Clarion Resort on the Lake

This relaxed and casual resort hosts both tourists and business groups here to attend events. As one of the older hotels in the area, it's well-maintained and has a pleasant lobby brightened by attractive tan tiling with brown accents that give it a geometric look. The handsome, reddish-brown front desk is topped in granite, and a brown leather sofa and two upholstered chairs create a cozy seating area. A brick archway leads to the Classics Bar & Grill, a fun and energetic spot that’s chock full of sports memorabilia and bright colors. In warm weather, the sandy beach, pool deck, and boat dock fill with guests soaking up the sun and taking in the views.

The Clarion Resort sits on the shores of scenic Lake Hamilton, about 11 minutes south of downtown Hot Springs by car and 13 minutes from the Hot Springs National Park Visitors Center. A couple of restaurants are within a three-minute walk, and a boat and Jet Ski rental is a seven-minute walk or one-minute drive away. A car rental office is across the road. Otherwise, it’s a somewhat secluded spot. The Oaklawn Race Track and Casino is a seven-minute drive away, while the Memorial Field Airport is a 12-minute drive, and the Magic Springs Water and Theme Park is a 17-minute drive from the property. Little Rock and its airport are about an hour's drive, and it's about a 90-minute drive to the Little Rock Air Force Base.

With popcorn ceilings and dated textiles, the Clarion Resort on the Lake's 151 rooms show their age. Gold and burnt orange -- seen in the accent walls, artwork, striped drapes, and bedspreads -- dominate the color palette. The matching wood furniture, finished in a light reddish-brown, creates an amber glow, complemented by blue-and-tan striped carpeting with wavy black lines. Many rooms, but not all, have balconies, with full or partial lake views. Rooms have single king or queen beds, or two double beds. King Rooms have desks with office chairs and upholstered easy chairs with matching ottomans. Doubles have oval tables with two upholstered chairs in lieu of desks and easy chairs. Some King Suites have sofa beds as well. Bathrooms, which could also use an upgrade, have small, tan-granite vanities, tan tile floors, and beige acrylic shower/tub combos. Some guests have complained about stained carpeting and bathrooms that could be cleaner. While the hotel is nonsmoking, past guests complained of lingering cigarette smells. All rooms include coffeemakers, safes, microwaves, voice mail, mini-fridges, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

Features here make the most of the lakefront location: The hotel has a private boat dock with several slips for guests' use, and a sandy beach area with a playground, picnic tables, a sand volleyball court that’s adjacent to the large, L-shaped pool with a seven-foot deep end. There's a whirlpool on the sundeck as well, with loungers and tables that overlook the lake. The Classics Sports Bar & Grill, filled with sports memorabilia, is popular with guests and local residents alike, serving American classics for breakfast (a full buffet), lunch, and dinner. It also has billiards tables and several arcade games in an adjacent game room. The fitness center is small, with a limited array of cardio- and weight-training equipment. There is a business center with a computer station and printer, plus 9,000 square feet of meeting space. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and parking is free too, along with weekday newspapers in the lobby. A coin-operated lobby and valet dry cleaning and laundry services are available.