The Best Western Inn set in the Ozark Mountains introduced us to the picturesque town of Eureka Springs, known for its Victorian architecture, historic charm, and natural beauty.
Unplanned Extended Visit in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
We needed a hotel to stay in the Eureka Springs area to break up a long drive to Branson, Missouri. We asked our Arkansas friends for a hotel recommendation and they immediately suggested the Best Western Inn of The Ozarks in Eureka Springs. We were pleased to hear that the inn won a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award last year so that fact and with a reasonable room rate sealed the deal.
But … not only was the inn a convenient location, but we also discovered that Eureka Springs in Arkansas is actually a very cool place to visit. So, we turned a one night stay into an exciting three night stay filled with memorable sightseeing.
About Ozark Mountains and Eureka Springs
The Ozarks, also known as the Ozark Mountains or Ozark Plateau, not only spans 50,000 square miles but it also touches four different states: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. This region features adventurous beauty, rivers and lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, and caverns. With such Ozark beauty surrounding the Eureka Springs area, we were welcomed with a delightful blend of nature, culture, and adventure.
Eureka Springs can be described as a charming historic town with unique shopping, excellent restaurants, hiking and biking trails, wineries, music, parks, and lakes. However, what I’ll explain more in detail later, the most amazing attraction was a popular faith-based attraction, The Great Passion Play. Perhaps Eureka Springs was a Divinely-guided stopover on our way to Branson.
About Best Western Inn of The Ozarks
The inn is nestled on 30 wooded acres, giving it a resort style feel rather than a simple inn. While most of us grew up staying at not so nice Best Western motels on long car trips, the Best Western Inn Of The Ozarks is a really nice place to stay. And the free parking right out front of our second floor suite was a much appreciated convenience.
The inn’s location was perfect for exploring Eureka Springs where we found so much to do that we would have needed even more than three days to see it all. The inn is less than one mile from downtown and a quick 2.2 miles from The Great Passion Play. It was such a cool feature to see that the inn is a stop on the historic Eureka Springs Trolley route. I’ll take a trolley ride any day, so much fun.
Things to Do at the Inn
Our stay at the Best Western Inn of The Ozarks in Eureka Springs turned out to be more than just a place to sleep. There are fun family activities onsite in addition to the popular Myrtie Mae’s Café right on inn property. Imagine the fun of swimming in the pool or soaking in the hot tub while enjoying a poolside movie at night on a big screen. The Family Fun Game Center features a playground, miniature golf, ping pong table, and corn hole. There are also sports courts where you can play pickleball, tennis, and basketball.
Located inside the inn, Myrtie Mae’s Cafe offers home-style country food in a casual setting. We enjoyed breakfast, lunch, dinner, and some really delicious homemade desserts. The huge salad bar with many great options is a showstopper and reminds me of the salad bars that many restaurants featured back in the day. It’s no wonder that Myrtie Mae’s has won several awards, including “Best Family Style Dining” by the Arkansas Times. Try the Steak & Eggs breakfast, Chicken and Waffles featuring a large piece of Myrtie’s Famous Fried Chicken for lunch, and go for the open-faced hot roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes for dinner.
We Appreciated the Inviting Accommodations
The 122 guest rooms and suites at the inn are spacious and feature plush top beds and fluffy pillows. This inn may be older and not considered luxury accommodations, but it was decorated nicely, super clean, and a reasonably priced place to stay. Our suite featured a separate bedroom, living room, wet bar, and sofa bed. Our suite did not have a “jacuzzi for 2” like some other suites do, but the extra room space was appreciated. The plush top mattress and special pillows made for a good sleep. The comfortable desk area was a nice perk to catch up on reading emails. The private balcony offered a picturesque view of the lush green forest area. In addition to free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and coffee maker, there was a large bathroom area with lots of counter space.
Our Eureka Springs Highlights
Eureka Springs is known for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque views, rich history, and vibrant arts scene. From our location at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks we had easy access to many local attractions, some just a quick drive away with our car or hopping on the trolley. Our unexpected getaway in Arkansas went from really nice to spectacular when we stepped foot into the awe-inspiring Thorncrown Chapel. Our visit became even more spiritually emotional when we got to see the magnificent Christ of The Ozarks statue in person followed by seeing a production of the Great Passion Play.
- Thorncrown Chapel is a beautiful glass structure set in a peaceful forest setting just outside of town. This architectural wonder is renowned for its beautiful design and peaceful setting of its natural surroundings. So special that it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Christ of the Ozarks statue is a monumental 67 foot tall statue of Christ. Once we stopped paying homage to the statue, we watched the Great Passion Play theatrical production. An extremely talented cast of 150 actors in biblical costumes present the last days of Jesus Christ.
In addition to our “spiritual highlights” in Eureka Springs, we hopped on the trolley to explore the downtown Eureka Springs Historic District. This popular area features historic buildings, beautiful architecture, and many restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
Key Takeaways
- Select from 122 guest rooms and suites
- Convenient motel-style parking steps from accommodations
- Delicious on-site dining at Myrtie Mae’s Cafe
- Family Fun Game Center makes for a resort-like setting
- Friendly staff always ready to assist with your needs
- Perfect location to downtown Eureka Springs attractions and activities
- Eureka Springs Trolley System stops right at the inn
- Full glass Thorncrown Chapel is a must-see attraction
- Nearby, marvel at the 67 foot tall Christ of the Ozarks statue
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Best Western Inn of The Ozarks have an onsite restaurant?
Yes, the award-winning Myrtie Mae’s Café is onsite, serving delicious home-style food in a casual setting. Choose the famous Ozark Fried Chicken in addition to soups, burgers, sandwiches, and a generous salad bar.
- Does the inn have a pool and other kid-friendly activities?
Yes, the inn features a large outdoor swimming pool and a Family Fun Game Center. Inn guests can enjoy the playground, miniature golf course, ping pong table, and corn hole. There is also a pickleball court.
- What is the Eureka Springs Transit Trolley System?
The trolley system provides transportation throughout the city. Pickup is located in the inn parking lot. Cost is $5.00 for an all-day pass.
- Can I hold my wedding reception at the inn?
Yes, weddings are celebrated at the inn surrounded by picturesque, wooded views. Ceremonies can be an intimate gathering at a poolside pavilion or a more elaborate reception in the ballroom.
- Can the inn serve as a business meeting venue?
Yes, the inn hosts business meetings and conferences in a large, 18,000 square feet convention center. Both indoor and outdoor venues provide custom event planning.
Final Thoughts
We enjoyed our stay at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks. The suite with a balcony made us feel special even though it was a simple inn set in a resort-style location. The environment was a peaceful and quiet, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for relaxing while also enjoying great food. I’m still amazed at how this location intended for a pitstop during a long drive turned a one night stay into a three night stay. We will stay at the inn again if we find ourselves in the area.
Author Bio: Originally from Long Island, New York, Donna Wright now calls Deland, Florida her home. An avid traveler, she has journeyed by air, land, and sea, to many cities in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean to exciting destinations like California, Arizona, Las Vegas, San Diego, Myrtle Beach, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and more.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered travel or consumer advice. Inn amenities, prices, policies, and availability may change. Readers should verify all details independently and use their own judgment when planning travel.