Introduction
If you're scheduled for a procedure at Sanford Orthopedic Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you have a unique opportunity: you can stay overnight in a hotel that shares the same building as the hospital. The Highpoint Hotel, located on the top two floors of the facility, offers a seamless blend of medical convenience and comfort. Designed to ease the stress of traveling long distances for healthcare, this combined hospital-hotel is a rare amenity in the healthcare world. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to take advantage of this innovative offering, from booking your stay to checking in and preparing for your procedure.
What You Need
- Scheduled procedure at Sanford Orthopedic Hospital (surgery, imaging, or consultation).
- Booking confirmation from Sanford Health for your hotel reservation (rooms are limited to hospital patients and their families).
- Valid ID and insurance information for hospital check-in.
- Payment method for hotel charges (not covered by insurance).
- Personal items for an overnight stay (clothes, toiletries, medications).
- Transportation to Sioux Falls (if driving, the hospital offers parking).
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Schedule Your Procedure
First, ensure that your medical needs align with the services offered at Sanford Orthopedic Hospital. This facility specializes in orthopedic surgeries and procedures, including joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and sports medicine. It also has an intraoperative MRI and 12 operating rooms. Contact Sanford Health's scheduling department to book your procedure. During that call, ask about availability for the Highpoint Hotel. The hotel is primarily reserved for patients who need to travel a significant distance—often from rural parts of South Dakota—but family members may also be accommodated. Learn more about booking below.
Step 2: Book Your Hotel Room
Once your procedure is scheduled, request a hotel reservation through Sanford Health's patient services team. The Highpoint Hotel has 56 rooms, so availability can be limited. You'll be asked to provide your procedure date, estimated length of stay, and any special needs. Rooms are typically booked for the night before surgery, but you may also extend your stay post-procedure if recommended by your doctor. Pricing is separate from medical costs, so be prepared to pay with a credit card or other accepted method.
Step 3: Prepare for Your Stay
Before you arrive, pack essentials as you would for any overnight trip. However, keep in mind that you'll be in a medical environment. Bring comfortable clothing (for after surgery, consider loose-fitting items), all your medications, and any medical devices you use. If you have dietary restrictions, note that the hotel has a bar and restaurant on-site, and room service may be available. Also, gather your insurance cards, identification, and any pre-operation instructions from your surgeon.
Step 4: Arrive at the Sanford Health Campus
Navigate to the Sanford Orthopedic Hospital & Highpoint Hotel complex in Sioux Falls. The building is nine stories tall and connects to a nearby delivery ward. You can park in the hospital parking structure. Upon entering, follow signs to the sky lobby—a welcoming space with a fireplace that serves as the hotel's check-in area. The lobby is designed to feel separate from the clinical environment, with warm lighting and comfortable seating.
Step 5: Check In
Proceed to the Highpoint Hotel's front desk in the sky lobby. You'll check in as you would at any hotel, but staff are trained to accommodate medical guests. They can coordinate with the hospital if you need assistance with luggage or mobility. After check-in, you'll receive your room key and a map of the facility. Note that the hotel occupies the top two floors, so you'll take an elevator up. The rooms are designed for comfort, with amenities like blackout curtains, plush bedding, and a workspace.
Step 6: Explore the Amenities
Once settled, take advantage of the hotel's offerings. The sky lobby with its fireplace is a great place to relax. The restaurant serves meals throughout the day, and the bar offers beverages (check with your doctor about alcohol consumption before surgery). You can also stroll through the building's corridors, which are intentionally kept separate from hospital zones to preserve a calm atmosphere. The design by HKS ensures that the hotel feels like a retreat, not a medical wing.
Step 7: Prepare for Your Procedure
On the morning of your surgery, you won't need to worry about traffic or long drives. Simply take the elevator down eight floors to the hospital's surgical floor. The direct connection means you can arrive calm and on time. Follow all pre-operative instructions from your healthcare team, including fasting times and medication adjustments. The hospital staff will guide you through check-in for your procedure.
Step 8: Post-Procedure Recovery and Checkout
If your surgeon permits, you may return to your hotel room after recovery in the hospital's 19 inpatient rooms or same-day surgery area. The hotel can extend your stay if needed. Enjoy the comfort of your room while you recuperate. On checkout day, simply return your key to the front desk. Billing for the hotel is separate from your medical bills, so be sure to settle any outstanding charges.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Book early: Hotel rooms are limited, so reserve as soon as your procedure is scheduled.
- Communicate with staff: Let both hotel and hospital teams know about any special needs, such as dietary restrictions or mobility assistance.
- Arrive the day before: If possible, check in the afternoon before surgery to allow time to unwind and acclimate.
- Bring entertainment: While the hotel has a bar and restaurant, you may want books, a tablet, or other items to pass time during recovery.
- Ask about family accommodations: The hotel may allow a family member to stay with you, which can be comforting.
- Utilize the sky lobby: This space is designed for relaxation and socializing—it's a great place to meet other guests or enjoy a quiet moment by the fireplace.
- Remember you're in a healing environment: While the hotel feels separate, the building still adheres to hospital cleanliness and safety protocols. Respect quiet hours and follow any guidelines from staff.
By following these steps, you can turn a potentially stressful medical trip into a more convenient and restful experience. The Sanford Orthopedic Hospital and Highpoint Hotel represent a forward-thinking approach to patient care, and now you know how to make the most of it.