THE INN AT CARNALL HALL

Fayetteville

What visitors to Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas campus know today as the Inn at Carnall Hall was opened on the southeast corner of the iconic Old Main lawn in 1905 as an all-girls dormitory, the first of its kind in the state.

Since that noble birth more than a century ago, Carnall Hall has served a few more roles — Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house, office building and classroom hall. It has run the gamut of university function, and in the process, endeared itself to thousands of UA students, graduates, staff members and more.

In 1982, the building was placed on the National Register for Historic Places but by the turn of the century, Carnall Hall was little used and even scheduled for demolition as the university planned for future growth.

But in 2001, the building was saved through the work of UA supporters, local residents and preservationists, and two years later, a $6.3 million renovation was completed that included the restoration of the iconic front porch and first-floor staircases. A new vision was enabled, and Carnall Hall was listed as a member of Historic Hotels of America in 2004.

The inn’s historic past was infused with modern elements in 2018 with a redesigned lobby and elevated social spaces including the fine-dining destination, Ella’s Table, and the Lambeth Lounge.

This union of nostalgia with chic makes for a unique envi- ronment indeed. Whether one’s business is on campus or off, The Inn at Carnall Hall affords easy access to Razorback sporting venues, the Dickson Street entertainment district and downtown Fayetteville.

The Inn at Carnall Hall has become a favorite in Fayetteville, as Hog fans, business travelers and even wedding planners can attest. The inn has two fully appointed conference rooms and can accommodate weddings with up to 300 guests from April through October.

And it collaborates with the UA, providing employment opportunities for students and hosting workshops and networking events to support hospitality education, said General Manager Becky Cervantes.

“Our involvement in these initiatives reflects our commitment to providing outstanding service and promoting a culture of excellence in hospitality,” she said. “We are proud to work with the UofA hospitality program toward creating a vibrant hospitality community.”