You’re walking down Sherman Street in Deadwood, and the air smells like pine and old dust. It’s 2026, but let’s be real, Deadwood always feels like it’s stuck in 1876—or at least it tries really hard to be. Most tourists swarm the big, flashy casinos with their neon lights and endless rows of buzzing machines. But if you actually want to feel like you’re in the Wild West without sleeping on a dirt floor, you end up at the Martin and Mason Hotel Deadwood SD.
Honestly, it’s not for everyone. If you’re the type of person who needs a USB-C port built into your headboard and a 24-hour fitness center to feel "at home," you’re going to hate it here. This place is a time capsule.
The building itself dates back to 1893. It’s seen the boom, the bust, and the weird "gambling is legal again" revival of the late 80s. When you walk into the lobby, you aren't greeted by a sterile corporate desk. You’re greeted by wood that’s been polished for over a century and ceilings so high they make you feel small. It’s one of the few places in town that underwent a massive, thirteen-year restoration to keep it authentic. Owners Blake and Melanie Haverberg didn't just slap a coat of paint on it; they preserved the Olympic Ballroom and kept the 1890s vibe alive in a way that feels intentional, not kitschy.
The Reality of a Victorian Stay
Most people book a room here because they want the "historic experience." But what does that actually mean? For the Martin and Mason Hotel Deadwood SD, it means eight rooms that are all different. You might get the "Lucy Ann" or the "Rebecca Adams."
Here is the thing: some of these rooms have clawfoot tubs sitting right in the middle of the bedroom. No wall. Just a privacy screen. It’s romantic if you’re on a honeymoon, but maybe a bit awkward if you’re traveling with your cousin. You’ve got to check the room descriptions before you book.
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- The Mason Suite: This is the big one. It’s where they filmed The Bachelor back in the day. It has a separate living area and feels like where a gold baron would have lived.
- The Furniture: We are talking authentic period antiques. These aren't reproductions from a catalog. The beds are high—like, "you might need a step stool" high.
- The Modern Stuff: They do have Wi-Fi (though, honestly, old stone walls don't always play nice with signals) and flat-screen TVs. But they’re tucked away so they don't ruin the 1898 aesthetic.
The hotel is adults-only. That’s a big deal for a lot of travelers. No kids running down the hallways at 7:00 AM. It keeps the atmosphere quiet, which is a nice contrast to the chaos of Main Street just a block away.
Why the Location Actually Matters
Deadwood is a walking town. If you have to move your car every time you want to see a site, you’re going to have a bad time. The Martin and Mason is basically across the street from Outlaw Square and the Adams Museum. You can walk to the Midnight Star or Saloon No. 10 in about four minutes.
The hotel sits in the old railroad district. Back in the day, this was where the action was. Today, it’s a bit more "refined" than the Lower Main Street dives. You get free private parking here, which is a huge flex in Deadwood. Usually, you’re fighting for a spot in a dusty garage or paying $20 to park in a lot that smells like old beer.
Eating and Gambling Under One Roof
You don’t even have to leave the building for breakfast. The Lee Street Station Diner is on the first floor. It’s the kind of place where they serve real American food—think massive breakfast burritos and fresh-squeezed orange juice. It’s popular with locals, not just tourists, which is usually a good sign.
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And because it's Deadwood, there’s a casino. The Wooden Nickel is right there. It’s smaller, more intimate. It has about 30 slot machines and a VIP room. It doesn't have the "warehouse" feel of the bigger resorts. It feels like a neighborhood bar where you just happen to be able to lose twenty bucks on a slot machine while sipping a whiskey.
Dealing with the Quirks
Let’s be honest about the downsides. This is an old building. The windows are original or at least period-accurate. That means they aren't soundproof. If a group of bikers decides to rev their Harleys at midnight on Sherman Street, you’re going to hear it.
The "bathroom situation" mentioned earlier is the biggest sticking point for most guests. If you want a walk-in rainfall shower with twelve jets, go stay at the Lodge at Deadwood. If you want to soak in a tub that looks like it belongs in a museum, stay here. Also, there are no fridges in most rooms. If you’re someone who needs to keep their leftovers cold, you’re out of luck unless you bring a cooler.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think "historic hotel" means "dilapidated." That’s not the case with the Martin and Mason. The cleanliness is usually what people rave about in reviews. The linens are high-quality, and the rooms don't smell like "old." They smell like coffee and wood polish.
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The staff is a small crew. It’s not a 50-person hotel staff. You’ll probably see the same person at the front desk that you saw the night before. It’s personal. They’ll tell you which steakhouse is actually good and which one is just a tourist trap.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to stay at the Martin and Mason Hotel Deadwood SD, don’t just wing it.
- Call to Book: I know, I know—everyone wants to use an app. But for small boutique hotels like this, calling often gets you a better rate or at least the specific room you want. Ask for Room 3 or 4 if you want the in-room tub experience.
- Bring an Eye Mask: Some of the rooms have those cool glass transoms above the doors. They look great, but they let in the hallway light at night.
- Check the Event Calendar: If there’s a concert at Outlaw Square, this hotel is ground zero. It’ll be loud, but you’ll have the best seat in the house.
- Morning Coffee: They put out a tea cart in the hallway every morning with coffee and scones. It’s a small touch, but it’s better than the plastic-wrapped muffins you get at the chains.
- Park and Leave It: Once you snag your spot in their private lot, leave your car. You can catch the Deadwood Trolley for a couple of bucks if you want to go up to Mount Moriah Cemetery to see Wild Bill Hickok’s grave, but everything else is walkable.
The Martin and Mason isn't trying to be a modern resort. It’s trying to be a very specific version of 1893, and it does that better than almost anywhere else in the Black Hills. If you can handle a little street noise and a clawfoot tub, it’s easily the most authentic stay in town.