The Best Hotels to Book in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

When it opened in 1886, this imposing hilltop property was hailed as the most luxurious resort hotel in America. Soak up its carefully preserved grandeur from a fireside velvet armchair in the Governor’s Suite – which once accommodated Arkansas governor Powell Clayton – or in Michael’s Room, regarded as one of the most haunted suites in the country. At the end of a long day, enjoy Irish coffee under sparkling chandeliers or gourmet pizza at the mountain-view SkyBar.

This legendary hotel opened in 1905 and, because of its position on the side of a steep hill, has all of its seven floors at ground level. Rooms feature elegant period touches, such as mahogany beds, antique furnishings and high ceilings. Many look out over Spring Street; opt for a King Jacuzzi to survey downtown from a windowside hot tub. Take a seat on the restaurant’s covered balcony and try its celebrated burger, before hitting Jack Rabbett’s for Tennessee whiskey and billiards in a speakeasy setting.

Ideal for a loved-up retreat, this historic inn offers purple-walled rooms with ornate wooden beds, two-person jacuzzis and minibars stocked with complimentary champagne and cheese. Book Number 3 and you’ll also have views of downtown and the towering Christ of the Ozarks statue. Pampering comes courtesy of the on-site spa and, although there’s no in-house restaurant, the bars, cafes and restaurants of Spring and Main Streets are a five-minute walk from reception.

Feed local deer from your porch at this Wyndham outpost, where motel-stye accommodation backs onto woodland at Main Street’s southern extremity. All rooms have fridges and microwaves, access to an outdoor pool, on-site parking and a simple breakfast buffet with tea, coffee and juice. It’s 15 minutes on foot or a short trolley ride to downtown, and a scenic 45-minute walk through the woods to the Thorncrown Chapel.

Set in flower-filled gardens with a private trail into the woods out back, this pet-friendly inn is a great choice if you’re traveling with dogs. Fall-toned rooms feature either two queen beds or one king-sized bed; most also have two-person hot tubs and refrigerators. Kick back by the outdoor pool or summon the on-call masseuse for a detoxing massage. There’s also a table-buckling complimentary breakfast, ranging from cereals and yogurt to waffles and gravy-soaked biscuits.

This unassuming three-star punches above its weight in terms of add-ons, offering privileges at the nearby Holiday Island Golf Club and a complimentary ticket service for local attractions. Unwind in the heated outdoor pool or hot tub, or hit the fitness center, where you’ll find a sauna, exercise bike, treadmills and weights. Completing the resort-level offering is the Gazebo Restaurant, which serves hot buffet meals and a breakfast that’s said to be the best in Eureka Springs.

Pull in here for retro roadside rooms, an outdoor pool and a barbecue spread under towering hickory trees. Simple, street-view rooms have a pine-and-blue aesthetic and range in size from ensuite doubles to two-bedroom suites with private furnished patios. Take advantage of a complimentary morning buffet of fresh fruit and cold and hot cereal before heading into the historic center, just a 30-minute walk or four-minute drive away.