Dubbed ‘The Natural State’, often-overlooked Arkansas brims with spectacular landscapes and opportunities for adventure. Accommodation options include heritage B&Bs in historic spa towns, striking lakeside hotels and secluded collections of yurts, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Whether you’re dreaming of hiking through the Ozark or Ouachita Mountains, navigating the Mississippi Delta or taking the waters in the Hot Springs National Park, the best places to stay in Arkansas promise the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful region.

History and culture buffs should head to Little Rock, the state capital, for excellent museums, key Civil Rights Trail landmarks, and a cosmopolitan feel. The Arkansas River and surrounding mountains provide outdoorsy activities aplenty. Other cultural hubs include Bentonville, home of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the university town of Fayetteville.

For a charming spa town, nab a room in Hot Springs. Historic Bathhouse Row is home to beautiful buildings which continue to offer a selection of classic spa treatments, using the area’s natural geothermal waters, whilst the Hot Springs National Park is a brilliant place to explore. Eureka Springs, another Victorian-era resort town, has emerged as a liberal, artsy centre, with a quirky, New Age feel. Perched on the side of a steep valley, this is also a favourite with nature lovers, hikers and mountain bikers.

Venture into the Ozark or Ouachita Mountains, kayak and fish on Arkansas’ rivers, and go horse riding, cycling and walking through the expansive Arkansas River Valley and the Arkansas Delta. Many of the best places to stay in Arkansas are intimate and appealingly remote: this is a fantastic chance to swap the bustle of everyday life for the tranquility of craggy mountains and verdant forests.

The Best Places to Stay in Arkansas

For a City Hotel

• The Capital Hotel has been a Little Rock landmark since its establishment in 1870. The imposing edifice, close to the Arkansas River, houses 94 elegant rooms, as well as two restaurants and a lively bar. Brilliant for couples, families or business travellers. Smart and historic.
• 21c Museum Hotel is as much an art gallery as a hotel. Contemporary art and sculptures dot the public areas as well as the dedicated exhibition space, whilst rooms are sleek and modern. Both locals and visitors congregate at the bar and eatery, so the property has a lively vibe. For artsy couples, families or friends in Bentonville.
• Graduate Fayetteville is a lively city hotel with funky interiors in a downtown high-rise. Pick this place for the youthful energy, hip decor and sociable communal areas. The swimming pool and complimentary bicycles are a lovely touch. A sure-fire hit with families or groups of friends travelling together.

For a Romantic B&B

• The Empress of Little Rock is a Gothic mansion featuring sumptuous interiors filled with warm textiles, antique furnishings and hardwood floors. Nab one of nine suites -- some of which have big spa tubs -- and tuck in to generous breakfasts before exploring downtown Little Rock. Grown-up and romantic.
• The Victoria is a lovely Bentonville B&B with six grand guestrooms and suites. Interiors feature imposing chandeliers, claw-footed bathtubs and sumptuous fabrics. There's even a romantic turret! The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is just next door, and the gardens are idyllic. An intimate, elegant choice.
• Hilltop Manor features five suites set within five acres of mature gardens, close to Hot Springs National Park. Sumptuous suites have spa tubs and stone fireplaces, and the B&B promises generous breakfasts before you head out hiking, biking or boating. An intimate, adult-only choice for couples in search of tranquility.
• Spring Street Inn is just five minutes' walk from Hot Springs' historic Bathhouse Row. The B&B itself dates back to 1889, and offers a quiet, adult-only stay with plenty of old-fashioned charm. Expect antique pieces in the six guestrooms, flower-filled gardens, and easy access to lots of activities. A couples' favourite.
• Arsenic and Old Lace Inn is a gorgeous boutique B&B with five pretty rooms, close to all the main Eureka Springs attractions. Couples will adore relaxing on the wrap-around verandah before cosying up by the fire. Well-placed for exploring the town, too.
• Heartstone Inn and Cottages is a charming Eureka Springs B&B with eleven tradtionally dressed rooms featuring romantic fireplaces, private decks and luxury bathrooms. There's a grown-up feel to this place and no children under 12 allowed.

For Families or Groups

• Inn at Carnall Hall opened in 1905 and has a long history as part of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Following a recent renovation, the inn's 49 rooms are swish and stylish, perfect for couples, friends or families — especially those visiting university students. Expect a superb eatery and plenty of characterful charm. Brilliantly located on campus.
• Dickson Street Inn is a cosy Fayetteville B&B with 10 comfortable bedrooms in what was once a nineteenth-century family home. There's space for couples, small groups or families — some rooms have sofa beds — and the adjoining Dickson Street Pub is a great spot for an evening drink or some food (there are plenty of other bars and eateries nearby). Small, historic and welcoming.
• Hotel Hale is the oldest bathhouse on Bathhouse Row, dating back to 1892. Book one of nine mid-century style suites, dine under an enormous skylight, and unwind with geothermal Hot Springs mineral water pumped directly to your bathtub. A real heritage bathhouse experience for couples, friends or families.
• The Inn at the Mill is a 46-bedroom hotel close to Springdale. Set within an old mill building, the inn offers comfortable rooms with flexible options for families with little ones. Friendly and well-situated for exploring Fayetteville (6.5 miles away), or the Arkansas countryside. There's a cocktail bar and a modern restaurant onsite.

For a Lakeside Escape

• Lookout Point Lakeside Inn is a beautiful spot on the shores of Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs. Guests aged 15 and over are welcome, so this is a great pick for romantic couples or small groups of friends. Head out on the water for boat trips, kayaking and pedal-boating after decadent breakfasts, and enjoy lazy hammock afternoons before tucking into delicious dinners and cocktails. A food-focused escape in a striking lakeside location, with indulgent guestrooms.
• Beaver Lakefront Cabins offers absolute seclusion, with a collection of sleek, minimalist cabins overlooking Beaver Lake. Smaller cabins have full kitchens, fireplaces, two-person jetted tubs and private porches — perfect for couples — whilst the largest options sleeps up to 10 people. A fantastic getaway for a group of friends! Adult-only.

For a Forest Hideaway

• 5 Ojo Inn offers nine traditionally-decorated bedrooms in a tranquil forested setting on the outskirts of Eureka Springs. Pick this place for a laid-back hideaway feel, with excellent walking and fishing in the area. The outdoor hot tub is also is a big hit. An old-school B&B for nature lovers.
• Grand Treehouse Resort is an adults-only spot with luxurious interiors — think big beds, hardwood floors and chandeliers — tucked within raised houses hidden amongst the trees near Eureka Springs. There's hiking and mountain biking in the area.
• The Woods Cabins are bright and airy, with quirky interiors featuring bold colours and big kitchens in a forested area close to Eureka Springs. Private porches are ideal for unwinding. With just 5 cabins, this is an intimate nature-focused escape.
• StoneWind Retreat offers a collection of yurts set within acres of fields and forest. Enjoy a soak in your hot tub after a day of hiking, or cosy up by the fire. Each yurt has self-catering facilities. A glamping favourite for couples.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Clinton National Airport or to Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport and travel by bus or taxi to your destination from there.
• Arkansas is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit in the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October) for pleasant temperatures. Summer is peak season, and it can also be very hot.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Browse our list of the best places to stay in Little Rock.
• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Oklahoma.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Arkansas