to go with the new beds that already have been added.”

At the 151-room Ramkota, the property has a new roof, new windows, new paint and lighting and remodeled guest bathrooms.

“We’re continuing to look at additional remodeling,” Kessler said. “There also will be a renovation in the pool area between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which is exciting. They’re going to give it a whole new look, which will be fun, plus we have a brand-new, state-of-the-art fitness center.”

The Ramkota supports a range of business, from leisure travelers to legislators who do a long-term stay.

“We have 41 legislators confirmed so far, and it’s a good spot to stay because so many events geared around the Legislature are under one roof here,” Kessler said. “This way, they can leave the Capitol, go to events and then just walk to their room. We even do weekly karaoke for legislators, which they love.”

Both hotels offer exceptional dining. At the Ramkota, three daily meals will be served starting in January at River Run Restaurant & Bar, while the ClubHouse offers an on-site hot deluxe breakfast, and lunch and dinner at the attached RedRossa Italian Grille.

“We started doing a manager’s reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., which has been popular,” Hawks said. “Monday through Thursday, guests can stop for two complimentary drinks, beer or wine, and people have really loved that.”

While group business is filling up in 2024, both hotels still have availability. At the ClubHouse, about 3,000 square feet of meeting space is a good fit for a board meeting or small corporate meeting, while the Ramkota offers a full convention center suited for larger events and meetings.

“Our sales teams work closely and often find events will take a block of rooms at the Ramkota and then look at the ClubHouse for VIPs or those looking for more of a luxury experience,” Kessler said. “Bobbi and I work really well together, so it works great.”

Both managers praise their experience working with The Ramkota Companies.

Hawks, who has been with the ClubHouse in Pierre for 18 months, has a decade of experience with Ramkota, including at The Lodge at Deadwood.

“The fact that they’re always willing to look within the company and move people up is amazing, and they’re always there to help if you need anything,” she said.

Kessler has been with the company since late 2017.

“I absolutely love it,” she said. “I say this many times – I wish I would have found it earlier in my career. It’s definitely everything they say they are. They’re family-driven and care about people, which is a concept I really buy into. For me, it’s a perfect fit.”

To book your next trip to Pierre, click here to learn more about the ClubHouse, and click here to learn more about the Ramkota.