Nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains lies a hidden gem – The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa. This historic resort has welcomed guests to enjoy the natural hot springs and amenities of Hot Springs, Arkansas since 1875.
History and Architecture
While the current Arlington hotel building dates back to 1924, the resort has an even longer history in Hot Springs. The property was originally known as the Metropolitan Hotel when it first welcomed guests in 1875. In 1878, Samuel Fordyce acquired the property and renamed it the Arlington Hotel.
Fordyce expanded the hotel significantly to better accommodate all of the visitors flocking to Hot Springs to bathe in and drink the healing spring waters. Under Fordyce’s leadership, the Arlington Hotel grew to over 300 rooms and could house up to 1,000 guests at a time. The hotel featured lavish Turkish bath facilities and advertised itself as a luxurious, world-class spa destination.
Tragedy struck the Arlington hotel twice – first in 1923 when a fire destroyed much of the original wooden resort structure. However, the Arlington was quickly rebuilt in 1924 as a ten-story reinforced concrete building to prevent future fires. But in April 1934, another devastating fire broke out and destroyed the newer Arlington hotel. Once again, the owners reconstructed and the current version of the resort reopened in 1935.
Over the years, presidents, celebrities and travelers seeking rejuvenation have passed through the lobby adorned with twinkling chandeliers, plush furnishings and magnificent stained glass windows. The timeless sophistication carries throughout the resort with no two rooms furnished exactly alike. From cozy rooms in the original 19th century Arlington Wing to spacious one bedroom suites, guests discover charming details around every corner.
The Spa Experience
The Arlington Resort truly sets itself apart thanks to the special access to the area’s famed thermal mineral waters. This natural resource fuels the on-site Quapaw Baths and Spa delivering relaxing and restorative treatments.
This full-service spa transports guests back in time to when people traveled from across the country specifically to “take the waters.” Historic bathing rituals remain at the heart of the experience with traditional thermal baths and whirlpools using the odorless, colorless hot spring water full of healing minerals. The eco-conscious spa utilizes all-natural products containing minerals and botanicals from the local Arkansas environment during massages, body treatments and facials.
The spa menu offers extensive services from classic therapeutic bathing packages to cutting-edge wellness experiences. Guests enjoy one-of-a-kind thermal treatments such as the Hot Springs Radiance ritual involving a mineral scrub, bath soak and full body massage. The spa also offers globally-inspired services like the Hammam Ritual combining Middle Eastern cleansing rituals with Arkansas nature elements.
No matter which pampering treatment they choose, all spa guests can relax before and after in the co-ed gathering area or separate silent rooms. The relaxing environment transports one’s mind and body to a peaceful state of bliss.
Dining and Entertainment
No luxury hotel would be complete without delectable dining options. The Arlington offers several restaurants and bars on-site to satisfy any craving from casual to upscale. The relaxed Crystal Dining Room serves Southern breakfast classics like buttermilk pancakes and shrimp and grits. Later in the day, it transitions into an elegant venue for prime steaks and seafood alongside an extensive wine list. The Lobby Bar overlooking the resort’s fountain features craft cocktails, small bites and live music on select evenings.
Venturing beyond the hotel walls, downtown Hot Springs offers no shortage of entertainment. Guests can shop for antiques, soak up live music performances, try their luck at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, or tee off at one of several championship golf courses nearby. The concierge desk helps curate unforgettable itineraries in the “Spa City.”
Meetings and Events
In addition to leisure travelers, The Arlington caters to corporate retreats, conventions and weddings with over 17,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor event space. Elegant ballrooms, intimate boardrooms and open-air pavilions provide backdrops for productive meetings by day and magical celebrations long into the night. Experienced planners assist with every detail from audio-visual equipment to catering for groups both small and large.
Recent Renovations and Accolades
As the crown jewel of southern hospitality and elegance in downtown Hot Springs, The Arlington continues evolving with the times while preserving it’s storied identity. Recent renovations blend the old world ambiance with modern amenities today’s discerning travelers expect.
In 2013, all guest rooms and suites underwent stylish refreshes while maintaining the historic charm. Floor to ceiling windows flood the space with natural light. Plush beds with luxury Fili D’oro linens invite deep slumber. Glass enclosed rain showers, thick robes and bath amenities nourish the body.
Ongoing investments ensure The Arlington maintains it’s reputation as the premier place to stay when visiting Hot Springs for over 140 years and counting. The resort earns awards and accolades year after year for it’s impeccable service, acclaimed restaurants and pampering spa treatments.
Expenses for staying at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
Room Rates
- Range from $179 – $800+ per night depending on room type, dates, special packages
- Higher prices on weekends and holidays
- Resort fee around $18 per day added to room rate
Parking
- Valet parking only $20 per day
- Self-parking in public garage across the street $10+ per day
Dining
- Breakfast buffet at Crystal Dining Room $22 for adults, $12 for children
- Dinner entrees at hotel restaurants range $26 – $50 per entree
- Cocktails at Lobby Bar $12 – $15 per drink
- Pool Bar & Grill casual dining $15 – $20 per person
- In-room dining with delivery fees and tip
Spa Services
- Individual mineral baths start at $30 for 30 minutes
- Massages range $135 – $250 for 50 – 80 minutes
- Body treatments $185 – $350 per service
- Spa packages $200 – $500 per person
Recreation
- Seasonal outdoor pool access included for hotel guests
- Bicycle and kayak rental fees $15 – $25 per hour
- Local attraction entrance fees not included
Incidentals
- Valet tips $2+ per bag
- Housekeeping tips $2-5 per night optional
- Room service delivery tip 15-20% customary
- Charges for non-included mini bar items
As you can see, the room rate is just the beginning. Various dining, parking, tips and spa costs can quickly increase the total vacation budget at a higher-end resort like The Arlington.
Recent Awards
The Arlington continues earning recognition as Hot Spring’s premier place to stay from leading travel authorities. Just over the past five years, the resort received the following accolades:
- Top Resort in Arkansas (2018 – Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards)
- Top 10 Southern Resort (2017 – Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards)
- Best Historic Hotel (2020 – USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice)
- Top 25 Resorts in the South (2021, 2022 – Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards)
- Certificate of Excellence (2018 – 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards)
- Top 10 Hot Springs Hotel (2020 – Hotels.com Loved by Guests Award Winner)
These honors validate The Arlington’s premier status for service, amenities, ambiance and overall guest experience compared to other luxury hotels and resorts. The resort continues making enhancements to maintain it’s reputation despite increasing competition in the region’s hospitality market.
Looking Ahead
As The Arlington approaches it’s 150th anniversary in 2025, exciting enhancements are on the horizon. An upcoming renovation will expand the elegant Crystal Dining Room and modernize the patio area. The new space promises to be one of Hot Springs’ premier restaurant destinations with show kitchens and al fresco dining.
Ownership also has plans to develop additional buildings on site into one and two bedroom cottages. These private accommodations will allow families and small groups to experience the resort’s hospitality with added conveniences. Based on guest feedback, management continues making improvements to delight return visitors as well as the next generation of loyal travelers who will come to treasure The Arlington experience.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Historic elegant architecture and sophisticated decor create a luxurious old-world atmosphere | Resort fees and paid parking fees can add hidden costs on top of room rates |
| Access to natural hot spring thermal waters right onsite, including baths and therapeutic mineral pools | Spa treatments and services come with an additional cost |
| Variety of excellent onsite restaurants from casual poolside dining to elegant evening meals | Set in downtown location without much seclusion or outdoor landscape found at other resorts |
| Attentive customer service and amenities like free Wi-Fi and business center cater to both leisure and business travelers | No children’s club or designated kids facilities beyond the seasonal pool area |
| Regularly updated amenities and facilities like flat-screen TVs, rainfall showers, fitness center meet modern standards | Limited self-parking onsite with majority of spots valet parking only |
| Flexible event venues able to accommodate both large conventions and intimate gatherings | Floor plan in the original Arlington Wing features smaller rooms with less natural light than the tower |
| Prime downtown location in the heart of Hot Springs dining, shopping, attractions and activities | Can experience noise disruptions from guest hallways, event spaces or downtown area |
| Both historic and modern spa bathing rituals offered at the luxurious on-site spa facility | Spa packages require booking well in advance due to popularity |
FAQs
The Premium Rooms in the Tower Building provide the most modern amenities and largest square footage outside of suites. These accommodate 2-4 guests comfortably with a king or two queen beds, sitting area and furnished balcony.
Yes, standard Wi-Fi access is complimentary in guest rooms and public spaces like the lobby. Upgraded premium internet suitable for streaming can be purchased.
The Arlington offers valet parking only onsite for $20 per day. There is a public parking garage across the street for $10+ per day based on length of stay.
There is a $18 plus tax per night resort fee added to all room rates. This mandatory fee includes services like local phone calls, fitness center access, daily newspaper delivery and shuttle services downtown.
No, the hotel does not provide direct airport transportation. Guests need to arrange a rental car or use a third party shuttle service to travel from the airport 45 minutes away.
The Arlington welcomes guests ages 21 and older to book rooms. Some exceptions allow teenagers 16-20 when accompanied by a guardian. Call ahead for specific policies.
No, pets are not allowed on property outside service animals. Please inquire about nearby boarding options if traveling with your dog or cat.
Conclusion
The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa has been pampering guests for over a hundred years, and they’ve got it down to a science. The mineral waters are so therapeutic, you’ll feel like a new person after a soak. The historic building is fancy schmancy, but in a cozy way that makes you want to curl up with a good book. And the luxury treatments? Let’s just say you’ll be so relaxed, you might forget your own name.
The resort has been investing in upgrades, so it’s like a shiny new penny in the Ouachita Mountains. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again, just to see if they’ve added any new ways to spoil you rotten. So pack your bags, grab your rubber ducky, and get ready for some serious R&R at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa.