DESTINATION
By Kara Isham
A Guide to the Perfect Staycation
The cities of Northwest Arkansas are growing and changing, adding more hotel options and restaurant choices to their respective downtowns and commercial areas. For couples looking for a little staycation, where they can relax in a comfortable room and dine at some of the best restaurants in the area, there are a multitude of options.
The Compton (Photos by Treimer Creative)
Bentonville
Downtown Bentonville is one of the fastest-growing areas for those looking for both unique hotel accommodations and diverse dining options.
One of the original “stay and dine” options in downtown Bentonville is 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville and its in-house restaurant, The Hive. 21c is known for its focus on contemporary and eclectic art that is showcased throughout the lobby, guest rooms and gallery spaces. The hotel’s on-site museum is free to the public and open 24/7, offering accessibility to contemporary art. The Hive offers a seasonal menu, led by chef Micah Klasky, that is described as “High South” dining featuring dishes representing the unique culinary identity of our region.
A newer addition to area lodging and dining options, the Motto by Hilton Bentonville, is located on South Main Street directly across from The Ledger. The hotel and its on-site dining, Junto and Bar Kapu, give guests an escape to Asia. The hotel interiors are a chic and modern vibe blending organic and artful touches. The hotel’s main restaurant, Junto, is led by chef Masa Hamaya and Indigo Road Hospitality Group, and offers a Japanese-inspired menu with seasonal small plates, sushi, sashimi and omakase. The beautiful restaurant creates the perfect romantic atmosphere and a unique dining experience. After dinner, couples can enjoy drinks at Bar Kapu, a tiki bar with grilled bites and a laid-back setting.
The most recently opened downtown hotel is The Compton, named for local preservationist Dr. Neil Compton. The hotel focuses on the accomplishments and beauty of the region, with modern spaces that include a skylit lobby, terrace and views from many guest rooms. The Compton features three dining options. Sestina, a refined Arkansas steakhouse, offers handmade pastas, classic steaks and a rich wine selection, merging local ingredients with Italian traditions. Led by chef Corrin Ellis, the restaurant uses seasonal ingredients to create bold, shareable dishes. Guests can also enjoy handmade pastries, fresh coffee and light bites at The Compton’s all-day café, Field Notes, which offers patio dining. And The Eddy is perfect for post-dinner drinks, with handcrafted cocktails and spectacular views overlooking the Bentonville Square. Through March, The Compton is offering a grand opening package that includes special room rates and $50 in food and drink credit.
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All these hotels are also within walking distance to other Bentonville restaurants and bars; Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is close by.
Junto (Photo by Meredith Mashburn)
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A little farther from the square but located near the Momentary and directly on the new Walmart Home Office campus is the new AC Hotel Bentonville featuring Falfurrias Rooftop Lounge. The lounge offers craft cocktails, shareable bites and scenic views. The hotel is also near the restaurants and shops at 8th Street Marketplace, other local favorites such as Table on 6th Restaurant and Blu Fish House, and the new shops and restaurants open to the public on the Walmart campus. For a memorable experience, couples can end the evening with cocktails and a spectacular view of Bentonville at the Tower Bar at the Momentary.
Fayetteville
Downtown Fayetteville offers couples a variety of unique staycation options. One such offering is a stay at the historic Inn at Carnall Hall. Located on the University of Arkansas campus, the hotel offers common spaces and guest rooms that are warm, refined and comfortable. The inn’s celebrated restaurant, Ella’s Table, is known for its comfort food with added sophistication. The menu features rich, Southern dishes crafted by talented chefs. Guests can also enjoy signature cocktails, scotches and craft beers at the inn’s relaxing Lambeth Lounge.
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​Also downtown, the Graduate by Hilton offers nostalgia with a more modern vibe. With its colorful and creative interiors, the hotel features Trophy Room, a bar and restaurant offering comfort food staples, quick bites and a fun atmosphere for drinks. Close to the bars and restaurants of Dickson Street and the rest of downtown, couples can pair dinner and drinks with a show at Walton Arts Center or a night of live music at George’s Majestic Lounge.
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A little farther from downtown but still close to the U of A, Moxy Fayetteville is located in the South Yard area. The hotel features a fresh and fun atmosphere with a lobby that doubles as a living room, with cozy nooks and outdoor fire pits. The heartbeat of the hotel is Bar Moxy, which serves craft cocktails and other bold drinks. Couples can meet up with friends or catch a DJ set. The hotel is near Fayetteville Taco & Tamale Co., or couples can enjoy a coffee at The Meteor.
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Photos courtesy of The Stonebreaker
Even farther afield, couples can retreat to The Stonebreaker Hotel located on Markham Hill for some seclusion and relaxation. Recently renovated with simplicity in mind, the historic Victorian house is paired with the nearby barn that hosts weddings and other events. Chef Justin Murrah helms The Stonebreaker Restaurant, which features local dishes of regional fare. The restaurant’s evolving seasonal menu has ties to local farming and is based on cozy flavors and innovative touches. The restaurant will offer a special Valentine’s three-course prix-fixe dinner as well as a Stay & Dine Valentine’s Day package. Through March, the hotel will also feature a Wine & Dine package featuring dining credit and a bottle of wine as well as the Let it Snow package featuring a two-night escape with nightly hot cocoa and two complimentary mugs. On Feb. 27, the hotel will also host a Rom-Com Movie Night at the Barn from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. that the community is invited to attend.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Avail
Rogers & Springdale
One of the newest stay and dine options in Rogers is the Hotel Avail located in the Pinnacle area. This hotel has elegant and modern décor and features Oak Steakhouse, which provides an amazing view from a light and airy dining room. Along with its notable steaks, such as its dry-aged beef, the restaurant also serves a variety of oysters, seafood dishes, small plates and various shareable sides.
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With a focus on service and hospitality, Oak is the perfect place for that special-occasion meal. There is also plenty to do in this area, including shopping at Pinnacle Hills Promenade, taking on the challenge of Topgolf, enjoying a musical act at the Walmart AMP or having drinks at Rendezvous Junction Brewing Co., Ashleigh Wine & Sake Lounge or Fox Trail Distillery. Other nearby restaurants include the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Loma and Melting Pot. And Isabella’s Italian is not too far down the road, offering a romantic and welcoming atmosphere.
Not to be left out of the staycation options, downtown Springdale is experiencing a revitalization, with many newer restaurants calling it home. It also offers a new luxury boutique hotel with The Star on Spring. Located directly across from Walter Turnbow Park and the Razorback Greenway, this hotel blends 1920s-era architecture with modern innovation, having both historic charm and an art-deco design. Though there is no on-site restaurant, the hotel does offer breakfast and lunch room service available for purchase from HomeGrown Kitchen. Other nearby restaurants include Gaskins on Emma, Bistro 16, Casa Alejo, The Odd Soul and more.
