The Capital Hotel

The Capital has been an iconic landmark in Little Rock since opening in the 1870s, and has hosted many presidents from Ulysses S. Grant to hometown hero Bill Clinton. Directly across the street from the old state capitol that's now a museum, the hotel’s Capital Bar and Grill has been a long-time favorite watering hole for state legislators. The beautiful lobby, with white marble columns, mosaic-tile floors, and gold leaf around stately arches and coffered ceilings, doesn't disappoint. Plush velour chairs in crimson and gold sit in the center of the lobby, under a small atrium topped with spectacular stained glass. The Capital remains popular today, hosting a range of guests, including tourists who love old hotels.

The Capital Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Little Rock. It's across the street from the Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock Marriott, and Old Statehouse Museum, and near several restaurants and bars. The Little Rock River Market, with its farmers' market, restaurants, and shops, is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The Verizon Arena across the Arkansas River is a four-minute drive or a seven-minute trip on public transportation. The Clinton Library and Museum are a 15-minute walk, or about a five-minute drive away. The Little Rock Zoo and War Memorial Stadium are a 12-minute drive. Clinton National Airport is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. 

The 94 rooms at the Capital Hotel have an understated elegance, thanks to a traditional decor and architecture that have been meticulously maintained. High-quality antique reproductions of furniture and headboards are made of amber-wood. Natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows casts a warm glow off the soft gold walls and 14-foot ceilings. The white drapes with pink floral prints are traditional, as are the marble-top tables and upholstered chairs. Fresh flowers add a touch of elegance. There are several room categories, but all of them have ample space and comfortable beds. Superior (standard) Rooms come with king, queen, or double bed options. Capital Great Rooms, about 15,700 square feet, have sofas and larger tables. The 1,100-square-foot Suites feature dual-sink vanities and separate showers and soaking tubs. Other bathrooms have roomy tan-marble vanities and subway-tile floors with beige and brown squares. The shower/tub combos include white tiling and clear glass doors. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, robes, slippers, safes, and magnifying mirrors. Free Wi-Fi and turndown service also are standard. The rooms are quiet, and some on the upper two floors offer Arkansas River views. Others overlook the hotel courtyard or downtown Little Rock.

Personal service reigns at this landmark hotel. An associate greets guests on arrival, checks them in, and escorts them to their rooms. Parking is valet only, but it’s reasonably priced for a downtown property. Dining and cocktails are a special treat here, starting with the Capital Bar and Grill. It serves Southern comfort food for lunch and dinner, and often hosts live jazz bands. One Eleven is the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, featuring an extensive wine list and a far ranging gourmet menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coffee, tea, water, and newspapers are available for free in the lobby. The Capital has no fitness facilities on-site, but guests are given free passes to the Downtown Fitness Center across the street, which offers group exercise classes and personal trainers. The hotel’s concierge can arrange in-room massages for guests. An upscale men’s clothing shop is located off the lobby.

The 6,400 square feet of event space hosts weddings and corporate functions. The business center has multiple personal computers and printers, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Valet parking is required, but usually included in the room rate or at a low cost.