We loved everything about our stay. The rooms are beautifully appointed, the hosts are delightful…read moreand breakfast was scrumptious. What a treat!

The reserve was absolutely incredible. Alex, Nate, Khloe, and Jesse were on top of everything, and…read morewe truly had so much fun getting to know them! I've never been treated so luxuriously before. The rooms and all the common areas were spotless and smelt so nice. The outdoor areas were comfortable and relaxing. It's also in a great location since it's close to the casino, mineral baths, and other fun and beautiful attractions in Hot Springs. We stayed for a long weekend for a wedding that was held in the property and everybody made everything so easy for all of us. Nate is deserving of a Michelin star for his cooking and baking. And those cookies were the best I've ever had in my life. If you know, you know. Thank you for everything! We cannot wait to come back! We will never forget you guys. Thank you!

On our visit to Hot Springs, we were told to check out Garvan Woodland Gardens. It was definitely a…read moregreat decision to come by and have a nice long stroll through the various gardens, forests, streams, and just nature. Its not too hard to find and there's plenty of parking out front. Leaving the parking lot is a little confusing though (signs would be helpful...). But its well worth the trip out! There were a variety of slices of nature and we spent a few hours here and still did not get to see it all. There's a whole nature preserve that's part of it and apparently great in the dawn/dusk to spot and hear various birds. We did see quite a bit of wildlife and fun plants around so even if we missed the preserve it was fun to see everything else. I think this is a great spot to reconnect with nature for a bit. There were well marked paths so it wasn't too strenuous and there were some more kid friendly areas as well for them to explore and run around.

Options for autumn when Canada was "closed" (1 of 2)…read more - - - - - Covid may seemingly be a thing of the past, but, for some, it will never be forgotten because it affected them or their loved ones in far more serious ways. It changed how we shopped, circulated, and limited our options as to where we could travel. For a while, Canada was closed and that always comes to the top of my list when it comes to fall colors. That said, other options became New England, the Upper Peninsular o Michigan, or the Ozarks. Garvan Woodland Gardens is located just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas, thus in the general Ozarks area. Hot Springs itself was already on the map as place of touristic import. Along a major avenue there is "Bathhouse Row," a string of private spas in ornate mansion sized facilities that came to be during the 20th Century. Its most famous visitor may have been Al Capone. I came to learn that Capone died a natural death. One would have thought otherwise. I vaguely knew about these gardens - the Garvan Woodland Gardens. However, if in town and you ask any questions, their existence, and their details, will become a certainty. It's an easy drive from Hot Springs. The gardens began as a private garden that then flourished when they were donated and privatized, and operated by the University of Arkansas. As such, there is an admission fee. As can be expected, the gardens are segmented and themed. The most notable might be the Japanese Garden and the manicured plantings that go with that. There are also other themed areas, including some areas which are a little natural, or scruffier, if you prefer that word. There are other areas such as a toy railroad sort of old town, walkways abutting the lake, and odd contraptions that serve as stairs, bridges, and tree houses. Then, there are some areas with art installations of sort that look sort of granola. I didn't have time to read every placard explaining the logic, if any, of some of these things. There is also a non-denominational chapel on the grounds and it closely resembles the state's Thorncrown Chapel designed by the University of Arkansas's famed alum E. Fay Jones. I had already seen that chapel in Eureka Springs, but, if you can't make it to that remote corner of the state (that's actually somewhat close to Branson, Missouri), this will almost enable you to check that off your list. Seasonal blooms will affect what you see. Note that, if seeking fall color in the state, it will come later than other parts of America owing to the more southerly latitude. The forested lands in which Garvan Wooodlands Gardens sits appear to be studded in Southern pine, and reminded me of the vegetation surrounding the Atlanta area. The employees on hand are very helpful. Note that, in this state, your bucket list would be, at the very minimum, about 3 state parks, 2 more rugged natural areas, Eureka Springs, the historic areas of Little Rock, and Hot Springs, which would include these gardens. The beauty of everything you see may exceed your expectations. Just about everyone is giving Garvan Woodlands Gardens 5 stars. For its context and area, it would fetch 5 stars. However, compared to other places with a similar admission fee, I felt it was closer to 4 stars. It is nonetheless impressive and recommended. However, it could also be that the few hippie-dippy things there made for an eye roll. They always do.

Decent hotel for a good price. The fitness area is spacious. However, front desk staff was…read moreobserved making several trips to breakfast buffet grabbing slices of bacon. The elevator was a little rickety. The TV in the room was in an odd place. Also, this was one of those Marriott's with half door showers.

Nice basic suite. Off set from downtown HS. Very convenient area, suburban feel. Breakfast was…read moredelicious. Property in decent condition. Pillows on the bed are squshy. No major issues.

Quick stay and it was a good spot to get some rest and sleep. It was clean, well stocked and the…read moreroom was quiet due to the bedroom being in the back of the room with a buffer from the bathroom and kitchen. The breakfast was good with some healthy choices too. The person at the desk was nice and accommodating and was greeted as we left. It had a great view of the lake too.

Worst was fresh blood on the sheets. (I'm sure the housekeeper had a cut that was not bandaged.)…read more Arrived a little after 3:00 and the room had not been cleaned yet. There were ball teams in the hotel. That in itself is not a problem but they only had one gentleman working the front desk. There were no pool towels so all the baseball families were taking the room towels for the pool and that left no extra towels for the remaining guests. The poor gentleman at the desk was having a hard time keeping up with the laundry and the check-ins. The manager NEVER returned my calls. I WILL NOT STAY THERE AGAIN!!

Clean and the staff is very friendly and helpful They stay…read moreopen 24 hours I believe Breakfast was appetizing

We are loyal to the Marriott brand & this economy hotel has stellar reviews & the location was…read moregood. We were 5 miles from all of the attractions in Hot Springs. Our room was ready early & we checked in. Room #306 was tight, it felt like an obstacle course moving around our suitcases and belongings,. We had a comfortable king bed, small dorm refrigerator & large television. We have a full size sofa bed, however there doesn't seem to be enough room to open it. The WiFi worked well & our room was quiet. There was plenty of free parking in front. There was a small pool, fitness room & worn washer & dryer. There was a bar in the lobby & market with expensive snacks. There was a dirty animal smell in the room that became worse. We mentioned it at the desk. When we came back at the end of the day, housekeeping came through & the room smelled better. Happily the room didn't smell like chemicals. The hotel staff was very friendly and accommodating.