Hot Springs, Arkansas, known for its natural thermal springs and rich history, is a captivating destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and unique experiences. While visiting this charming city, one can't help but be drawn to the rejuvenating waters and the historic downtown. To make your stay even more memorable, consider these 10 unique places to stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
About Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a city that offers a variety of attractions for visitors and locals alike. The city is named after the natural hot springs that flow from the Ouachita Mountains and provide healing and relaxation benefits. The hot springs are part of the Hot Springs National Park, which is the oldest federal reserve in the United States and preserves the historic Bathhouse Row and other landmarks. The city also has a rich history of hosting Major League Baseball spring training, illegal gambling, speakeasies and gangsters, horse racing, and former President Bill Clinton. Hot Springs is a cultural hub that hosts several annual festivals, such as the Hot Springs Music Festival, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, and the Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival. The city also boasts a variety of hotels, restaurants, shops, and art deco buildings that reflect its diverse heritage and charm. Here's an in-depth look at what makes Hot Springs, Arkansas, such a remarkable place:
1. The Healing Waters
The city's main claim to fame is its natural thermal springs, which have been revered for their healing properties for centuries. These naturally heated waters, which emerge from the earth at a constant temperature of around 143°F (62°C), have been used for centuries for their believed therapeutic properties. Native American tribes, including the Quapaw, were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs.
The thermal waters are believed to alleviate a variety of ailments, including arthritis, muscle pain, and skin conditions. Today, visitors can still experience the rejuvenating effects of these mineral-rich springs at the various bathhouses and spas in the area.
2. Historic Bathhouse Row
Bathhouse Row, located in the heart of Hot Springs, is a National Historic Landmark and a central attraction. It consists of a row of elegant bathhouses, each with its own unique architecture and history. The Fordyce Bathhouse, in particular, has been meticulously restored and serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into the opulent bathing and spa culture of the early 20th century.
3. Hot Springs National Park
Established in 1921, Hot Springs National Park is one of the nation's oldest national parks. It encompasses approximately 5,500 acres of protected land and includes the thermal springs, mountain trails, and scenic viewpoints.
Visitors to the park can explore a network of hiking trails, including the popular Hot Springs Mountain Trail, which leads to the summit of Hot Springs Mountain and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
4. Outdoor Recreation
Hot Springs is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and wildlife viewing abound in the nearby Ouachita National Forest. The city's lakes, including Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton, and Lake Catherine, provide excellent venues for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports.
5. Vibrant Arts and Culture
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene. The Hot Springs Arts District is home to numerous galleries, studios, and artisan shops, showcasing the talents of local and regional artists. Music and theater aficionados will find a variety of live performances, including concerts, plays, and dance recitals, throughout the year.
6. Historic Architecture
Hot Springs showcases a wealth of historic architecture, from elegant Victorian-era homes to Art Deco buildings. Exploring the city on foot reveals a charming blend of architectural styles that reflects its rich history.
7. Festivals and Events
Hot Springs hosts a diverse range of annual events and festivals that cater to all interests. These include the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, the Hot Springs Music Festival, and the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade, known for its quirky charm.
8. Culinary Delights
The city's dining scene is a delightful mix of Southern comfort food and international cuisine. You can savor everything from traditional Southern barbecue to gourmet dishes crafted by talented chefs.
9. Relaxation and Wellness
In addition to the thermal baths, Hot Springs offers a multitude of wellness options, including yoga studios, holistic health centers, and massage therapy. It's a place where visitors can truly rejuvenate both body and mind.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a city where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to step back in time while simultaneously enjoying the natural beauty and modern amenities of today. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a deeper connection with history and nature, Hot Springs has something special to offer every traveler. It's a place where the spirit of the past meets the promise of the future in a unique and inviting setting.
Ten Unique Places to Stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas
If you are looking for a relaxing spa vacation getaway in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, you might want to consider visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas. This resort city is set among several natural hot springs that have been popularly believed for centuries to possess healing properties. Hot Springs National Park, the oldest federal reserve in the United States, preserves the historic bathhouse buildings and gardens along Central Avenue, where you can soak in the thermal waters or enjoy a variety of spa treatments. But where should you stay in Hot Springs? Here are 10 unique places to stay that will make your trip unforgettable.
1. The Waters Hotel
The Waters Hotel is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a brand that offers unique and authentic experiences to travelers. The hotel is situated across from Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark District that features eight bathhouses fed by natural hot springs. Guests can enjoy various activities and attractions in the area, such as hiking, golfing, boating, racing, concerts, and more.
The hotel also offers on-site dining and drinks at The Avenue restaurant and the Rooftop Bar, as well as a fitness center, a meeting and event space, a concierge service, and free WiFi. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with luxury bedding, original architectural details, and locally sourced artwork and products. The Waters Hotel is perfect for relaxing and unwinding in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
2. Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa is a historic hotel located in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, near the famous Bathhouse Row of the Hot Springs National Park. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa and salon that features hot springs mineral water baths, massages, facials, and more.
The hotel has almost 500 rooms and suites, ranging from standard to historic to parlor, all with air conditioning, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. The hotel is also close to attractions such as Magic Springs & Crystal Falls, Oaklawn Race Track, and Ponce De Leon Golf Course. The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa is a great choice for couples, families, and anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable stay in Hot Springs.
3. Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa
If you are looking for a relaxing and luxurious getaway in Arkansas, you might want to consider Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa in Hot Springs. This family-owned resort has been operating since 1955, offering cozy lake-view guest rooms and cabins, as well as houseboat rentals and an elite fleet of rental boats.
You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Ouachita, the largest and cleanest lake in Arkansas, and explore its wilderness trails and crystal mines. You can also pamper yourself at the Turtle Cove Spa, the top spa in Arkansas, or dine at the Lodge Restaurant, which serves delicious southern-style food. Whether you are planning a wedding, a family reunion, or a romantic escape, Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa has everything you need to make your stay memorable and enjoyable.
4. Tiffany's Bed and Breakfast
If you are looking for a relaxing getaway in the natural beauty of Arkansas, you might want to consider Tiffany's Bed and Breakfast in Bismarck, near Hot Springs. This cozy and comfortable log cabin home is situated on 60 acres of woodlands, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife, or just unwind on the porch swing.
Tiffany's Bed and Breakfast offers four spacious rooms, each with a private bath and a plush king or queen bed. Two of the rooms have Jacuzzi tubs, and one has a private balcony. You will also be treated to a delicious full hot breakfast every morning, prepared by your friendly hosts, Tiffany and Robert. They have a wealth of knowledge about the area and can help you plan your activities, whether you want to explore Hot Springs National Park, DeGray Lake, or the charming shops and restaurants of downtown Hot Springs.
Tiffany's Bed and Breakfast is a non-smoking property that has been certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. It is the perfect place to experience the peacefulness and hospitality of Arkansas.
5. Lookout Point Lakeside Inn
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn is a romantic lakefront boutique hotel located on the shores of Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is one of the top lakeside hotels in the United States, and the most romantic hotel in America according to TripAdvisor. The inn features 16 luxury guest rooms with stunning views of the lake and the Ouachita Mountains. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, a whirlpool tub, a private balcony, and a fireplace.
Guests can enjoy a daily 2-course gourmet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, boat cruises, and EV charging spots. The inn is also close to Hot Springs National Park, historic downtown, Garvan Woodland Gardens, and Oaklawn Horse Racing Track. Lookout Point Lakeside Inn is the perfect place to experience unparalleled pampering, peace, and tranquility in comfortable luxury.
6. The Gables Inn
The Gables Inn is a premier bed and breakfast located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It offers luxurious accommodations at an affordable price, with four unique guest rooms, and features amenities such as fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, stained glass windows, and antique furniture.
The Gables Inn is situated in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of many historic attractions, such as bathhouse row, spas, museums, art galleries, hiking trails, and restaurants. Guests can enjoy a delicious American or vegetarian breakfast every morning, served on fine china by the friendly hostess. The Gables Inn is a perfect place to relax, explore, and discover the charm and beauty of Hot Springs.
7. Catherine's Landing
Catherine's Landing is an upscale RV and camping resort located on Lake Catherine in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including waterfront, back-in, and pull-through RV sites with full hookups, cable, and WiFi, as well as fully furnished cottages and yurts. Guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding 400 pastoral acres, which were once part of the historic Humphreys' Dairy.
The resort also features a community lodge, a fitness center, a game room, a saline pool, a bark park, and a boat ramp and dock. For more adventure, guests can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, pontoon boats, bicycles, and golf carts, or try ziplining at AdventureWorks Hot Springs on-site. Catherine's Landing is only 15 minutes away from the historic downtown of Hot Springs, where visitors can explore the famous hot springs, museums, art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
8. Alpine Inn
If you are looking for a cozy and comfortable place to stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas, you might want to check out the Alpine Inn. This 4-star hotel is located in the historic district, only 1.9 miles from Arlington Lawn National Park and 1 mile from the famous Bathhouse Row. The Alpine Inn offers 17 rooms, including two suites in the main house and three rooms in the cottage house. Each room has a stone fireplace, a couch, a writing desk, a coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms also have a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony. You can enjoy a continental breakfast every morning and relax in the outdoor swimming pool.
The Alpine Inn is close to many attractions, such as the National Park Aquarium, the Gangster Museum of America, the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, and the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo. You can also explore the Ouachita National Forest or visit the Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center & Museum. The Alpine Inn is a great choice for travelers who want to experience the charm and beauty of Hot Springs.
9. The Hotel Hot Springs
The Hotel Hot Springs is a 3-star hotel located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, within walking distance of the historic downtown area and the Hot Springs National Park. The hotel is attached to the Hot Springs Convention Center, making it a convenient choice for business and leisure travelers alike.
The hotel offers a full-service restaurant, a sports lounge, a terrace, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary shuttle service to local attractions. The rooms are spacious and modern, with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, coffee makers, and private bathrooms. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk, room service, an ATM, and luggage storage space. Guests can enjoy an American breakfast every morning and play darts at the hotel. The Hotel Hot Springs is a hidden gem that provides a comfortable and relaxing stay in the Spa City.
10. Embassy Suites by Hilton Hot Springs Hotel & Spa
Embassy Suites by Hilton Hot Springs Hotel & Spa is a four-star hotel located in the Ouachita Mountains, adjacent to the Hot Springs National Park and the Hot Springs Convention Center. The hotel offers spacious suites with air conditioning, microwave, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, and free internet access. Guests can enjoy a free cooked-to-order breakfast, a complimentary evening reception, a shuttle service to nearby attractions, and an indoor pool and fitness center.
The hotel also features Spa Botanica, a full-service spa that offers massages, facials, body treatments, and more. Embassy Suites by Hilton Hot Springs Hotel & Spa is within walking distance of Historic Bathhouse Row, Gangster Museum of America, shops, galleries, and restaurants. It is also a short drive from Oaklawn Thoroughbred Racing and Gaming, Magic Springs Theme and Water Park, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs Mountain Tower, and several lakes. Embassy Suites by Hilton Hot Springs Hotel & Spa is the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty and history of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Wrapping Up
Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers an array of unique accommodations that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a serene retreat in nature, these 10 unique places to stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas will enhance your experience and create lasting memories of this charming city. So, pick your favorite and embark on an unforgettable journey to this historic and rejuvenating destination.
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