Lookout Point Lakeside Inn in Hot Springs, Arkansas

There are many hotels and bathhouses in Hot Springs, Arkansas to suit every need or taste. Nightlife is abundant and in the early Spring, horse racing takes over the town. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Hot Springs, Lake Hamilton offers a welcome respite from the noise and crowds. One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains is to stay at one of the bed and breakfast hotels. On a recent trip to Hot Springs, we skipped the Bathhouse Row and made a beeline for Lookout Point Lakeside Inn, a lovely bed and breakfast overlooking Lake Hamilton.

Lookout Point Lakeside Inn was named one of the Top 150 Hotels by National Geographic Traveler, and on a recent trip to Hot Springs, it was easy to see why. While there is a lot to do and see in Hot Springs, it is possible to spend an entire week at the hotel and never see any of the rest of the town. We booked the Birdsong Room, which is labeled a "Cozy View" Room. It is one of the smallest rooms at the hotel, but it is still spacious and the decor was exquisite. Furnished with one queen sized bed and heavy furniture, the room was light and airy and had a beautiful view of the lake and a private sitting area. Oddly enough, there was no bathtub in the room, but the spacious shower with a rainwater shower head made up for the omission. Other rooms are available with whirlpool bathtubs and fireplaces.

Breakfast is cooked fresh every morning. On the first morning of out trip, we ate in the dining room as the morning outside was tool cool to enjoy the patio. The Raspberry Stuffed French Toast was worth the trip and the coffee was hot, plentiful and fresh. No other meals are provided, but delivery from local restaurants are available and the Inn owners will help make reservations at area restaurants.

The grounds and garden of Lookout Inn are elaborate and the landscaping makes good use of the area's natural beauty. Lake Hamilton is a prime recreational lake, and canoe rides and swimming are available in warmer months.