I was so excited because this place just looked like wow from what I saw on the Internet. However the wow factor was low and perhaps my expectations were too high. We got a good rate with a travel coupon and it was off season so I can't review the beach or sun experience of this hotel. Except coming from MN to see any non snowy landscape in December was awesome. The area is so pretty in Hot Springs and Lake Hamilton a gorgeous lake. The hotel staff was courteous and helpful, and friendly. They seemed kind of a stiff traditional type of hotel. The hotel was being renovated and that was obvious with workers etc. It was nice centrally located and we had a super easy time finding it. Our view of the lake was nice. The shower was very relaxing with several settings, the coffee maker made good coffee and the room was spartan clean. The hotel reminded me of my grandmother, the Golden girls and the early eighties. We didn't eat in the restaurant. I would stay there--it was a classic that unfortuneately seemed to be fighting becoming a dinosaur or extinct. My significant other was unimpressed but comfortable.

I stayed here during September and was very disappointed. The "lake view" room that I paid extra for was not really a view of the lake, don't let them fool you. The room was clean and the AC worked but the "Lake view" balcony actually overlooked someone's backyard the playground and was very loud. All of the gates to the pool area (which actually was on the lake) were locked even though it was 98 degrees and sunny out. There are several good restaurants in this city and we had a great dinner at the Fisherman's wharf restaurant, which is about a half mile from the Clarion. The bathroom needs some better lighting and the coffee maker was so dirty and full of grime I almost threw up my dinner from the night before when I saw it. It's all in the details and this could be a nice place if they put some effort into it.

What a great stay! When we decided on Hot Springs as a destination for a long weekend, I checked out all of the hotels, and this one met all of my criteria (room service, lake view, wireless internet). I knew that I wasn't booking the Ritz, but figured I would get a decent place to stay.

I had to call twice before arriving. Once to inquire about toddler floats in the pool (they're allowed), and once to adjust my reservation. Both times, the person answering the phone went above and beyond with their help and information.

When we arrived, we had a nice lakeview room on an upper floor, as I had requested. They had also put a microwave / fridge in the room, because we needed one for my daughter's medication. The room was clean and had lots of space. The wireless internet was flawless. I've been in some places where you can't get a decent wireless signal for anything, and I had no problems here. It's also free, which is great!

The room service was beyond fantastic! We ordered dinner both nights. The first night was quesadillas and ice cream (and holy cow - when they say a bowl of ice cream, they do not skimp), and the second night was the shrimp salad. The portions are sizeable and the food was all fresh, hot (for the quesadillas) cold (for the salad) and really good. I'm a bit of a picky eater and a food snob, so this was VERY important. The staff at the restaurant also went above and beyond with regard to service. Can't say enough great things about them!

Anyway, without further ado, I recommend this hotel to anyone staying in Hot Springs. While it's not in historic Downtown, it's DEFINITELY better than staying in the older, and far shadier part of town. In a lot of places in the older area (not to be confused with the historic area, which is lovely), there are bars on stores and the hotels are rundown and shabby. I would never stay at a hotel there, but this one - ten thumbs up! Wonderful area of town, and within minutes of dozens upon dozens of restaurants.

One small thing to note - the hotel pool is really nice and has a LOVELY view - but it is NOT heated. So beware if you're coming in early spring, as it won't yet be warmed up by the sun. :)

Amenities: No indoor pool; nothing to do in the cooler season.

Room quality: brick-like bed and pillows caused a trip to the doctor for a pinched nerve in my neck.

Service: Front desk lied to my face when questioned if the prom being held there during my stay would cause noise in my room. My room was directly under the ballroom. Couldn't move me without downgrading my room to two double beds.

Value: The "full view" of the lake I paid extra for amounted to a lovely view of the parking lot, and a glimpse of the lake. When questioned, the front desk said that because I was closer to the lake than other rooms, it was considered a full view.
Further, the rooms were out of date, nothing special. The hotel also charged an extra dollar because there was a safe in my room that wasn't used. No options were given to remove the charge.

Others: The breakfast we had from room service was inedible. Toast was stale and old; eggs tasted spoiled; bacon greasy; and the grits were an insult to any southerner. Absolutely horrid.

What was supposed to be an anniverary stay became a horrible experience that I wish had never happened!