The Vibe
For over a century, The Capital Hotel has served as “the front porch of Little Rock,” hosting visitors, locals and even presidents. The hotel served as Bill Clinton’s unofficial campaign headquarters during his presidential bid, attracting many journalists and campaign staff. Much earlier in time, The Capital Hotel hosted President Ulysses S. Grant.
The grand staircase beckons to the mezzanine, where intimate parlor spaces and an outdoor porch invite guests to sink into stylish luxury. Stained glass windows and sparkling chandeliers preserve the historic elegance of the hotel, built in 1872. During my stay, multiple events were taking place, including a group of fathers and daughters enjoying a formal evening and businesspeople meeting for a conference, making it a welcoming, gathering place in Little Rock.
How I Felt
Luxurious. From the moment I entered the lobby I felt like I was stepping back in time. The stunning space welcomed me with soaring ceilings, intricately tiled floors and marble columns. Warm earth tones, plush seating and pops of green foliage create a relaxed, elegant style. Don’t forget to look up to see the stained-glass skylight, a crown jewel in the hotel’s interior.
The Digs
The 94 sleeping rooms include 15 Great Rooms and four luxury suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views over downtown Little Rock, and floral draperies envelope guests in Southern style. My Deluxe King Room offered a small table and chair set, a desk and an easy chair with an ottoman. At 450-square-feet, it felt almost like a studio apartment.
Spacious closets, a bathtub with subway tiles, robe and slippers and in-room coffee maker made me feel at home (There’s free coffee in the lobby too). Made in Arkansas custom designed mattresses, black out curtains and Frette linens ensured a restful sleep.
The Agenda
Each morning I walked to the Arkansas River, enjoying The Vogel-Schwartz Sculpture Garden. Just a five-minute stroll from the hotel, you’ll find dozens of sculptures along the river. The hotel’s central location made it easy to explore the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, The State Capitol Building, the ESSE Purse Museum and the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center all in the same day.
Central High School National Historic Site, Daisy Bates House Museum and the Little Rock Nine Memorial are all nearby, making the Capital Hotel a great base for exploring Little Rock’s important Civil Rights attractions. Nearby SoMa, or South Main Street neighborhood, is a thriving, walkable area with shops and restaurants in the historical heart of downtown. River Market District, with a market hall, restaurants and a concert venue is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
The Eats
The hotel offers two dining outlets. Breakfast and brunch are served at One Eleven, which includes Southern favorites like Ozark Benedict. For lunch, light bites and dinner, step into the Capital Bar & Grill. With a distinguished bar program, it’s a legendary watering hole — don’t miss the spicy pecans. The Wine Cellar, an intimate brick-lined special event space, offers privacy tucked away in the hotel’s kitchen. It’s a popular venue for rehearsal dinners and business gatherings for up to 20 people.
If you’re an early riser or have a late-night craving, Hurts Donut is just a block away, serving creative donuts and coffee 24/7. The Root Café serves farm-to-table favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with options for every type of diner. Sign up for a tour and tasting at Rock Town Distillery to sample locally made spirits, including an unusual Arkansas rice bourbon.
Why I Would Go Back
I loved returning to the bright, atrium-like lobby after a day of sightseeing to relax in my spacious room. The Capital Hotel embodies Southern charm and modern luxury set in the heart of Little Rock. The hotel’s convenient location along with its rich history would draw me back again.
Kirsten Harrington
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