Clarion Resort Conference Center Hotel

This hotel is down toward the end of the "main drag" in Hot Springs (Central Ave.), near the mall & some of the newer businesses; it's several miles from Oaklawn and Bathhouse Row.

We checked in on a Sunday and they were kind enough to let us check in by 1 p.m, when we got there.

The hotel was sparsely populated, mainly due to renovation, I think. Beds were very comfortable and many things were relatively new, such as most of the bedding. Beds were very comfortable. I didn't care about the view that much, which was good--ours was of Central Ave. and the hotel parking lot. The bathrooms had smaller vanities than my wife had noticed at other hotels, she mentioned.

Biggest problem with the room was lack of central heat & air, it was very difficult to keep a comfortable, consistent temperature in the room, and I adjusted it a couple of times during the night.

Somehow, a plumber cut a water line so the hotel had to move us from one room to another (2 night visit, we had to move the 2nd night). They were nice enough to agree to 2 complimentary breakfasts for our trouble, which I requested. Breakfast was at a restaurant within the hotel, and was good, with good service.

I noticed someone's discarded room service meal was in the hallway for 6 or 7 hours the first night we were there.

Overall, the hotel was comfortable although perhaps a bit pricey. It generally goes for around $85 on Expedia, Travelocity, sites like that. I managed to get it for under $70 on Hotwire. For $70, I'd give it a B+ for $85+ I'd give it a C. Hotwire gives it 3 stars. The hotel was built in 1973 and despite renovations 4 years ago and the current one, it's not quite up to that level. I'd stay here again, though.

The first time I stayed here, I noticed a very distinct mildew odor in all the hallways. this is no doubt the result of wet feet after enjoying Lake Hamilton.

I have only stayed in the winter though and the carpets should have been cleaned by then. I recently booked a room there for the holidays, and when I arrived, I was told several floors were under renovation. this should have been mentioned when I was booking. I called them myself to book it. I didn't stay, but went to another hotel to avoid the construction noise.

I enjoyed my stay and I will most likely stay again.

The front desk staff was not welcoming. Our room overlooked the garbage, someone's backyard, and a small corner of the lake. It was not as fancy as it should have been.

The view from the balcony was nice. Everything else was very nice also. However, the blanket on our bed had white stuff on it.