In the heart of Arkansas’ Carroll County, deep in the Ozark Mountains, lies Eureka Springs, also known as the “The Magic City.” It first attracted visitors due to its healing springs, and there are more than 60 such springs within the city limits even today. But that’s not all. The Eureka Springs Historic District even sits on the National Register of Historic Places! In fact, the entire city is a Victorian resort with Victorian-style manors, cottages, and homes tucked amidst winding streets. That’s how the bed and breakfast in Eureka Springs, AR. The city is full of characterful B&Bs that sit in well-preserved Victorian structures. What’s more, these local lodging options exude inimitable charm. Hence, they allowed us to relax, rest, and experience staying in a beautiful, local setting with dedicated hospitality.
The best bit is that they all combine their old-world character with modern additions, ensuring absolute comfort. If that wasn’t enough, they’re located all over the town, right from the historic district to quieter lanes within walking distance of it. What could be better? To that end, here’s a guide to the best B&Bs in a town that was originally hailed as the “Little Switzerland of the Ozarks.”
Our Favorite Bed & Breakfast in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
- 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast
- Arsenic And Old Lace Bed & Breakfast Inn
- Cliff Cottage Inn
- Angel At Rose Hall
- Hidden Springs Bed & Breakfast
- Bridgeford House Bed & Breakfast
- Heartstone Inn
- Rock Cottage Gardens B&B
- Heart Of The Hills Inn
- Tuscan Manor
- 1880 Piedmont House
Modern Properties
It’s hard not to find bespoke luxury in a town like Eureka Springs, which places great importance on hospitality. That’s why the town is full of specialty shops and gourmet stores. It also has a 4-star B&B that’s considered one of the finest inns in the South.
5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast
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Tucked on the highest peak in Eureka Springs, 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast is the only four-star B&B in the town. This B&B has a lot of awards in its kitty, including a 2018 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. Plus, it also won the Spectrum Hospitality Award in 2017 and 2018. The best bit? Citiscapes Magazine awarded it the”Best in Northwest Arkansas” between 2015 and 2017! It’s no wonder that it’s been one of the most popular B&Bs in the town for the last 30 years.
The trolley into Downtown stops right in front of the inn, so the location couldn’t be more perfect. The inn has nine rooms spread out over four structures that make up the property. The wooded verdure around made for the perfect setting for a tranquil and laidback holiday.
Meet the hosts
Our hosts, Susan and Tom Harman, who purchased the inn in November 2014, charmed and swept us off our feet. Between Susan’s digital marketing and hospitality industry experience and Tom’s corporate banking background and love for cooking, it’s no wonder that the inn is a crowd-pleaser. However, the Ojo House is much older, with its origins going back to the 1900s. Much remains the same as it was back then, especially the wraparound porch. It was an absolute favorite not just with us but with other travelers, too.
Food and drink
The innkeepers would lay out an elegant gourmet breakfast in the Sweet House dining room every morning. Not only did they vary across weeks, but they also included some delicious items, including 5 of Ojo’s signature dishes. These included the likes of extra-fluffy two-cheese quiche, crowd favorite pain perdu, herbed two-cheese egg soufflé, and caramel French toasts. What’s more, every breakfast spread included either sausage patties or bacon. We could pair it with deviled eggs, gourmet cheese peppers, scones, muffins, seasonal fresh fruit, or one of their specialty prepared sorbets. Yum!
Besides delectable breakfasts, the inn also offered packages, special offers, and amenities to enhance our stay. Moreover, they had locally handmade chocolates, chocolate-covered strawberries, celebration cakes, cookie cakes, and, our favorite, the charcuterie box. Since we’d arrived late in the day and wanted something to nibble on, this box with fruits, assorted sweets, veggies, cheeses, crackers, and meats was perfect!
Did we mention that they’d leave freshly baked homemade classic cookies in our room during daily housekeeping? Sigh, yep.
Room types
We had the choice of nine rooms across the Sweet House, the Ojo House, and the Carriage House. Nevertheless, all of them featured Keurig coffeemakers, in-room fridges, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. They even had complimentary snacks and drinks, fireplaces, and two-person jetted tubs. The unique thing about this B&B is that all rooms have their own private bathroom.
Our room, the lower-level Honeymoon Suite at the back, even had a private swing on the porch outside the door. So, we could curl up with coffee or wine and take in the wooded views. A cypress-paneled jetted tub and a gas fireplace were the standouts.
For more details on the rooms in the B&B, here’s a detailed map of the property.
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Heartstone Inn
Next up is the luxurious Heartstone Inn B&B, which was amongst the top 25 B&Bs in the US for the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award 2016. It is in a beautifully restored Victorian home and is on the National Register of Historic Places. We loved the wooded acres surrounding this B&B, giving it the vibe of a rich friend’s cozy mansion. Free Wi-Fi, off-street parking, and concierge service make it an outstanding value place to stay.
- Meet the hosts: For the last 22 years, hosts Cheri and Rick Rojek have shared a passion for and have strived to create a memorable staying experience for guests.
- Food and drink: Despite there not being a restaurant on the premises, the F&B scene here was superb. For one, it was all-inclusive and included a wonderful gourmet breakfast. We’d grab our own private table in the sunroom and dig into a leisurely breakfast between 9 and 9:30 am. What’s more, the F&B package featured complimentary afternoon tea and baked goodies. It also included bottled water, sodas, and even early tea and coffee in the common areas. Did we mention that they also accommodated special diets? Yes!
- Room type(s): We had the choice of 11 modern rooms, suites, and cottages, all of which featured antique furnishings paired with mod-cons like Keurig coffeemakers, plush beds, and luxe bathrooms with bathrobes.
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Heart of the Hills Inn
The award-winning Heart of the Hills Inn might sit in a historic structure from 1883, but the hospitality is modern rejuvenation to the T. Originally built by a working-class family, this house was rumored to be a stop on the stagecoach route until the railroad station came up. Today, it’s a luxurious B&B, and it was the perfect abode for our laidback, relaxation, and rejuvenation-focused stay in Eureka Springs.
- Meet the hosts: Owner and fantastic host Randy, who also whips up amazing breakfasts and hand-delivers them to your room, was gracious, friendly, and thoughtful. He’s always up for a talk and gives great recommendations for places to see and things to do.
- Food and drink: There’s no need to get dressed and trudge down for breakfast here, as it’s served right to your room, your private deck, or even the common porch – weather permitting, of course. What’s more, they have a different menu every day, with delights like fruit juice smoothies or seasonal fresh fruits, breakfast meat, a main course, and even a dessert. What’s more, they even provided fruit juice, tea, coffee, and bottled water in the room. Plus, they even took care of and worked around food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Room type(s): There are two kinds of accommodations: Gabriel’s Apartment and the Carriage House. Both have kitchenettes with Keurig coffeemakers, luxurious beds, and private decks. For a dollar each, we could even request additional specialty hot chocolate, cider, teas, and coffees.
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Historic Stays
It’s not hard to find historic stays in a town that looks like a Victorian resort, has a historic district, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is it? Given the town’s origins and nature, historic options for a bed and breakfast in Eureka Springs, AR, are probably the largest group.
Arsenic and Old Lace Bed & Breakfast Inn
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The Arsenic and Old Lace Bed & Breakfast Inn is a gorgeous modern Queen Anne Victorian mansion a mere 10-minute walk from the historic district. Think crystal chandeliers, antiques, original artwork, and stained glass windows, which beautifully complement the modern touches and hospitality. Did you know that MSN Lifestyle recently hailed them as “the most charming Inn in all of Arkansas?” Yes!
- Meet the hosts: Warm and welcoming hosts Brenda and Rob Fryman made us feel like we’d known them all our lives. Rob was our very talented chef who doled out the most delicious breakfasts, and Brenda had some amazing stories to tell about the town and their own adventures.
- Food and drink: Breakfast was the highlight here, which began with homemade bread (scones/bread/muffins) and fruits, followed by savory/sweet main courses with side dishes, hot teas, fruit juices, and their own custom blended coffee. What’s more, we were even served brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and other delicious snacks throughout the day. For an in-room fee of USD 25, they even arrange for breakfasts to be delivered to the room or an alfresco area, with incredible views of the gardens and the serene Arkansas hills.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of five rooms, but the Treetop suite blew our minds with its two-storied floor-to-ceiling windows that submerged us right into the beautiful Ozark verdure. Nevertheless, all rooms had private bathrooms with bathrobes, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a seating area, while two rooms even had private balconies. The large wraparound veranda was a favorite hangout place, with coffee, wine, hot chocolate, and cool iced teas, depending on the weather.
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Rock Cottage Gardens B&B
The utterly charming Rock Cottage Gardens B&B gives a new meaning to historical staying and is a gorgeous B&B in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Staying here felt like we’d been transported to the English or the Dutch countryside. With privacy being the catchphrase here, this multi-year award-winning B&B is all about the laidback and luxurious life.
- Meet the hosts: We were given a tour by proud owner and innkeeper Bruce Greek. He has a passion for historic rock cottages, years of travel experience, and architectural expertise. He’s accompanied by equally enthusiastic innkeeper Sharleen Jackson, who answered all our calls and queries, and housekeeper Arianne, who looked after Rock Cottage and us like we were right at home.
- Food and drink: We’d begin our days with a full and hearty breakfast of our choice between 7 am and 12 pm at Myrtie Mae’s, just a 2-minute walk away. Every cottage, including us, received a USD 30 credit daily for breakfast, which we appreciated. Moreover, the inn even provided free bottled water, a Keurig coffeemaker, and a gift bag with local coffee right in our cottage.
- Room type(s): There were five cottages and a two-bedroom bungalow to choose from, all of which came with private ensuite bathrooms and even jacuzzis! Spa robes, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers were also standard in all of them.
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Tuscan Manor
The lovely Tuscan Manor was built way back in 1973 as the Smith Mansion and was originally the home of the founders of The Great Passion Play, which was first performed in Eureka Springs in 1968! We loved the Mediterranean-inspired architecture, whether it was the arched windows with the fluttering flags or the porch entryway with impressive columns that felt like we were entering a stately Southern home.
- Meet the hosts: Owner and innkeeper Mark Anthony Hicks is a longtime Eureka Springs resident. Aside from his love and enthusiasm for the hospitality industry, his credentials also include the New Orleans School of Cooking.
- Food and drink: Chef Kevin Belton ‘belts’ out a specially-prepared Chef’s Choice gourmet breakfast in the Dining Hall, which includes cold and hot items, fruits, juices, tea, and coffee. We also had the choice of a smaller “colazione” breakfast and even a charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, dips, fruit, olives, and crackers in the evening. All meals are to be paid for separately; check it out here. We could also use the fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker in the guest kitchen,
- Room type(s): With just four suites, staying here was a very intimate experience for us. While they varied in size, they all had private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs. Plus, three out of the four suites also had wet bars and mini-fridges.
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1880 Piedmont House
Built way back in 1880, Piedmont House was originally conceived as a tourist lodging and has been so for nearly 150 years now. In fact, it’s Eureka Springs’ longest-operating lodging facility, making it the perfect historic and charming choice for us to stay. We especially loved the colonial-style wraparound porch, which was ideal for unwinding and people-watching.
- Meet the hosts: While Pat Fitzsimmons owns the property, Fatima, the superhost, manages everything on the ground. In her own words, she loves hospitality and mornings, which means a haven for us chatty Cathys!
- Food and drink: While breakfast wasn’t served at this point in time, there was a self-service beverage station where we could enjoy complimentary tea and coffee.
- Room type(s): Due to the styling of this original Victorian structure, all 11 suites had private ensuite bathrooms and enjoyed private access to the outdoor porch. What’s more, they all had free Wi-Fi, coffee setups, and cable TVs. Four of the suites even have Jacuzzi tubs for those looking to splurge, while one, the Edgewood Terrace, boasts a private outdoor spa tub.
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Secluded/Romantic Places
Historic and cute is how we’d best describe the charming Eureka Springs, whose wooded environs made for the perfect setting for romantic and secluded options for a bed and breakfast in Eureka Springs, AR.
Hidden Springs Bed & Breakfast
We were looking for a romantic retreat in Eureka Springs, and the wooded retreat that was the award-winning Hidden Springs Bed & Breakfast was perfect. It’s set in the historic 1902 Tobe Smith House, making it as historic as it was amorous. What helped was that they also had many options for packages, and our “Romantic Rendezvous Package” was ideal for our second honeymoon!
Check out the different packages here. Did you know that they even have many extras, including massages, tours, and even floral arrangements if you’re celebrating something special? Read up on the extras and specials.
- Meet the hosts: John, the owner, host, and even our chef, not only greeted us and told us the history of the house but also brought us coffee and breakfast on the porch in the morning. What a way to start the day! He even had fantastic recommendations on things to do and places to see and eat.
- Food and drink: John’s a fantastic cook. He would bring coffee and breakfast to the comfort of our room, where we’d enjoy delights like apple pancakes, egg and ham quiches, bread, juices, tea, and fruits.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of five suites, cottages, and even a carriage house, all of which had private bathrooms. But the real winner was the large hot tubs for two people in three of the stays, which was perfect for a romantic sojourn.
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Cliff Cottage Inn
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Eureka Springs has something special for literary nuts like us in the form of Cliff Cottage Inn. That’s because each of their seven suites is named after famous artists and writers from a century (or two) ago! We loved the lovely verdant setting of the inn right in the Historic District, which is spread across a main house and two Craftsman and Victorian buildings each. Did you know that they even had an off-street Downtown parking spot per reservation? Now, that’s what we call thoughtful hospitality!
- Meet the hosts: Asheli and Justin Robins are warm-hearted and passionate owners, as well as also innkeepers at Cliff Cottage for the last six years. Not only did they take pride in making our stay comfortable, but they were thrilled to chat with guests, get to know them, and even take feedback in terms of hospitality.
- Food and drink: Every morning, we were treated to a full gourmet breakfast, which would be delivered right to our suite. While most of their dishes are naturally gluten-free, they’re more than happy to accommodate almost any diet – just make sure to reach out to them. If that wasn’t enough, they even had additional in-room perks like cookies, chocolates, fruits, and champagne/wine, and they even offered romance packages.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of two queen and five king suites, all of which were elegant and romantic to the hilt. Two of the suites even had private hot tubs for two, and one of them even had a fully equipped kitchen. Nevertheless, all of them were spacious and had plush beds and luxe bathrooms.
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Angel at Rose Hall
The AAA Four Diamond Christian B&B Angel at Rose Hall sits in an elegantly restored Victorian Mansion and was the perfect place for our romantic weekend. In fact, they specialize in bridal showers, weddings, receptions, and special getaways, so they’re literally made for romance!
- Meet the hosts: Owners Susan and Darrell Morgan welcomed us into their magnificent home with open arms, offering the best of Eureka Springs hospitality.
- Food and drink: The gourmet breakfast here is a sumptuous affair and is served in their spacious breakfast room every day. While it changes daily (yum!), there’s always fresh seasonal fruit, a main hot entree, breakfast sides like potatoes and scones, meats, and dessert, besides fruit juices, tea, and coffee, of course. If you take their special anniversary/honeymoon package, which we did, they even delivered breakfast right to our room! Check out their breakfast details.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of five extremely romantic king suites, all of which came with private ensuite bathrooms, two-person Jacuzzi tubs, and even private furnished patios! Could it get any more romantic?
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Family-Friendly Homes
Bridgeford House Bed & Breakfast
The family-owned-and-operated Bridgeford House Bed & Breakfast is located in a charming 1884-built Queen Anne/Eastlake/Victorian house that is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful four-level home is surrounded by gorgeous verdant gardens with water features and a stone patio and is one of the most Instagrammable digs in the town. Did you know that they have a very cute mascot, Mr. Crumb?
- Meet the hosts: Owners Bill and Sharon are always happy to chat, especially over breakfasts, about where to go, what to do, see, and enjoy. Will, the owner and innkeeper, and plant-loving gardener Anna carry on the amazing hospitality. In fact, Will worked in entertainment at Disneyland and Princess Cruises previously, so he knows the importance of hospitality and creating magical moments.
- Food and drink: Every morning, the hosts laid out a freshly prepared continental breakfast between 9 and 10 in the dining room. Will decides the menu every day, but we had all our classic favorites like sausages, bacon, English muffins, scrambled eggs, French toast, pancakes, yogurt parfaits, and fresh fruit.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of four rooms and suites, all of which came with gorgeous four-poster beds, free Wi-Fi, cable TVs, and private ensuite bathrooms for comfort. That said, the first-floor Georgianna Suite at the B&B’s backside even had a kitchenette, a jetted bathtub, a gas fireplace, and indoor and outdoor sitting areas.
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Where to Stay in Eureka Springs?
The time capsule-esque Eureka Springs is dubbed “Stairstep Town” for its steep paths and streets, and it attracts tourists with its spas, hot springs, and clear mountain air. So, where should one stay in the town?
The first place anyone visiting the town will think of is the historic Downtown. It’s the city’s heart and sits on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s home to some of the most beautiful B&Bs in the town, right on the main street and on the lanes leading off of it. Plus, it’s home to the town’s best dining, drinking, and entertainment. Secondly, there’s the northern Lake Leatherwood, which is far from the hustle and bustle but has a smaller number of Victorian buildings. Finally, there’s Lake Lucerne to the south, which was originally a 19th-century health spa.
If you’re on an extended trip and wouldn’t mind some adventure, here are the best camping places in Arkansas.
Why is Eureka Springs so popular?
This Ozarks town is known for its natural beauty, including hot springs and incredible Victorian architecture in the Historic District.
What is the best time to visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas?
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Eureka Springs, as there’s something for everyone in these two seasons.
What is the prettiest spring in Eureka Springs?
Basin Spring, originally known as the Indians’ Healing Spring, is the town’s prettiest and most famous spring. It lies off of Spring Street.
