Staybridge Suites Hot Springs

This quiet, tourist hotel is nothing fancy, but it offers a modern, rustic ambience befitting a lakefront property near a national park. The lobby has a two-sided gas fireplace framed in natural stone, with matching armchairs and a sofa providing a cozy spot to relax over a cup of coffee. The check-in area has dark-wood columns and tan tile floors that match the color of the ceiling. A comfy living room-style space with multi-color carpeting, sofas, and chairs is positioned across from the check-in area. The breakfast room opens into an airy, two-story area with a wrought-iron chandelier hanging over clusters of wood tables and chairs. In warm weather, the expansive outdoor patio that overlooks the lake is a popular place to gather and admire the view. 

The Staybridge Suites is located on a small hilltop overlooking Lake Hamilton just off Central Avenue, which runs north to downtown Hot Springs, about a 15-minute drive away. While not technically a lakefront property, it takes only one minute to reach the shores of Lake Hamilton on foot. It’s a relatively quiet area, with only a few other hotels in the immediate area. Restaurants are within a 10-minute walk or a two-minute drive away. A pharmacy is a one-minute drive, and a grocery is two minutes away. The Oaklawn Race Track and Casino is a nine-minute drive, the Memorial Field Airport a 12-minute drive, and the Hot Springs National Park Visitors Center is a 14-minute drive. The Magic Springs Water and Theme Park is a 19-minute drive from the hotel. Little Rock Airport is about an hour's drive, and Little Rock Air Force Base is 90 minutes away by car.

Rooms at the Staybridge Suites Hot Springs are awash in cream-and-brown neutrals. The cream walls contrast with the light-brown carpeting and chocolate-brown bedspreads with light blue, circular accents. Decor leans toward traditional, with brass lamps and framed artwork. It's a pleasant look, if a bit by-the-numbers. Designed for extended stays, the suites have full kitchens that include full-size fridges, dishwashers, stovetop burners, microwaves, coffeemakers, utensils, and sinks set within dark-brown granite counters. The King Room we saw was configured studio-style as one large, open room, with a light brown upholstered sleeper sofa and adjacent desk with ergonomic office chair. The roomy, dark-brown granite vanity was positioned outside the bathroom, which was a bit cramped, with the door almost touching the clear glass shower doors when opened. The shower stall was framed with the same handsome granite used for the vanity and kitchen counters. Two-bedroom, two-bath suites also are available. Rooms are quiet and generally clean, but some past guests have complained about stained carpets and bathrooms that could have used a more thorough scrubbing. Some of the rooms have views of Lake Hamilton. Flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi come standard.

This Staybridge packs a nice range of features. There's a lovely indoor pool and whirlpool with natural light and views, and a fitness center with cardio- and weight-training machines and free weights. In terms of dining, there's no full restaurant or bar, but a hot breakfast buffet with eggs and breakfast meats is included in the room rates, and weekday evening socials with wine, beer, and light meals (salads and burgers) are also offered freely, as is coffee and tea, which is available in the lobby all day. The outdoor patio overlooking Lake Hamilton has gas grills for guests' use. A convenience store selling sundries and snacks stays open 24/7. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, and meeting space is available. The business center has two PCs with internet access and a printer. There's a guest laundry guests can use at no extra charge, and valet dry cleaning and laundry can be arranged.