How to choose a high-end stay in Hot Springs

When you are paying top rates, a careful check before booking matters more. Here is what to verify.

Verify the amenities

Ask for recent photos or a video walk-through of the features you are paying for: pool, hot tub, dock, theater room, outdoor kitchen.
Ask when the pool or hot tub was last serviced, and whether it is heated in the months you are visiting.
If a chef, housekeeping or other services are advertised, get the cost and who provides them in writing.

Be careful with hot spring claims

Hot Springs' thermal water belongs to the national park, and park regulations prohibit private individuals from selling it. If a rental advertises a natural hot spring tub, ask exactly where the water comes from.

To soak in the real thing, book a bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse or Quapaw Baths and Spa on Bathhouse Row.

Events and big groups

The city caps short-term rental occupancy at two guests per bedroom, plus two. A three-bedroom house can legally sleep eight, no matter how many beds the listing shows.

City rules also require operators to follow the noise ordinance, and neighbors can call a 24-hour complaint hotline. If you are planning a celebration, get the host's written approval for the guest count and any visitors.

Questions to ask the host

What is the city STR license number?
What is the security deposit, and how is damage handled?
Are events or outside visitors allowed?
Who is the local contact, and how fast can they get here?
What is the full cancellation policy?

Compare the total price, not the nightly rate. Cleaning fees, pet fees and taxes add up. In the city of Hot Springs, stays under 30 nights carry about 14.5% in state, county and city taxes, which Airbnb and Vrbo collect at checkout.

Stays we have checked

We only feature high-end stays here after we have confirmed the listing is real, active, and (inside city limits) licensed with the City of Hot Springs. We do not rank properties or accept payment for placement.

Verified stays

We only feature real, bookable luxury stays that we have confirmed with the host. None are listed yet. If you run one in Hot Springs and want it considered, email us or call 501.365.1001.

Common questions

Why is there no top 10 list here?

Our old list described properties we could not verify, so we removed it. We now feature only listings we have checked are real and licensed, and we do not rank them.

How much are taxes on a Hot Springs rental?

Inside city limits, stays under 30 nights carry about 14.5% in state, county and city taxes. Airbnb and Vrbo collect them at checkout.

Can a rental have a real hot spring tub?

Be skeptical. The park controls the thermal water and private sale of it is prohibited. The Buckstaff and Quapaw bathhouses on Bathhouse Row offer the actual thermal water.

Ask us about a stay

Send us your question about staying or hosting in Hot Springs and we will point you to the right local resource.

Sources

Questions about short-term rentals in Hot Springs?

Call or text 501.365.1001, or send a note and we will get back to you.

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