Arlington Inn, Arlington, South Dakota

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For a number of years this was the official website for the Arlington Inn located in the all American town of Arlington, South Dakota.
Content is from the site's 2006-2009.

Although this is not only no longer the official website of the Arlington Inn, but also does not reflect the current room rates, the inn is still operating and accepting reservations. You can book a room at the Arlington Inn through such websites as Travelocity, Expedia etc.

 

402 S Highway 81
Arlington, South Dakota
(605) 983-4609

Welcome to the Arlington Inn!

The Arlington Inn is your best choice for all your vacation or recreational lodging needs.

Conveniently situated on Highway 14 at 81 South in Arlington, South Dakota, we are located close to Lake Poinsett, Lake Thompson, South Dakota State University, and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant in DeSmet, South Dakota. 

For your dining enjoyment, the 1481 Grille is within walking distance.

Our motel also serves continental breakfasts, provides queen-sized beds, free local telephone calls, meeting room, an executive room, and our front desk is staffed from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Staff members are on-site to help at all times.

We also have extra roll-a-way beds available for a small additional charge, and cribs are free for those with infants.

We also have large vehicle parking with outside electrical outlets available for their use.

We accept all major credit cards, and hope you begin to enjoy your stay with us soon

 

Editor's Note: The digital era has enabled businesses and individuals to have a broad reach, with search engine results playing a crucial role in shaping public perceptions. However, the very same tools that have facilitated this expanded outreach have also given rise to new challenges. One such issue is the challenge of removing harmful search results from platforms like Google, a problem that can severely impact businesses and individuals.

As a case in point, consider our own experience. We run a reputable business that unfortunately became the target of bogus reviews, likely posted by a disgruntled former employee. These reviews made wild allegations - from bed bug and scorpion infestations to finding dead bodies in closets, and even claims of food poisoning. It was clear these reviews were fake, but the real issue was that they were showing up high on Google's page 1 results, giving them undue visibility.

We reached out to both the publisher of these posts and Google, requesting their removal. However, we were appalled to learn that no one can delete Google search results without a legal reason. This lack of recourse was highly disturbing, particularly given that these false claims were potentially affecting our business. Thankfully, over time, these problematic results aged and dropped in Google's rankings, but the harmful effects were already done. These false reviews might still exist somewhere online, damaging our reputation.

Our experience highlights a significant issue with how online content is managed and controlled. There is a clear and urgent need for better mechanisms to address the challenge of removing harmful search results that can infringe on privacy rights or even destroy businesses. The lack of recourse in such situations is a severe problem that needs attention from legislative bodies like Congress. The balance between free speech, right to privacy, and protection from harm is a difficult one to strike, but it is crucial for a fair and balanced digital environment.

 

Arlington Inn Room Rates

The Arlington Inn offers you a quiet atmosphere with interior corridors and electronic locks to ensure that your stay with us will by safe and comfortable. We also have handicapped-accessible rooms, an Executive Room, and an 18 hole golf course nearby.

Here you can enjoy your stay in your choice of smoking or non-smoking rooms, which feature queen-sized beds, free local telephone calls, cable television, as well as a continental breakfast in the morning!

The Arlington Inn also offers the convenience of a business center, where we offer the convenience of photocopy and FAX services for our guests.

We have free parking, including electrical outlets, available for RV's and Trucks.

Your dining choices while staying with us at the Arlington Inn include the 1481 Grille, which is next door to our facility, City Cafe and a other restaurants nearby.

All of our rooms are set up to handle double occupancy, and have queen-sized beds.  We have both smoking and non-smoking rooms available for you to request.

 

Arlington Inn Room Rates

 

 

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Directions to the Arlington Inn

To find directions to the Arlington in from where you are, you can use Google Maps or Yahoo Maps which will give you directions from your location (starting location), to the Arlington Inn.

 

Arlington Inn
402 Highway 81 N
Arlington, SD 57212

 

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Discounts available at the Arlington Inn

 

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Trip Advisor Reviews

 

Denise S
July7 2018
Reviewed via mobile
Great place to stay near Laura Ingills Wilder Museum
Extremely clean and maintained establishment. Stayed here with my family in between Minneapolis and Laura Ingills Wilder museum. Staff were friendly and continential breakfast was adequate. We would recommend this hotel to anyone passing through.

+++

Pamela B
Reviewed June 9, 2018
Arlington Inn
Good clean room was a handicapped room and that was great. Great customer service, nice people and they took pets which was a must for us. Came for a fishing trip and was close by the lakes, we will stay there again.

+++

 

John B
Reviewed March 27, 2018
Outstanding staff delivering exceptional service
Some friends and I stayed here during a hunting trip last March and we were very impressed with how well this establishment was managed that we came back again this year. Deb and her staff were very friendly and went out of their way to make us feel at home. She even found out what type of donuts I like so she could have them available for the continental breakfast. That type of thoughtfulness is what keeps you coming back!

+++

NEGrandma
Lincoln, Nebraska
Reviewed December 5, 2017
Excellent staff
I stayed here 3 nights while in the area for a funeral. Deb and her staff were so friendly and helpful. The room was very clean and the bed was comfortable. More than enough towels and toiletries on hand. The breakfast is limited as someone else commented, but for the price of the room, it's adequate. My son forgot his dress shirt for the funeral service. After talking with Deb, she went home and brought back one of her husband's dress shirts for my son to wear. That's above and beyond!

+++

pooferfish
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Reviewed March 31, 2013
Great Every Year
My family and I stay at this hotel every November during pheasant season. We have always been happy with the service and Deb at the front desk is wonderful. Good hotel breakfast every morning as well. The rooms are clean and standard and we have never been disappointed. 1481 Grille is in the parking lot of the resort and they offer great food and drinks.

+++

 

spautzke
Grove City, Minnesota
1912
Reviewed December 13, 2012
Snowstorm
We were traveling in a blizzard on our way from Huron, SD to Grove City, MN when the weather became to bad to go on. We pulled in here with a large group of family. Deb at the front desk bent over backward to make our stay pleasant. She called the owners of the restaurant next door to see if they could open for us. She made sure the entire group got rooms so we wouldn't have to split up. She let us take over the lobby to watch the Vikings game. The hotel itself was clean and the rooms were comfortable but as another reviewer said the very best thing about this hotel was Deb, she was great and made our unplanned stay a very pleasant experience!!

+++

 

Anthony M
Wood River, Illinois, United States
Reviewed June 10, 2012
Cheap, Clean, Comfortable, Cordial
After we were unable to find vacancy in Sioux Falls and Brookings, we took a chance on the Arlington Inn while on route to the Ingalls homestead in De Smet. The room furniture and decor was a bit dated, but clean and comfortable. The owner was vas very nice and friendly. In all, it was a real value for the price. As an added bonus there is an excellent Bar & Grill next door. A burger and Boulevard Wheat was a great way to relax after a long day of driving.

+++

 

hunnebp
Big Pine, California
Reviewed August 15, 2010
Nice place to stay in Arlington
We were in Arlington for my wife's all school reunion and Arlington Days. Earlier in the month we didn't think we had a chance of staying there because we were slow to decide whether to go or not. But they put us on a list and called us when there were some cancellations so we decided to stay there rather than Brookings.
We've stayed there several times over the years (it was a Super 8) and have always had good service. The rooms are clean, though in some of the non-smoking there is a slight odor of smoke, probably from days past.
The breakfast has the usual cereal, rolls, fruits, juices etc. The breakfast room is a little small, especially when people attending the reunion tend to stay and talk rather than making room for others that are waiting to eat.
The owner is very personable and accommodating. The west side of the motel has great views of the fields etc.
There is a restaurant, the 1481 Grill, right next door that serves inexpensive good food and spirits.

+++

 

travelingslp
Nebraska
Reviewed May 14, 2010
Triple C! - Comfortable, Clean and Courteous!
My family of 4 adults and 1 child stayed at the Arlington Inn. I asked for rooms near one another and they without hesitation gave us adjoining rooms. That was a HUGE help considering we were traveling with a 4 month old.
These hotel rooms were some of the cleanest hotel rooms I have ever seen! Obviously this locally owned hotel takes pride in it's establishment and truly wants to leave an impression with it's customers. My husband doesn't usually take off his shoes in hotel rooms, but the floor was so clean we didn't need to worry.
We didn't get a chance to eat next door at the 1481 Grille, but we heard great things about it from the hotel staff and locals.
The continental breakfast consisted of english muffins, bagels, bread, toaster waffles and great donuts! Coffee, milk and juice were also available. It would have been nice to see some fruit available, but maybe there was before I was able to get there?
The staff was very kind and helpful as well. What can you expect? It's the Midwest! I would definitely stay there again.

+++

 

shortynoce
las vegas
Reviewed June 8, 2008
Excellent place to stay
I stayed here for about a week with my son and my husband last year..The staff was very very kind,friendly and helpful and especially the manager Deb was sooo wonderful and made us feel at home.
The hotel is very clean and the rooms are very pleasant and spacious with a very nice view of the country.
Would recommend without hesitation.
Stayed: June 2007, traveled with family

 

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More Background On ArlingtonInn.net

 

ArlingtonInn.net is a legacy hospitality website that once served as the official online presence of the Arlington Inn, a small, independently operated motel located in Arlington, South Dakota. The website reflects a specific period in the evolution of small-town lodging businesses on the internet, particularly during the mid-2000s when independent hotels and motels increasingly relied on simple, self-managed websites to communicate directly with travelers.

Although ArlingtonInn.net is no longer the official website of the Arlington Inn and does not represent current rates, policies, or branding, it remains online as an informational and archival resource. Its continued availability offers insight into how the property positioned itself to travelers, what amenities and services were emphasized, and how rural hospitality businesses navigated the early digital era.

The Arlington Inn: Location and Setting

The Arlington Inn is situated in Arlington, South Dakota, a small community in eastern South Dakota with deep agricultural roots and a modest population. Arlington developed in the late nineteenth century as a railroad town and later became a local service hub for surrounding farming communities.

The motel’s location along major regional highways made it a convenient stop for motorists, hunters, anglers, business travelers, and families traveling between larger cities such as Sioux Falls, Brookings, and Huron. Arlington itself is not a resort town or urban destination, but rather a quiet Midwestern community where travelers typically seek comfort, affordability, and convenience rather than luxury accommodations.

ArlingtonInn.net emphasized proximity to nearby lakes, parks, and regional attractions, positioning the inn as a practical base for outdoor recreation, seasonal events, and short-term stays.

Purpose and Role of ArlingtonInn.net

At its core, ArlingtonInn.net functioned as an informational and promotional site. It provided prospective guests with:

• Basic property descriptions

• Room types and amenities

• Local attractions and dining options

• Contact details and directions

• Sample room rates and policies

The site reflects a time before modern booking engines, dynamic pricing, and mobile-first design became standard in hospitality. Reservations were typically made by phone or through third-party travel agencies, and the website’s primary role was to reassure travelers that the property was clean, accessible, and suitable for their needs.

Today, the website serves as a static historical snapshot rather than an active marketing platform.

Ownership and Management

The Arlington Inn has historically operated as a privately owned and locally managed motel rather than a franchised or corporate hotel. Like many rural Midwestern lodging businesses, it relied heavily on hands-on management, personal customer service, and community relationships.

Public business listings and guest reviews over the years frequently reference individual staff members and managers, highlighting a personalized approach to hospitality. This ownership model aligns with the tone and content of ArlingtonInn.net, which emphasized friendliness, attentiveness, and a welcoming atmosphere rather than standardized brand messaging.

Property Features and Amenities

ArlingtonInn.net described the Arlington Inn as a quiet, comfortable motel designed to meet the needs of everyday travelers. Amenities highlighted on the site included:

• Queen-sized beds in all rooms

• Smoking and non-smoking room options

• Interior corridors and electronic locks

• Complimentary continental breakfast

• Free local telephone calls

• Wireless internet access

• Business center services such as copying and faxing

• Meeting room and executive room availability

• Free parking, including space for RVs and trucks

• Electrical outlets for large vehicles

• Roll-away beds and complimentary cribs

The website consistently framed these features in terms of practicality and comfort rather than luxury, appealing to travelers who valued cleanliness, convenience, and affordability.

Dining and Nearby Services

Rather than operating an in-house restaurant, the Arlington Inn relied on nearby dining establishments. ArlingtonInn.net prominently mentioned a neighboring grill within walking distance, as well as local cafes and bars in the town of Arlington.

The site also listed nearby shopping and services such as grocery stores, hardware shops, laundromats, medical services, and gift shops. This reinforced the idea that guests would have easy access to everyday necessities during their stay, an important consideration for longer visits or travelers passing through rural areas.

Local Attractions and Regional Appeal

One of the most detailed sections of ArlingtonInn.net focused on local attractions. These included:

• Nearby lakes popular for fishing and boating

• Public hunting land in the surrounding region

• Local golf courses and city parks

• Seasonal community events such as Arlington Days

• Proximity to historic and cultural attractions in neighboring towns

Particularly emphasized was the inn’s relative closeness to sites associated with Laura Ingalls Wilder, which draw visitors to eastern South Dakota each year. This positioning suggests that the Arlington Inn catered not only to transient highway travelers but also to families and history enthusiasts exploring the region.

Room Rates and Pricing Philosophy

ArlingtonInn.net displayed detailed room rate tables, including weekday and weekend pricing, discounts, and additional fees. While these rates are now outdated, their inclusion provides insight into the inn’s pricing philosophy.

The structure reflected:

• Tiered pricing based on occupancy and number of beds

• Discounts for extended stays or multiple room bookings

• Additional fees for pets and roll-away beds

• Free stays for children under a certain age

This transparency was typical of independently operated motels during the period and helped build trust with guests who wanted clear expectations before booking.

Guest Reviews and Reputation

Although ArlingtonInn.net itself did not function as a review platform, it referenced and summarized guest feedback from travel review sites. The overall tone of the reviews associated with the Arlington Inn has historically been positive, with recurring themes including:

• Clean and well-maintained rooms

• Friendly, accommodating staff

• Comfortable beds and quiet environment

• Good value for the price

• Convenience for outdoor activities and travel routes

Several reviews emphasized personal acts of kindness by staff members, reinforcing the image of a family-run or community-oriented establishment rather than a faceless chain hotel.

Reputation Management and Online Challenges

One unusual element of ArlingtonInn.net is the inclusion of editorial commentary discussing the challenges of online reputation management. The site described difficulties related to misleading or false reviews appearing prominently in search results and the lack of effective mechanisms for small businesses to address such issues.

This section reflects broader concerns that many independent businesses faced as online reviews and search engines gained influence. It highlights the vulnerability of small hospitality operators in an era where digital visibility could significantly impact revenue and public perception.

Cultural and Social Significance

While the Arlington Inn is not a landmark property or destination hotel, it represents an important category of American hospitality: the independent roadside motel. Properties like this played a crucial role in supporting regional travel, local economies, and community events throughout the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

ArlingtonInn.net captures this role by documenting how such businesses communicated their identity, values, and services to travelers before social media and large booking platforms dominated the hospitality landscape.

Audience and Intended Guests

The primary audience for ArlingtonInn.net was clearly defined. It targeted:

• Highway travelers and road-trippers

• Hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts

• Families visiting the region for events or reunions

• Business travelers needing short-term lodging

• Visitors attending seasonal festivals and pageants

The site’s language and structure suggest an emphasis on reliability, friendliness, and straightforward accommodations rather than trend-driven or luxury experiences.

Current Status of ArlingtonInn.net

Today, ArlingtonInn.net remains accessible but should be understood as a historical or legacy website. The Arlington Inn itself continues to operate and accept reservations through modern travel platforms and booking services, while the website no longer reflects current branding, pricing, or official communications.

As such, ArlingtonInn.net functions more as a digital record than an active marketing tool.

ArlingtonInn.net offers a detailed snapshot of a small, independently operated Midwestern motel during a formative period in online hospitality marketing. While no longer current, the website provides valuable context about the Arlington Inn’s history, services, and relationship with its guests and community.

It stands as an example of how local businesses adapted to the early internet, balancing personal hospitality with emerging digital expectations. For researchers, travelers, and those interested in the evolution of small-town lodging, ArlingtonInn.net remains a useful and revealing artifact.

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