Eureka Springs offers a wide variety of accomodations. In over two decades of visting we have stayed at many places, and read through a lot of guest books, as well has having some fantastic and negative experiences with innkeepers.
Here’s some tips to finding the place that suits you!
1. Do your research. After finding a likely spot, search the Internet for reviews.
Our first pick for our Spring 2008 trip was turning into a strange situation and my experience with innkeepers has made me wary. Luckily for us I did some further investigation via the Internet and ran across several bad reviews of her accommodations. One being that the inside of the house was not well cared for (this had been a problem at a previous visit with a different innkeeper), and that another visitor had their credit card charged even though they had cancelled with a month to spare.
Take these reviews seriously (while being aware that there are two sides to every story). Two or more reviews about issues, without any sort of resolution by the innkeeper, is a need for you to be concerned.
2. Be aware that the majority of Eureka Springs lodging (excluding hotels) are run by a private individual renting out a small space. Of course there are two sides to any story, and some places will not suit some folks. Personally, I’ve found the most unhappy people are those who were expecting one thing, only to find another.
Realize that these places are not run like hotels with full service breakfast, ample parking, phone service with cable television, new building, and a maid each morning. You may find it lacking in linen (if you stay more then two nights), without a breakfast, or it may not be cleaned to your hotel standards. These houses are old (some over 100 years) and they do creak, sometimes have drafts, and parking can be at a premium.
Know what you need to enjoy yourself. For us we look for: privacy, quietness (many downtown locations are noisey especially during high tourism times), and charm. Downers for us are: cutesy, overdecorated Victorian “granny” look, located on busy streets, and multi-room/suite locations.
3. We’ve had many problems with deposits for our vacations to Eureka. Because innkeepers are usually small operations you may be asked to send a deposit in advance, and in cash. Do not send your deposit until you are absolutely sure you are going – most likely there will not be a refund of any kind if you cancel.
Send your deposit with a Return Receipt so you know it was received by the innkeeper. Because you may not see the innkeeper during your stay, find out beforehand how you will settle your bill. Make sure you understand the establishments’ cancellation policy. If you have any fear your credit card will be billed even though you cancelled ahead of time, ask your credit card for a one-time use charge number (they do this for Internet purchases to prevent identity theft).
For us personally, it makes our vacation easier if we don’t have to worry about paying off things with a checkout – so we pay ahead. You may find an official checkout with the innkeeper often doesn’t happen so check and find out what your Innkeeper’s policies are for checkout.
4. Look over photos of your accomodations to prevent many a disappointment. Our original choice for our Spring 2008 trip had no clear interior photos of the house. Again, this should have been a tip off to me, but live and let learn. The fortunate part is that she got someone else in the accommodations and we didn’t obligate ourselves to a chancy situation.
5. Location again is probably the biggest plus and minus. Eureka Springs has steep inclines throughout the town and getting back to your homebase may be all uphill. OTOH being downtown puts you in the thick of things and though easy to get to shops, galleries and restaurants it also means it can be quite noisy.
Just remember to do your homework and you won’t be disappointed. Eureka Springs has many wonderful places – all with their own distinctive atmosphere – and there is bound to be one for you.
