[blueyedgurl79]

I searched through here to see if there were any posts about hotels in Hot Springs but they were from 2007 so I'm sure they're outdated.
My husband and I are looking into the possibility of bringing our church youth group to Hot Springs in August to go to Magic Springs to spend the day. We're going to be needing a hotel for that night and I've looked at some online to get price information but I've noticed a lot of mixed reviews on them. I would rather have the information from someone that knows the area or has stayed in hotels there. The man that we spoke to at Magic Springs recommended the Howard Johnson and the price is right there but after reading reviews, I'm kind of hesitant about taking teenagers there. People have written reviews saying that they didn't feel safe there and that is our main concern. So does anyone have any suggestions on hotels close or at least semi close to Magic Springs that is safe, clean, and not too expensive? We'll be needing about 4 rooms total to accommodate the kids and the 4 chaperons. Thank you!

[ArkLexee]

Depends on your budget...but PLEASE...forget Howard's ...it's old and just yukky looking. In fact, if it's on Grand Avenue, North Central Avenue...forgetaboutit!!!

We have SO many new ones here but...again...depends on your budget. Tourist season is starting up fast and the rates will go up I'm thinking. The newest hotels/motels are on Central Avenue on my husband's mail route and that means you'd be further away from Magic Springs but no biggie.

I'm thinking the rooms at the newer places will be around eighty to one hundred per night. I can ask my husband to bring room rate info and phone numbers back from his mail route tomorrow. They treat him like family but I'm bettin' that won't get you in for a lower rate. Knowing my hubby, he'll ask 'em!

There's one here that has just changed out ALL the mattresses..they do that an a regular basis...it's brand spanking new (well...two years maybe) and VERY well taken care of. It's across from the mall. Hampton Inn.

I'll get back to you asap.

Lex

[blueyedgurl79]

Thanks so much, Lex! I would definitely appreciate any information that you could pass to me. We're hoping to keep the rooms under $100 a piece. I don't mind not being right next to Magic Springs but would like to be somewhat closer than clear across town Thanks again so much for your help!

Amy

[ArkLexee]

I know what you are saying.

That leaves some nice newer HOTELS not far from the main street that takes you to Magic Springs. That would be the north end of Central Avenue area instead of the south end where hubby works. Those would be... The Austin, unless they've gone and changed the name. Very fancy place. And there's the Hilton. Need I say more?? I haven't even been down on the north end of town in a long time so who knows what they might have there by now. If you google earth, look for CONVENTION BLVD, CENTRAL AVENUE (north) and MALVERN AVENUE (east) See what you can find as far as geographic. Magic Springs would show up on Highway 70 EAST.

I'll check around there also and let you know some numbers, etc.

[PurpleLove08]

Staybridge Hotel is very nice. We payed about $129 I think....maybe $143. I am sure since you're such a big group, you can get a good deal. I've read the real deals in travel are with hotels, not airlines. It's always worth negotiating if you can get the price lowered since you're bringing such a large group.
My girlfriend and I stayed there when we went to Hot Springs.
The rooms include a big flat screen tv, a very nice bed, a nice shower, a kitchenette (stove range, microwave, dishwasher, a nice sized refrigerator), and they served breakfast and dinner if I'm not mistaken. They have a little Business corner with two computers (should you need to research something, print something off).
We didn't eat any of it (we didn't think it was nasty or anything but chose to eat in our room).

It isn't all THAT close to Magic Springs but it isn't too far away where you feel you're too far.

I suggest looking it up on hotels.com who I made my reservation with. If you decide to stay there, make your reservation WITH the hotel, not a third party, that way if something happens and you're not able to come, you will have a much easier time getting your money back.
I looked at the reviews on hotels.com and other websites for different reviews of hotels.
I saw some pretty bad things about The Austin.

When I went to Hot Springs with my mom, step-dad, and step sister, we stayed at Embassy Suites. They have a shuttle that runs you to Magic Springs but it only runs at certain times and we wanted to go as SOON as it opened. The only reason I didn't stay at Embassy Suites during my last visit to Hot Springs is because they were booked up. It is a very nice hotel and very close to Magic Springs.

[arkand]

Actually, the hotels on the south part of Hot Springs are not that far from Magic Springs if you use the expressway. You zip around at 65 mph and you are there in a matter of minutes. I fully agree that HJ is not the place. In fact anything with a Park Ave. or Grand Ave. address, I would seriously avoid. There are a couple of hotels on Central, but on the north side of the expressway - basically bordering the expressway that are new or newer - where you may want to look. Otherwise, anything new or newer from the expressway to the HS mall should probably be acceptable. For two or three nights, I would definitely pay a higher room rate. The breakfasts' alone (some continental, some with a little more) are worth the extra money when you factor in restaurant prices and the number of people in your party.

[ArkLexee]

SO TRUE about the ones on Grand and Park; old and sort of downtrodden. The by-pass, once you figure it out, connects you quickly from one side of town to the other. You can get on it at Central and it will take you to highway 70 East and Magic Springs is not far at all from there. Plus, the country side is lovely to look at

Hubby spoke with Yogi..who owns the Hampton Inn..which is across from our mall and on the same end of central as the newer restaurants, walmart, hobby lobby, etc. Yodi said he'll give you a discount if you stay there even if you go to Hampton Inns online to reserve your room. You'll have to mention the mailman when you check in so they'll know who sent you. You can also call them locally once you find the site for the one here.

googled "hotels in Hot Springs arkansas" and got a ton of 'em. Just remember...to steer clear of Grand Avenue, Park Avenue and anything on north central avenue. Most of the sites you'll find have maps. I had no idea how many people you want per room nor your stay/leave dates so I couldn't compute the rates. Easy to do once you get on the site.

ALSO, search for magic springs discounts. Either thru our convention and visitor center or your hotel. You never know what might pop up.

good luck and let us know how your visit goes.

[blueyedgurl79]

Thank you all so much for your help and information! It's always hard trying to find a place to stay somewhere that you don't know and not know anything about it except for what their website says.
Lex- Thanks to you and your husband! We will definitely check out the Hampton Inn and mention the mailman

[ArkLexee]

I hope your trip is enjoyable!!!!