Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa

The Arlington is the hotel most people picture when they think of historic Hot Springs. The current building dates from 1924, a large Spanish Colonial Revival landmark at 239 Central Avenue, standing at the north end of Bathhouse Row with the national park at its doorstep. Over the decades it hosted presidents, entertainers and gangsters, and the lobby still carries that grand-hotel atmosphere: tall ceilings, big furniture, a sweeping layout and the sense that someone important might walk in. Al Capone is the best-known legend, associated with a suite on an upper floor, and staff tend to tell the stories with relish. It is the kind of place where you can feel the history just by crossing the lobby.

Rooms vary, as is common in a historic property. Some are classic and traditional, others have been refreshed with newer furnishings, and views range from the street and the park to the mountain. The hotel has long offered an on-site spa and dining options, and a walk through the public spaces is worthwhile even if you are not staying. If you care about a specific view or a quiet floor, request it when you book, since a building this large has quiet and busy corners.

The location is the real asset. Bathhouse Row, the Fordyce visitor center and the thermal fountains are within a short walk, and the Gangster Museum, restaurants and shops on Central Avenue are close. You can leave the car parked and do the town on foot, which is a luxury in a resort city. During racing season and on holiday weekends the hotel is busy, so book early and expect higher rates.

Who should stay here? History lovers, couples on a special trip, anyone who wants a classic spa-town experience with a famous name. Travelers who prefer a modern boutique feel or a lakeside resort may look elsewhere, but for first-timers the Arlington gives the most iconic base in town. Confirm current amenities, parking and dining hours when you book, and consider asking about spa packages that combine a room with treatments.

A few practical tips make the stay smoother. Ask whether your room faces the park, the street or the mountain, and whether it has been renovated recently, since a big historic building offers a wide range. Allow time to wander the lobby and public halls, which feel like a museum of the spa era, and take a look at the old photographs and displays that tell the hotel's story.

In the evening, a drink in the lobby or a stroll out to the bathhouses and back is the best way to feel the character of the place.

Pairing the Arlington with the rest of the downtown core is easy. A morning soak at the Buckstaff, lunch on Central Avenue, an afternoon at the Gangster Museum and dinner within walking distance make a full day without a car. If you are visiting for the races, expect the lobby to buzz with fans, and if you are visiting in quieter months, enjoy the calm and the extra space.