Best Western Winners Circle

Expect to see all kinds of tourists at this popular, motel-style property -- from touring motorcyclists, hobby groups, and couples with dogs to thoroughbred racing enthusiasts and families visiting the nearby national park. The modest lobby is pleasantly decorated, with terra-cotta tile floors, Oriental-style rugs, and blue leather sofa and armchairs. Race theme artwork recognizes the hotel’s location across from the Oaklawn Race Track & Casino -- one of its main attractions. The property is spread out among four two-story buildings, so guests don’t tend to congregate in areas other than the outdoor pool. Another popular gathering spot is the indoor breakfast room that has a bank of windows and big-screen TVs. This space also has plenty of seating, so it’s not cramped, even at peak hours. Note that there's no elevator service to the second floor, which could be a problem for those with mobility issues.

The Best Western Winners Circle is located on busy Central Avenue between downtown Hot Springs (a three-minute drive) and Lake Hamilton (a nine-minute drive). The Oaklawn Race Track and Casino is directly across the street, and for those who don’t want to make the two-minute walk, the hotel provides a golf cart shuttle during racing season. There also are a few restaurants within a couple minutes’ walk, including a popular pizza parlor. Oaklawn also has a bar and restaurant. The Hot Springs National Park Visitors Center is just five minutes by car, and Memorial Field Airport and Magic Springs Water and Theme Park are 10-minute drives. It takes approximately one hour to reach Little Rock and its airport, and about 90 minutes to drive to the Little Rock Air Force Base. 

Rooms are clean and comfy, but sport bland, chain-like decor and lack natural light. Cream walls, navy carpets, and dark-crimson drapes and bed skirts give a traditional backdrop. Copper bed throws and bright-white bedding top the Serta mattresses, which get positive remarks from past guests. However, some of the dark-wood furnishings are showing signs of wear. Race-themed artwork is a welcome bright spot, and the rooms are spacious enough to include oval tables and upholstered chairs. Bathrooms are the most dated and motel-like of the rooms' features. The exterior dark-granite vanities are nice enough, but the smallish bathrooms themselves have sad beige tile floors and acrylic shower/tub inserts. 

Standard rooms come in King and Double-Double options, and the larger Suites include two king-size beds, larger tables, and more chairs. Some rooms have small balconies with resin chairs, but the views from all rooms are not notable. The rooms are generally quiet, but those closest to the four-lane road can hear ambient traffic noise, and there are no elevators to second floor rooms. Standard amenities include microwaves, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Note that some of the rooms allow smoking, a con for some guests.

This Best Western has a good, well-rounded package of features for a motel-style, budget property with some surprising perks. The free breakfast is a full hot buffet with eggs and breakfast meats, and a picnic area shaded by trees provides a spot to eat alfresco with grills for guests to use. Nearby is the property's nice (although seasonal) outdoor pool that’s nine feet deep at one end. Those that prefer indoor exercise can make use of the small fitness center that includes both cardio and weight-training machines.

The hotel caters to all types of vehicles, too. Free parking is provided, which includes oversize spaces for RVs and trailers as well as charging stations for boat trolling motors. Motorcyclists will appreciate the hotel’s “hog wash” station. During race season at Oaklawn Race Track, guests can get a free lift via golf carts. 

Another surprising perk that pet owners will appreciate is the hotel’s fenced-in space that allows dogs to run free. Other features include a computer station and printer in the lobby, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and guest laundry facilities.