The Empress of Little Rock

I had business in Little Rock and was blown away with how beautiful this gem is during my stay. Sometimes with older places like this they can be a bit tired looking. That is not at all the case with The Empress. It is elegantly appointed at every turn and in pristine shape. My stay was like time travel to another era. When travels bring me to Little Rock again I will be staying here again.

During my visit to Little Rock, I wanted to experience a property that reflected the city's history, and The Empress exceeded every expectation. This beautifully restored Victorian mansion is far more than a place to stay—it's a destination in itself. From the moment you walk through the front door, you're surrounded by remarkable architectural details, original woodwork, stained glass, elegant furnishings, and beautifully preserved period décor. Every room invites you to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship of another era. As a travel photographer, I especially loved exploring the mansion with my camera. The grand staircase, richly decorated parlors, formal dining room, colorful stained-glass windows, and peaceful gardens provided endless opportunities for beautiful photographs. It's one of the most photogenic historic properties I've visited. The location also makes it easy to explore Little Rock's attractions while returning each evening to a peaceful and elegant setting. If you appreciate historic homes, boutique accommodations, architecture, or simply enjoy staying somewhere with genuine character instead of a standard hotel, I highly recommend The Empress. It was one of the highlights of my Arkansas road trip, and I would gladly stay here again on a future visit.

We stayed at this inn for four nights during our trip and found it to be absolutely beautiful. The property is exceptionally well kept, with stunning Victorian furnishings that give it so much character and charm. The environment is peaceful and inviting, with many lovely places to sit and relax both indoors and outside. The proprietor, James, was especially wonderful—kind, welcoming, and genuinely helpful throughout our stay. His warmth added greatly to the overall experience and we loved his dog Bernard! The only downside was the lack of amenities and services. While there was a coffee maker in the room and tea available in the hallway, that was the extent of what was offered. During our four-night stay, there was no housekeeping service at all: no garbage removal, no refilling of water bottles, no additional coffee pods, and no bed making. We ended up disposing of our own trash at the end of our stay. We were aware that breakfast was not included, but for such a beautiful—and not inexpensive—inn, we expected a bit more. Even small touches, such as a simple continental breakfast, pastries in the morning, or a glass of wine in the afternoon, would have made a big difference and felt more in line with the setting and price point. Overall, we did have a lovely stay and would recommend the inn for its beauty, ambiance, and gracious host. That said, the experience would be significantly improved if the inn “upped its game” when it comes to basic amenities and guest services.