Hotel Alex Johnson
| Company type | Hotel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Founder | Alex Carlton Johnson |
| Headquarters | Rapid City , United States |
Area served | Rapid City, South Dakota |
| Owner | Hilton (Curio Collection) |
| Parent | Liv Hospitality |
The Hotel Alex Johnson stands as a landmark hotel located in Rapid City, South Dakota, having opened its doors in 1928 under the ownership of Alex Carlton Johnson. Between 1956 and 1968, it operated under the name Sheraton-Johnson Hotel as part of the Sheraton Hotels and Resorts chain. Today, it belongs to Hilton's Curio Collection and is overseen by Liv Hospitality.
Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, the hotel is a contributing property within the Rapid City Historic Commercial District.
History
Constructed by Alex Carlton Johnson, who was Vice President of the Chicago & North Western Railroad, the hotel's building commenced on August 19, 1927, shortly before construction began on nearby Mount Rushmore. Initially named Hay Camp, it officially opened on July 1, 1928, with design work attributed to Chicago-based architects Oldefest & Williams.
In 1947, ownership transferred to the Eppley Hotel Company. The property joined Sheraton's portfolio in 1956 and was renamed Sheraton-Johnson Hotel. Although Sheraton sold the hotel in 1965, they maintained franchise rights until 1968 when the original name was reinstated.
Currently under Liv Hospitality’s management, a $7 million renovation initiative was launched in 2016 aimed at modernizing infrastructure and restoring interior elements.
Architecture
The eight-story brick structure of Hotel Alex Johnson showcases a blend of Tudor Revival style alongside vernacular architectural influences. Noteworthy features include intricate masonry work, a flat rooftop, and interior decorations inspired by Western and Native American motifs. Original design elements encompass a chandelier shaped like a teepee, ceiling artwork rendered by hand, and wooden carvings depicting Native American chiefs.
As one of South Dakota’s earliest skyscrapers, it remains Rapid City’s tallest building to this day.
Paranormal folklore
The hotel is widely rumored to be haunted, with numerous accounts describing objects moving on their own, ghostly figures appearing in mirrors, and unexplained sounds. Among these tales is that of the Lady in White, believed to frequent room 812, as well as sightings of the spirit of founder Alex Johnson.
Visitors have documented their supernatural encounters in logbooks kept at the reception until one such book was stolen in December 2024. The hotel was featured during the seventh season of Ghost Hunters in 2011. Additionally, it offers a Ghost Adventure Package that includes stays in reportedly haunted rooms along with an EMF detector for guests.
In popular culture
The Sheraton-Johnson Hotel receives multiple mentions in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 film North by Northwest, where it serves as the accommodation for the enigmatic character George Kaplan. During filming near Mount Rushmore, Hitchcock himself, along with stars Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint, stayed at this hotel.