The charming town of Eureka Springs is located in the Ozark Mountains, just a short drive from Bentonville, Rogers, and Springfield, Arkansas. It is full of fun things to do. I’ve been going to Eureka Springs since I was a kid and even got married there! To say I’ve researched the best place to stay in Eureka Springs would be an understatement.
Throughout this post, I’ll share some of the best options for places to stay in Eureka Springs, who they are ideal for, and a little about each place. There are tons of great options; it just depends on what you’re looking for.
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Best Place to Stay for Historic Charm
Eureka Springs has a long (and often haunted) history! So, for anyone who loves historic charm and wants to be part of the often spooky past, there are some great places to stay!
Eureka Springs grew in popularity when people claimed the springs healed their ailments. By 1879, a makeshift town had been established around the springs. The rapidly growing population needed structures, and Eureka Springs quickly became a “healing” destination. Today, people still visit this historically charming town, and many options for where to stay are still open to this day!
1. The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
Overlooking all of Eureka Springs and the most famous hotel in town, The Crescent earns the first spot on our list! It offers beautiful views, a full-service spa, and a year-round rooftop restaurant. Its ghost tours are especially popular, adding a fun, spooky element to your stay.
Fun resort activities make it fun for all generations and families visiting town. It’s located on 15 acres of manicured gardens and wooded hiking trails, and the hotel features an elegant formal lobby, outdoor swimming pool, and hot tub in a garden setting. It also has one of the largest spas in the region, New Moon Spa & Salon.
2. Basin Park Hotel
The other historic and fun hotel option on this list is the Basin Park Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown, this is the idea spot for guests who want to walk to the nightspots, bistros, shopping, and galleries while in a historic setting.
Stay in and enjoy the Balcony Bar and Restaurant with its views of Spring Street or people-watch in Basin Spring Park just outside your front door. The Basin Park Hotel hosts daily Resort activities, Jack Rabbett’s Whisky Bar, JR’s Game Room, a 24-hour front desk, a bellman, and shuttle service.
For relaxation, guests find Spa1905, a day spa and spa boutique on the second floor offering spa services, a Sun Deck, and a Hot Tub. For more fun, The Paranormal Investigation provides adventure and a ghost tour from the roof to the bootlegger’s cave.
Best Places to Stay for Lake and Mountain Views
Eureka Springs is located in the Ozark Mountains, and many of the fantastic places to stay are stunningly beautiful, overlooking the mountains and lakes nearby. This is also my favorite area, especially in summer and fall when the weather is gorgeous for lake days or leaf-peeping.
The closest lakes to Eureka Springs are about 15 minutes outside town. There are plenty of options for great VRBOs, but there are also some resorts if you’re interested in that, too. Below are three of my favorites.
3. Lake Front Cabins
These cabins are great for couples or small groups. 7.3 miles from Eureka Springs Historic District, Beaver Lakefront Cabins has accommodations with a garden, free private parking, water sports facilities, and a private beach area. Each room at the 4-star resort has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a sun terrace and hot tub. The resort also provides lake views and a grill.
Activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing can be enjoyed in the surrounding areas, and guests can relax along the beachfront.
4. Sugar Ridge Resort (Great for Groups)
This resort is great for larger groups! Eureka Springs Historic District is 12 miles from Sugar Ridge Resort and provides accommodations with free WiFi, free private parking, and a hot tub. They offer a cabin that hosts up to 14 people as well as smaller suites and rooms all of which have lake views.
5. Cozy VRBO Rentals
There are so many great lake house rentals that it’s hard to choose just one as the best place to stay in Eureka Springs! Below are a few that I love, but find one that fits your needs right on their website too. Some of the things I look for are cleanliness, great reviews, lake views, and unique amenities.
Best Boutique and Charming Hotels in Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is known for its charming Victorian homes and quaint downtown. There’s no shortage of beautiful places to stay! Many of the inns and small boutique hotels have been around since the late 1800s, but some cool spaces have also been remodeled and made into outdoor lovers’ ideal spots.
Below are a few places I’ve stayed that I’d recommend. Inns and boutique spots are all over Eureka Springs, so if you love staying at locally owned places, you’ll have no trouble finding something.
6. Wanderoo Lodge
The Wanderoo Lodge is a great option for anyone on a budget who wants to enjoy the outdoors on their trip. They offer activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and floating right from the hotel.
Each room is different, with its unique, curious, and quirky style. You’ll often find live entertainment at the Gravel Bar onsite, too.
7. New Orleans Hotel
Where timeless elegance joins southern hospitality. Walking distance to all of the shopping, art galleries, fine dining, local brews, and other exciting attractions in downtown Eureka Springs.
All rooms have balcony access and great views of the downtown streets and shops. Take a stroll through the majestic springs on Spring Street, or relax on the balcony.
8. 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast
5 Ojo is the only 4-star inn located in Eureka Springs. The inn is less than a quarter mile from downtown, which makes it an ideal location for exploring! This spot has a beautiful garden, hot tub, and amenities like a full breakfast, making it a memorable stay.
The rooms have a historic feel, and the owners have run the inn for thirty years. This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a beautiful and historic small spot to stay.
Best Unique Places to Stay in Eureka Springs
Throughout this article, we’ve mentioned a few times that Eureka Springs is quirky in many ways! From the buildings built into the Flint rock cliffs to the artists’ coop just outside town. So naturally, there are also unique places to stay in Eureka Springs.
9. Eureka Springs Treehouses
For a truly unusual experience, Eureka Springs Treehouses is the place to stay! Don’t be fooled by their name; they offer many unique options.
They have Hobbit Caves, which offer a unique, themed stay inspired by Middle Earth. Castles were designed with 17th-century facades. Plus, Treehouses perched on cedar logs surrounded by trees.
With all the unique stay options, it’s really the best place to stay for something different. It is two miles from town and offers many extras to make a stay special.
I hope this post has inspired you with some of the best places to stay in Eureka Springs! There are so many great options no matter what type of traveler or trip you’re taking and I hope you had the most wonderful trip.
We would love to visit the Ozark Mountains one day. And a stay in the charming town of Eureka Springs sounds perfect. We are often drawn to the spots with historic charm. But with such views, we would likely seek out a lake or mountain view spot to stay. Although a treehouse might have to be planned for at least one night for the adventure!