The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is undergoing a significant restoration, aiming for completion by its 100th anniversary in late 2024. This grand hotel, the largest in Arkansas, located at 239 Central Avenue, embodies a rich history and continues to offer Southern hospitality with modern amenities.
“This is a time to reflect on the incredible history of this place and honor its past century, while also looking forward to the next 100 years,” said Scott Larsen, President of Operations for Sky Capital Group, the hotel’s owner. The restoration celebrates the hotel’s legacy and future, promising enhanced guest experiences and new offerings.
The current Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa opened on December 31, 1924, with a grand New Year’s Eve celebration. Larsen describes the hotel as an Arkansas treasure, offering a unique blend of historic grandeur and modern comfort. Its prime location provides easy access to Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse Row, and scenic hiking trails. The hotel also boasts a mountainside hot tub and cascading pools. Inside, intricate architecture tells tales of a bygone era, creating an unmatched ambiance.
The Arlington’s history stretches back to 1875, with three iterations preceding the current structure. Railroad magnate Samuel Fordyce, whose name graces both the Fordyce Bathhouse (now the Hot Springs National Park visitor center) and the city of Fordyce, financed the original hotel. This first hotel, a three-story wooden structure located within what is now Arlington Park, marked a significant milestone as Arkansas’s largest hotel. Its popularity stemmed from the healing thermal waters that drew visitors to Hot Springs.
A larger brick hotel replaced the original structure in 1893, expanding capacity but succumbing to a fire in 1923. The current Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, built across the street from its predecessor, opened in 1924. Its distinctive twin towers have become an iconic landmark in downtown Hot Springs, offering a central location for exploring the city. The hotel’s guest list over the years includes prominent figures like Al Capone, Babe Ruth, Marilyn Monroe, and Theodore Roosevelt.
The ongoing restoration encompasses extensive renovations. “We’ve already completed projects like installing a new cooling tower and reinforcing the building’s towers,” Larsen explained. Current work includes replacing windows, furniture, plaster, paint, and curtains in all guest rooms; removing and replacing exterior stucco; resurfacing the roof; and upgrading plumbing and bathrooms. Public areas, including the lobby and conference center, are also undergoing restoration. The ambitious project aims to revitalize the hotel while preserving its historic charm.
When the current hotel debuted, it was hailed as “the most elegant and complete hotel in America” in Charles Cutter’s 1892 Guide Book. Larsen believes this sentiment still rings true today. The Arlington’s comprehensive offerings, combining numerous rooms, dining options, and a bathhouse in one location, set a new standard in 1924. While the concept may no longer be novel, the hotel’s commitment to preserving its history, coupled with exceptional guest service and diverse amenities, ensures a unique and memorable experience.
“History is made at the Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa,” stated Al Rajabi, CEO of Sky Capital Group, inviting guests to “celebrate the past, present, and future.” The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa in Hot Springs promises a journey through time, offering a blend of historical significance and modern luxury.