Tammy Clampet, director of sales for Visit Hot Springs, says her city is unique, memorable, and special for several reasons. “Hot Springs National Park (which is within the city of Hot Springs), includes historic Bathhouse Row, renowned for its natural hot mineral springs, which have been enjoyed for therapeutic purposes for centuries. The park has 47 natural thermal springs flowing from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain, emerging at 143 degrees,” she says.
Visitors can enjoy the springs at area bathhouses and spas, as well as enjoy hiking trails through the Ouachita Mountains. Northwoods Trails is popular for mountain bikers, and on the three lakes of the Diamond Lakes area, visitors can fish, paddle, or rent boats, jet skis, or pontoons.
The 360,000-square-foot Hot Springs Convention Center has 103,000 square feet of clear-span exhibit space, a 16,000-square-foot ballroom, and 15 meeting and breakout rooms. The convention center is just a few blocks from the national park and Bathhouse Row, and is convenient to shops, dining, and attractions. Hotel Hot Springs, connected to the convention center, has 196 guest rooms and 7,000 square feet of event space. Adjacent to the convention center, Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel & Spa has 246 guest rooms and 6,286 square feet of event space.
Bathhouse Row features beautifully preserved historic bathhouses from the early 20th century, Clampet says. “The Fordyce Bathhouse even offers tours where you can learn about the history of bathing culture in Hot Springs. Superior Bathhouse has a restaurant and brewery with crafts beer made from thermal water,” she adds. “Also, Hot Springs has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing the work of local and regional artists, with contemporary art, traditional crafts, and everything in between. A fun stop is the Gangster Museum of America, which explores the city’s notorious past as a haven for gangsters and illegal gambling during the Prohibition era.”
Hot Springs offers approximately 4,000 guest rooms. Oaklawn Casino Resort has 200 guest rooms, a Forbes four-star-rated spa, and event space, including a 15,000-square-foot ballroom. The resort offers thoroughbred racing from December through May, a casino, and multiple bar and dining experiences. Dawn at Oaklawn is a new Saturday morning experience with a behind-the-scenes look at thoroughbred racing.
The historic Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, which will complete a renovation this fall to celebrate its 100th anniversary, features 500 guest rooms and 8,250 square feet of function space to accommodate meetings of 1,000 attendees. Other hotels with event space include Doubletree by Hilton Hot Springs, located on Lake Hamilton, with 142 guest rooms and 8,170 square feet of event space to accommodate 300 guests; The Waters Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a boutique property with 62 guest rooms and rooftop bar; and the 98-room Courtyard by Marriott, with two event rooms to host 150 meeting attendees.
