From US$100 to $395
– History-filled — say in Al “Scarface” Capone’s room!
– A property as old and large as the Arlington requires a lot of maintenance, and this beauty shows its age in a few places
The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa is Arkansas’ largest hotel and a landmark of the town of Hot Springs. This historic hotel has 478 rooms and sits on Central Avenue, right across the street from the end of historic Bathhouse Row and near several walking paths in Hot Springs National Park.
The Arlington is all about history, and you’ll feel like you’re back in Hot Springs’ heyday, especially if you’re lucky enough to book the room frequented by Al Capone. The two-room suite is spacious and has portraits of the famous gangster. He liked the room because of its clear views of the Southern Club across the street and for a great distance down Central Avenue (just in case “the heat” was on its way), and because of its secret door providing an escape route to the room next door. You’ll like it because of it spaciousness and history.
Rooms at the Arlington are traditionally decorated, befitting a hotel first built in 1875 (the current buildings dates from 1925). Some guests get to stay in the three-room presidential suite, which features star-spangled curtains and throw cushions. Unlike most hotels’ presidential suites, several presidents have actually stayed here, including Hot Springs’ most famous resident, Bill Clinton. Other famous guests of old include Babe Ruth, who always stayed at the Arlington when in Hot Springs.
The Arlington’s Lobby Bar makes classic and inventive cocktails (the banana split and pineapple upside down cake are very popular). Sip your cocktail wondering about the love life of artist Kenneth Stern. He painted the jungle mural on the piano side of the lobby in the happy days of his relationship, and the one on the bar side after their break up. The mural is dedicated “for Gloria M who should have stayed”.
Dining at The Arlington is old school. The Venetian dining room is beautiful and serves classic hotel dishes. Several nights a week there’s live music in both the dining room and lounge. If your room doesn’t include breakfast, you’re just across the street from Hot Springs’ breakfast institution, The Pancake Shop (you can even see it from the pool deck).
Those visiting Hot Springs for history — whether presidential, mobster or baseball — will enjoy the Arlington.
