8 Amazing Vacation Rentals in Arkansas – Cool Places to Stay

So, here you are looking for cool places to stay in Arkansas. You want to get out of the house and go somewhere but you don’t want something ordinary. You’ve done ordinary.

You’re looking for something awesome like maybe a treehouse, a beautiful place on the Little Red River near world-class trout fishing or a historic downtown loft where Al Capone once visited. You want a totally unique place to stay in Arkansas.

Well, you’re in luck because, in Arkansas, we know a thing or two about thinking outside the box.

Cool Places to Stay in Arkansas

Here is a list of all the cool places to stay in Arkansas. This isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill internet list that turns out to be mediocre. All of these unique places to stay are recommended by me…because I’ve stayed in all of them!

They are tried and true. You can count on us Arkansans!

1. The Lofts in Downtown Heber Springs

The Lofts is a brand-new vacation rental as of 2023.

We stayed there just a few weeks ago and loved it. You will find The Lofts just over the Art Gallery and right next to the courthouse square.

I just stayed in the Heber Jones room and it was plenty roomy for our family of 5. Plus, it’s right downtown in a HISTORIC BUILDING which means you can walk to ALL of the shops, flea markets, art galley, thrift stores, coffee shop and even the barber shop!!

Details: Historic Vacation Rental in Downtown Heber Springs, Arkansas – The Lofts

You can book your stay here.

2. The Little Red Riviera near World-Class Trout Fishing in Heber Springs

Recently, we stayed at this super comfortable and relaxing river house that sits on the banks of the Little Red River. It has been weeks and my kids are still talking about it!

This house sleeps 10, has a big backyard and a brand new dock right on the Little Red River. We watched the trout swimming right below us!

The Little Red Riviera already has everything you need for the kids.

Kid safe dock with appropriate fencing
Plenty of toys and play space indoors
Big backyard with yard Yahtzee
Sound machines
Play pens
High chair
Baby bathtub
Kid-friendly dishes
Large dining room table that seats everyone!
Kids’ bunk room that sleeps 6!
Washer and dryer so you can just throw a load in and pack less!
Even one of those soft whale-looking thingies that keeps the babies from bopping their heads on the bathtub faucet

By the way, if you want to go swimming at Greers Ferry Lake, it’s only about 5 minutes away. That’s what we did a couple times. Then, we would come back to the house, throw all the lake clothes in the washer and have coffee on the deck while the kids played! Book it here.

Details: The Little Red Riviera in Arkansas – on the Little Red River!

3. Mt. Nebo Cabins near Russellville- a stay with a view

How would you like to wake up, perk a fresh pot of coffee, and watch the sunrise from the top of Mt. Nebo? Me!

A cabin on Mt. Nebo is the best place to relax and take a deep breath of that Arkansas fresh air.

“Situated in the Arkansas River Valley just 45 minutes from Arkansas Wine Country, this state park sits atop the 1,350-foot Mount Nebo. Twelve of the park’s 15 cabins are located along the bluff and have views of the river valley below.” –source

4. Capone’s Loft near Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs

Lately, we’ve been traveling all over the Hot Springs and Mt. Ida areas. We’ve stayed in some cool places but this historic vacation rental has me feeling like a 1920s gangster.

Capone’s Loft is beyond words.

The history, the beautiful space, the location…it’s all amazing. The balcony overlooks the intersection of Central Avenue and Bridge Street in Hot Springs.

Details:

• Sleeps 4
• 2 bedroom & 2 bathrooms
• large kitchen
• Plush beds
• Pool table, Xbox, games
• Front door sits right on Central Ave

You can walk out of the front door and stroll Bathhouse Row! Book your stay here.

Details: Stay in Capone’s Loft in Hot Springs, Arkansas! – Luxury Meets History

5. Eureka Springs -cool places to stay in a unique town

Nothing says, “I’m looking for a cool place to stay in Arkansas” like a trip to Eureka Springs. The first time my husband and I visited there, we found this cool hotel over-looking a valley.

So, do yourself a favor and take a trip to Eureka Springs. You can’t go wrong there. Be sure to check it off your EPIC Arkansas Bucket List.

Eureka Springs: “It is a tourist destination for its unique character as a Victorian resort village. The city has steep winding streets filled with Victorian-style cottages and manors. The streets wind around the town, and no two intersect at a 90 degree angle; there are no traffic lights.” –source

Don’t miss all the amazing things to do in Eureka Springs!

6. Treehouse in the Hot Springs North Woods

Ladies and Gents! Grab three of your favorite friends and plan a trip to In The Trees in Hot Springs!

We just spent 3 nights here and it was SO relaxing. You feel like you’re literally “in the trees” but you’re only minutes from The Arlington and Bathhouse Row!

Details:

• Hot tub
• Propane fire outside
• Comfy beds
• Fluffy bathrobes
• Heated bathroom floors

Details: Treehouse Vacation Rentals in Hot Springs, Arkansas – “In The Trees”

You will also love: BEST Hot Springs, Arkansas Family Vacation Ideas

7. The YURTs at Petit Jean State Park

Staying in a YURT at Petit Jean State Park was one of my favorite trips this year. These YURTs have three bunk beds so they sleep 6.

“The Daniel A. Anderson Carriage House: Built in 1885, this 1200 sq ft brick building held horses/carriages for the Andersons. Now

At the YURT, you will find:

• a big gas cook stove outside
• charcoal grill
• picnic table
• lantern hook
• fire pit 
• your own canoe with life jackets!
• folding chairs and table inside
• hanging lamp for outside

FULL details here: Everything You Need to Know About Renting a YURT at Petit Jean State Park

While you’re on the mountain, don’t miss this: 14 “Must Do” Things at Petit Jean State Park

8. The Hidden Gem in Mt. Ida

Well friends, here it is! My favorite place to stay in Mt. Ida!!

It’s called The Hidden Gem

Man, Mt. Ida took me by surprise. We ran and did everything we could for 4 crazy days and we still didn’t see it all!

Every night, I would come back to this house to recover. It’s the perfect place for a family or even a group of friends to relax and be near all of the activities and restaurants but still secluded.

• This house sleeps 6.
• It’s 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom and a hide-a-bed couch in the living room.
• Beautiful, big kitchen with everything you need to prepare a meal when you’re just too tired from digging crystal to go out.
• Office with a nice desk for all of us who work from the road.
• Big kitchen table with room for everyone.
• Laundry room so you can throw a load in each evening and not go home with dirty laundry
• Big screened porch (we hung all of our beach towel out to dry there)
• Back covered deck with picnic table
• It’s close to multiple places to swim on Lake Ouachita (Crystal Springs, Denby Point, Brady Mountain, Charlton).
• You can hike the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) from here.
• The Heritage House Museum of Montgomery County is a few minutes away and I LOVED it.
• It’s just down the road from the famous Dairyette.
• You can resupply at Bob’s Food City and find everything you need without having to drive out of town.
• Hike Crystal Vista Trail and dig for Quartz Crystal for FREE
• Drive up the Hickory Nut Mountain Vista for BEAUTIFUL views of Lake Ouachita
• Visit my favorite rock shop!

Also in the area: Horseback Riding, Kayak Tours, Pontoon Rentals, Rock shops, Crystal mining, Restaurants, Art Gallery, Concerts every Saturday night on the Courthouse Lawn

Book your stay here.

Details: The Hidden Gem Vacation Home in Mt. Ida Arkansas

9. The Copper Cottage in Heber Springs

This vacation rental in Heber Springs is perfect. Absolutely perfect.

• 1950s home that has been beautifully renovated
• Sleeps 9
• 3 bedrooms (huge master suite)
• 2 full bathrooms with walk-in showers
• In the heart of Heber Springs
• Less than 5 minutes to the lake, hiking, restaurants, shops, everything!
• Big backyard with deck, grill and fire pit
• Washer and dryer

Book it here!

Cool Places to Stay in Arkansas

As a native Arkansan, I know that Arkansas is rich in history, fun activities and cool places to stay. We know how to have fun and we know how to relax.

This list is constantly growing and evolving as my family and I travel the state. I also get input from other Arkansans about the best places to stay in their hometowns. Check back here often for new additions!

Related articles