THE WATERS

Hot Springs

The Waters Hotel officially opened in 2017, but its roots go back nearly a century. Located on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs’ Central Avenue Historic District, the Waters makes its home in the Thompson Building, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks dating back to 1913. Designed by George R. Mann, the principal architect of the Arkansas State Capitol, the structure features Corinthian pilasters and glazed terra cotta frontings. The building’s vintage details were preserved as the hotel underwent multimilliondollar renovations, giving guests the chance to connect with the history of Hot Springs while enjoying modern amenities.

These restorations came about thanks to the work of local architects Bob Kempkes and Anthony Taylor and investment banker Robert Zunick, who purchased the building in 2014. In 2020, the 62-room boutique hotel joined the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a portfolio of hotels selected for their singular styles and personalities. Further investment in the hotel came earlier this year from Denver-based company 5 Senses Hospitality, which has been actively managing the property since 2022.

Though Hot Springs is known as an ideal stop for tourists, The Waters is also uniquely suited for business travelers. Its location makes it a perfect venue for corporate gatherings, and its proximity to the city’s entertainment and natural offerings gives guests a variety of ways to blow off steam.

The Whippoorwill Room is a private meeting and event space at The Waters that accommodates up to 40 guests. There’s also The Avenue, a full-service restaurant and lounge, and The Rooftop, Hot Springs’ only rooftop bar, offering a view of both downtown and the Ouachita Mountain scenery. The hotel has a number of city-view rooms overlooking Central Avenue and Hot Springs National Park.