The Burgundy Hotel

A lovely atrium lobby, with a mostly white motif and natural light cascading in, gives this boutique-style hotel a bright, airy ambience. The space exudes a New Orleans courtyard feel, with huge tropical plants and black wrought-iron railings framing the top two floors. Breakfast is served in a cozy, somewhat walled-in area of the lobby, so there’s a bit of noise at peak times. Activity picks up in the afternoon, when the self-playing piano comes alive and the popular Table 28 restaurant opens to happy-hour crowds. On weekends, the hotel is a popular spot for weddings, which can take over its photogenic public spaces.

The Burgundy is in a mostly commercial area northwest of downtown Little Rock, near several office and retail complexes. There are a few restaurants within a five-minute walk, and more are within a few minutes' drive. It’s about a three-minute drive to Interstate 430, and a 15-minute drive to downtown, with attractions such as the Statehouse Convention Center, Old Statehouse Museum, Verizon Arena, and Clinton Library and Museum. The Little Rock Zoo and War Memorial Stadium are 10 minutes by car, and the Clinton National Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

The Burgundy's 49 suites are cheerful and classy, with modern decor that showcases bright whites accented by shades of brown, beige, and light gray. Much of the furniture has a white finish, and the espresso-colored headboards with built-in nightstands pop against the white bedding and drapes. Accent walls are solid chocolate brown or beige with feminine tree-branch patterns. Most of the suites are Studio Kings or Doubles, which have sleeper sofas in sitting areas separated by partial walls. Suites are spacious, and Presidential Suites have gas fireplaces -- one has a two-person whirlpool tub in the living area, a romantic touch. Bathrooms are nicely done, with partial walls separating the roomy white faux-marble vanities from the acrylic shower/tub combos. Standard amenities include two flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, magnifying mirrors, free Wi-Fi, and one-cup coffeemakers. Robes and turndown service are available upon request. Rooms, which have entrances that face the lobby, are generally quiet, but several past guests have complained about ambient noise from the lobby and adjacent restaurant late into the evening.

Several outstanding amenities distinguish the Burgundy. Its fine-dining restaurant, Table 28, serves modern American cuisine with a Southern flair. Happy hour specials are popular. Breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s lovely atrium lobby or outside in the cozy courtyard. It’s an a la carte menu available for a fee. Room service is also available, and the 24/7 gift shop sells snacks and drinks, along with sundries and souvenirs. The hotel's heated outdoor pool is spacious and surrounded by a high wall that makes it feel private. The large patio around the pool has comfortable seating, covered tables, and a fire pit. On the downside, the fitness center is quite small, with only three cardio machines -- a treadmill, stationary bicycle, and elliptical -- but guests receive free passes to a nearby gym. The hotel’s event space can fit up to 100 people, and it’s popular wedding venue. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and the business center has a PC and printer. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry. On-site parking is free.