Bismarck Hotel & Conference Center — Hotel in Bismarck

June 6-8, 2025 was the 2nd time I stayed at this hotel. I hadn't loved the first experience, but the water slides and pool area were a hit with the kids, so we decided to change from the other hotel we'd already booked to stay here instead. Big mistake. I had booked adjoining rooms and it did not state anywhere in my reservation that it was NOT a guarantee nor would I expect that it was not SINCE I WAS PAYING AN ADDITIONAL $20 PER ROOM PER NIGHT for this accommodation. I am familiar with how it works, having been a hotel manager for several years and knowing it can't always be a guarantee; so, this was a surprise that it was available, and thought since there was a charge for the adjoining, it must be guaranteed - and again, no mention of it NOT be guaranteed anywhere. We had 3 adults and 2 children - coming for a wedding and the intention of the 2 bathrooms and convenience of going between the two was the ENTIRE purpose. We had previously booked a suite that held the accommodations we wanted; due to the adjoining option, we decided to move. Upon checking in, I asked to see if they were adjoining and they said no. I said that's what I booked and she, unapologetically, said it's not a guarantee. I said well I paid extra. She responded, again unapologetically, "they're next to each other..." THAT IS NOT THE SAME THING. I said, well then I'd like a refund please. The other girl had to come over and help, and neither were apologizing (nor quick, mind you). We get to the rooms and they're standard, two queens - if you have a gown (I was a bridesmaid), I hope you have an extra bed to lie it on, as their hanging area will not accommodate that length either. Thankfully, the 2nd room only had one bed being used. One of the tubs drains were disgusting - took a shower and within 1 minute or two it was already backed up above my ankle bone; I'd made sure the drain was open. It took a good half hour to fully drain. I did inform the front desk upon departure. We didn't use that shower again. The other room had a filthy lamp shade (looked like blood stains/splattered all over, or red sauce, etc). The internet router/modem has bright blue light and hangs on the wall, so that made it difficult to sleep; I finally blocked it with a pillow and hoped it wouldn't block too much of the AC. The toilet/shower areas lights are super dim, which some don't mind, I like to be able to shower in a bright area, not feeling like it's nearing dark outside.

The Pros: water park is still a hit with the kids; service at check out (didn't catch his name) was actually good (seriously the ONE good human interaction I've had at this hotel); the water pressure is good.

I'd given this hotel another chance after a mediocre stay last summer and am glad I did, but next time I'm in Bismarck, I'll be staying...

Entire hotel is in need of a lot of repairs and general upkeep. Housekeeping and maintenance need to address several issues. Upon checking in the counter employee was quite rude trying to handle me checking in when someone else had paid for my room. That issue was resolved rather quickly and I made it to my room with my 2 year old daughter. I found hair in the bedding, holes in the pillow case, used sauce container lid and food in the desk drawer, AC cover was falling off, stains on the floor, lampshades dirty and crooked, the bathroom sink didn't drain and the tub was missing a drain stopper so I couldn't give my daughter a bath. I eventually was switched to a different room which was a lot better but still far from great. Then me and my family spent a considerable amount of time in the pool area and when I say it was falling apart is an understatement. Pool floor tiles in the little kids splash area were missing and one was even half floating and half attached see photos, other areas like the edge of the pool and misc random spots were also missing tile. The floor is like an ice skating rink and not only did my daughter fall several times I saw many kids fall one even hitting his head pretty hard, be careful. It is beyond hot and humid in the pool area most of the time and the humidity is taking a toll on everything metal rusting or corroding it, general maintenance and upkeep in the pool area was the worst I've seen. I don't normally have much for complaints about hotel rooms and rarely asked to be moved but this is a hotel I likely would never stay in again. Let me also add these weren't the only issues, the rest of my party which were close to ten rooms also had numerous complaints with room changes for them as well. I had hopes of a much more enjoyable stay, my little girl still had a blast but I definitely had to keep her away from and attempt to prevent her from numerous dangers in the pool area the floor being the worst. 100 percent would not recommend, hopefully the new owners right the ship and fast because this place is going down if major improvements aren't made. It would be tough to lose the business during the time of renovating the pool area and handling much needed maintenance issues but it needs to happen and happen fast. I don't have high hopes after seeing the way they were attempting to patch the asphalt in the...

Arrived to an August hot room with no AC and promptly called the front desk. They sent a maintenance worker to check it out. He arrived quickly and determined the filter was completely clogged. While he worked we began to check out the room.

We found nearly half an inch of filth under the beds, including medication, cigarette butts, toys, and a needle for inflating balls. The toilet had remnants of the previous guests still floating in the bowl and there was blood in the shower! Once we turned on the black light flashlight we always use for inspection of our hotels rooms, the entire toilet area was glowing from the uncleaned urine.

We called the front desk again and we offered a different room which had been "inspected by management" along with a coupon for a free drink and $5 off breakfast at the restaurant for the inconvenience.

Upon checking out the second room we found conditions similar to the first, with a half empty water bottle, a dirty earplug, and staples in the dust under the beds. Also, mold growth in the fridge and freezer, and another bathroom that glowed with urine under black light. We again called the front desk and they sent up the manager to check it out.

We pointed out all the above issues to the manager when she arrived and she apologized and offered to have the room cleaned properly. We agreed and waited while housekeeping and the manager worked diligently to properly clean the room. When they finished, we were satisfied with the cleanliness of the room and the staff gave us 20 free tokens for the arcade.

Regarding the rest of the hotel, the hallways were filthy enough to turn bare feet black after just a short distance and littered with trash, one of the stairways had mold on the soaking wet carpet from a leaking second floor air conditioner that even seeped through the floor and dripped from the ceiling of the first floor, half of the machines in the arcade were not working, and finally, the entire hotel was extremely noisy until late at night from the wedding dances being held in the ballrooms and the poor architectural design that echoes the sound through the courtyard and hallways and into all the hotel rooms. Overall, just avoid this place completely - worst hotel at which I've...