When we cast ourselves away to Hot Springs, Arkansas, we counted no less than 10 thermal bath houses right in the heart of downtown! Named for its eponymous natural thermal springs, Hot Springs is one of the most scenic destinations to visit in Arkansas. What’s more, a short drive from here puts us in the Ouachita National Forest, the heart of the Hot Springs National Park. So, it was only natural to look for offbeat places to stay and enjoy nature. There were innumerable options for the best Airbnb in Hot Springs, Arkansas, so much so that we had a hard time pinning one down!
Firstly, rentals are spread over a large region, including the city, Lake Hamilton, and the Ouachita River. Moreover, they all have amazing views of the Ouachita Mountains and the forest. Plus, they’re furnished with all the top-notch modern comforts we can think of. Take this stunning hilltop home, for instance. It not only lies just 20 minutes from the main town but also enjoys spectacular views of the Ouachita Mountains and National Park! Plus, it has all the comforts that we could expect from a well-furnished and designed Aibrnb.
Furthermore, all rental options are within easy reach of the Hot Springs National Park, one of the best camping places in Arkansas. We found not just breathtaking scenery but also historic architecture, interesting museums, hiking trails, and loads of water-based activities on the lakes. Check out this interesting video from the official Visit Hot Springs YouTube channel about all possible lake activities in the region.
So, whether you have a hankering for rich history, modern spas, or natural scenery, this place is a national treasure well worth the visit. Check out a detailed guide to Airbnb rental accommodations here.
Heatherwood Lodge
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Never in our wildest dreams did we think we’d live on the banks of a pristine lake ever in our lives, but the Heatherwood Lodge made it possible! This five-bedroom lakefront lodge on the southwestern shores of Lake Hamilton was an instant winner with our large group of friends for more reasons than one. Firstly, it came set up with all the entertainment avenues we could possibly think of, and that too for adults and children alike! There was a pool table setup with a flat-screen TV and even a video game console in the corner! We adults had already given this Hot Springs Arkansas Airbnb a mental five-star rating when we saw that came with a hot tub on the patio – and that too overlooking the lake!
The rest of the Airbnb was equally great. Four bedrooms for adults and a bedroom with bunk beds meant we adults got our sleep while the kids enjoyed a gala slumber party. The large kitchen was fully equipped to prepare lavish meals, which we then enjoyed in the dining area or out on the patio. During the days, we soaked up the sun paddleboarding and kayaking, followed by enjoying movies on the huge flatscreen TV. Evenings were spent on the back patio by the grill, where we’d enjoy alfresco dinners under the stars with mesmerizing nighttime views of the lake.
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Custom-Built Gold Star Mountain Home
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We were excited to stay in a vacation rental that was awarded the title of a “Gold Star vacation rental” by the Hot Springs Village Tourism Bureau! Behold this custom-built three-bedroom Custom-Built Gold Star Mountain Home in the heart of Hot Springs Village, which offers spectacular views of the Ouachita National Forest.
While staying at this fabulous mountain hideaway, we were surrounded by a private 10-acre forest in the Ouachita Mountains. Between king and queen beds, a floor mattress, and a cozy sofa, we eight adults were very comfortable here. The unique living-cum-dining area, with soaring ceilings, wood-planked walls, and rustic and modern touches, was where we’d spend all our time together. The highlight is the entire wall of windows that offered stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains scenery. A full kitchen and laundry room aside, we loved the focal point of the rental, which was the spacious private deck. It’s where we found a hot tub, an alfresco dining table, and even a firepit for cold Arkansas evenings in the mountains.
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Capone’s Loft
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Best for culture travelers. Staying even in the heart of Hot Springs village meant that we had the advantage of the views, the culture, and the town’s rich history. And who would give up a chance to live in a place where (in)famous American gangster Al Capone had once lived? Certainly not us! That’s how we found ourselves in the two-bedroom Capone’s Loft, a historic loft in the heart of Hot Springs’ downtown. Built way back in the 1920s, this sixth-floor loft was once home to Scarface, a.k.a. Big Al. Today, it’s all about being a testament to a glorious past. The exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings, and museum-quality artifacts seem to have tons of stories to tell.
Two bedrooms with king beds aside, we loved the open-concept living area with a draft beer tower, a pool table, and a fully-equipped kitchen to the side. The brewery-inspired decor, complete with exposed brick walls, felt like we were back in the Prohibition Era, only with modern, 21st-century comforts! The spa-like full bathroom was a delightful surprise, as was the large covered back patio, complete with a grill and outdoor dining table. It’s no wonder that this is constantly voted as one of the coolest Airbnbs in all of Arkansas!
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The Nest of Hot Springs
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Most unique. What comes to your mind when we say ‘luxury treehouse’? Yes, we were mighty excited too, and that’s how we landed at The Nest of Hot Springs. Imagine glamping in a five-star treehouse with modern comforts in the heart of Hot Springs National Park on the shores of Lake Hamilton; that just about sums up this place. Staying here rivaled even our private African bush safari experience and was an unforgettable, first-class Hot Springs experience. The outdoors is the highlight of this drop-dead gorgeous Airbnb. We’d begin our day with a cup of coffee on the teak furniture on the covered veranda, complete with valley and Ouachita mountain views. Later on, we’d unwind in the huge hot tub with finger food and cocktails. The best bit? There’s even an outdoor shower to wash off before heading indoors and an outdoor grill for alfresco meals.
The indoors are a different story altogether. The indulgent living-cum-dining space boasts a huge TV and Wi-Fi, while the fully-equipped kitchen is great for cooking wonderful dinners. What’s more, the bedrooms boast pillowtop beds, while the bathroom with the clawfoot bathtub, bespoke Roam bath products, and two monogrammed cotton bathrobes is nothing less than a spa-like experience. The amenities are provided by Roam for your convenience. Talk about luxury!
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Hilltop Home
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As we mentioned earlier, the two-bedroom Hilltop Home is the best Airbnb in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Once we’d clocked the views of the Ouachita Mountains from this wondrous mountainside vacation home, we struggled to pull ourselves down into town! But this vacation rental was so much more than just the views. When we entered, we were taken in by the generously sized lounge with a wood-burning fireplace and a plush wraparound couch. Moreover, with its bevy of appliances, the kitchen was a pleasure to cook meals in, which we’d enjoy at the breakfast bar or on the porch. The porch is also perfect for a spot of morning coffee with far-off views of the Ouachita Mountains. A modern bathroom, a washer/dryer setup, and cozy yet comfy loft bedrooms complete the picture of perfection.
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Ravine Retreat
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Romance is the name of the game at this dreamy barn-turned-cabin aptly named Ravine Retreat. This place might feel secluded, but it actually sits in a quiet neighborhood just north of downtown, practically in the heart of the Hot Springs National Park. We were immediately enamored by the cute wraparound porch, whose star features are the two hammocks. They were the perfect place to lounge on a lazy Arkansas day. What’s more, the porch even had comfy chairs and a table, a propane fire pit and grill, and even a hot tub. For us, it was the place where we’d spend most of our time during our vacation.
Not that the cabin was any less comfortable on the inside. The living room came with a cushy sofa and a smart Roku TV, perfect for spending late evenings with music or movies. Thanks to the kitchen, we could cook our own meals, and there was even a working refrigerator from the 1950s! Wrapping up the amenities here is the loft bedroom, which lies up a tiny flight of stairs – truly magical.
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Cozy Lake Hamilton Yurt
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Yurts are traditionally associated with nomads in Central Asia, but with updates to the camping experience, they’ve made their foray into glamping as well. Behold this Cozy Lake Hamilton Yurt, a contemporary, one-of-a-kind cabin that merges modern Yurt elements, creating an unforgettable Airbnb experience for us. This three-bedroom, two-level circular home sat in a quiet cove on Lake Hamilton, just 15 minutes from the town center. Plus, it offered us amazing views of the Ouachita Mountains.
What’s not to love about this space? For one, it had not one but multiple outdoor areas, including two decks. The larger lower covered one was entertainment central, complete with seating and dining areas. What’s more, it even had a grilling area, a fire pit, and – get this – a brand-new hot tub! We’d spend hours lazing in the hot tub and enjoying delicious barbeque sessions, especially when the climate turned cooler. Aside from the fully equipped kitchen, the yurt also came with two living areas, one for each level, and each with its own smart TV. Three bedrooms with king and queen beds can accommodate six adults easily, making this the perfect place for our group vacation. The best bit? We even had a private pier with a grill area and fire pit. Do you have your own boat? You can dock it in the slip.
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Starlight Haven Deer Run Treehouse
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Best for couples. Sleep among the foliage at the stunning one-bedroom Starlight Haven Deer Run Treehouse, a unique and unusual treehouse Airbnb in Hot Springs. The lovely digs are nestled in a tree canopy in the Ouachita Mountains, with a creek running right next to it. Plus, downtown Hot Springs and Bathhouse Row aren’t far, ensuring seclusion in proximity to the town. This one is the most luxurious in the Hot Springs Treehouses collection, with an antique French door and tons of space.
We especially loved the private balcony, where we’d spend all our free time. It was perfect for morning cups of coffee on the swing and lazing around in the hot tub with a glass of wine. Plus, it offered stunning views of the dense tree canopy of the Ouachita Forest. When the evenings were cooler, we’d even grill our dinner outside, enjoying a night under the stars. On the inside, the spacious bedroom boasts an artisanal bed with decadent linens perfect for a wonderful night’s sleep. A fully-equipped kitchen wrapped up the features.
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Bayou Lake Hamilton Lake House
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Best for luxury travelers. Tucked in a quiet cove on Lake Hamilton is this massive three-bedroom Bayou Lake Hamilton Lake House. Aside from the prime location (less than 10 minutes away from historic downtown), we loved the absolute luxury that this lakehouse afforded. The house impressed us right off the bat as we entered the living area, complete with soaring vaulted ceilings and a 70-inch TV. However, the highlight was the wall of arched windows that offered sweeping views of the lake.
Just like the arched window wall, the outdoors at this Airbnb are the other delight. The spacious back deck came with a grill and a six-person dining table, perfect for enjoying a grilling dinner with stupendous views. There was even a separate screened-in porch reserved for our morning coffee. And, of course, we used the private cove for everything from fishing and swimming to water sports out on the lake. Aside from the chef’s kitchen with a breakfast bar, there’s a separate dining space and even a laundry room for longer stays. Three luxurious bedrooms, one even with a Jacuzzi tub and deck access, complete the place.
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Dock Holiday Cabin
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Do you want to stay like a local but with modern amenities? You’d do well to choose the Dock Holiday Cabin, which is a quintessential Hot Springs cabin with rustic decor and a modern, cozy ambiance. We were surrounded by the forested mountainside at this bucolic yet luxurious rental. Since there were four of us, the lofted queen bed and the unique double-hanging bed were comfortable. What’s more, we even prepared meals in the kitchenette, which also comes with a much-needed coffeemaker. Even the bathroom boasted a unique rustic design but also had the luxury of a rain-style walk-in shower. Our favorite space was the spacious living area, especially when we’d cozy up in front of the log fireplace.
That said, we couldn’t get enough of the outdoors, which featured a front porch as well as a huge back deck. Not only does the front porch have a relaxing swing, but also the back deck comes with a charcoal grill, a fire pit, hammocks, and even a hot tub!
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Miss Fancy Victorian Mansion
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We have to end the list of options of the best Airbnb in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with the Miss Fancy Victorian Mansion. Not only is the vacation rental LGBTQ-friendly, but it also sits right in the heart of the town, right on Bathhouse Row. We couldn’t have asked for a better-located stay for our Arkansas vacation, but the surprises kept coming. We were greeted at the door by Princess Leo, our feline housemate who loved to cuddle. The space itself harked back to the late 1800s when it was built. In fact, it has a rather rich past and has been everything from a spa to even a brothel! Today, it’s a Bnb-cum-photo studio, with host Madison Hurley making it one of the most perfect places we’ve ever stayed at.
“As gay travelers, we absolutely enjoyed our stay at Miss Fancy. It was one of the best parts of our stay in the Ouachita Mountains!”
WOW Travel
The bedroom with a queen and two single beds is huge, and the bathtub is quite a welcome addition to soak our sore bodies. We also had access to the kitchen, where we’d prepare quick meals and enjoy them in the living room or the parlor. From books and lamps to rugs, knick-knacks, and art, we loved every inch of Miss Fancy.
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Our Verdict!
While we love each and every one of these unique Bnbs, here’s a more specialized list to help you zero down on one.
- Best for luxury travelers: Bayou Lake Hamilton Lake House
- Best for culture travelers: Capone’s Loft
- Best for couples: Starlight Haven Deer Run Treehouse
- Most unique: The Nest Of Hot Springs
Where to Stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas?
The Hot Springs region is not just the town but a rather spread-out region around Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita in the shadows of the Ouachita National Forest. We start with the main town and its crowning jewel, the legendary Bathhouse Row, which is a testament to the era gone by. It’s also the main wellspring of the mineral-rich waters that the place is famous for and features a line of bathhouses all over. Secondly, there’s the quaint, walkable main street, a.k.a. Central Avenue. It’s home to some of the American South’s most gorgeous architecture and lovely locally-owned businesses.
Next, there’s the actual Hot Springs National Park, whose access lies off Central Avenue. It’s home to a host of natural attractions and miles of biking and hiking trails, along with excellent options for mountain Airbnbs. Further north, there’s Fountain Lake and the Hot Springs Natural Village, which boasts a network of hot springs, but out in nature. Finally, there are numerous rentals scattered all over the region on the banks of Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita, offering mesmerizing views of the water and the Ouachita mountains in the distance.
What is unique about Hot Springs, Arkansas?
Hot Springs National Park supports 47 naturally heated springs. In fact, it’s the sole national park that can actually give away thermal mineral water, its primary natural resource, in an unaltered manner to the general public.
How long to stay in Hot Springs?
You should stick to just 10-15-minute soaks as intense heat could also cause fainting and dehydration.
Do you wear clothes at hot springs?
Some hot springs might be clothing-optional, so you need to check. Also, it’s always smart to have clothes on hand.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Airbnb.