New arrivals to Eureka Springs, Ark. are bathed in history.
In the 19th century, this town attracted visitors to its 63 mineral springs. It was thought the water had healing powers. The steep, narrow, winding streets reveal so many preserved Victorian buildings and historic homes that the town is listed as a distinctive destination with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
It's only natural for a visitor to choose an authentic Victorian-style home for an overnight stay. But can a budget traveler afford a bed and breakfast stay in such a tourist-oriented town?
The Benton Place Inn
As I turned onto a steep side street to escape the downtown traffic, I noticed a sign that read "Benton Place Inn" and "Luxury Accommodations." Most budget travelers who are not celebrating a honeymoon or some other special occasion bypass such properties in favor of a more spartan place to spend the night.
Bed and breakfasts are typically fairly small, family-run operations. They often book up months in advance for popular times of year, and some require a minimum stay of several nights, especially on sought-after weekend dates. The Benton Place Inn is no exception.
But on this rainy weeknight in the off season, the small off street parking lot appeared empty. A quick call to proprietor Rebecca Pope revealed there were two vacant rooms.
Let's Make a Deal
It is often possible to bargain for rooms in resort areas during the off season, even at luxury bed and breakfast properties. Although I did not see the Benton Place Inn site, a brief pre-trip search revealed Eureka Springs bed and breakfasts in the $150-$300/night range. That's why I did not make a reservation.
If I had tried to reserve a room at Benton Place Inn on their Web site prior to leaving home, the rate was $155 USD/night. When you consider the amenities offered here, that price represents an excellent value.
But on this night, $155 was more than I wanted to pay for a simple overnight stay. Because it was late on a Thursday afternoon in the off season, the proprietor offered me my choice of rooms for $100 USD plus tax. That's better than 50 percent off the usual rate.
Sold! She had a room rented for the night, and I had a Eureka Springs bargain.
Quiet, Privacy and Value
It's best to explore the stores and attractions of downtown Eureka Springs on foot. Parking spaces in the town can be scarce and expensive.
But guests at Benton Place Inn park for free in off street parking and walk a few hundred feet to Main St. One side note: the walk between the Inn and Main is rather steep, and might be difficult for those with physical challenges.
You won't find Benton Place Inn marketed as a budget property. A closer look inside shows why that label doesn't apply.
Inside my room, called the "Memories Suite", there is a huge stone fireplace that is gas-powered and easily controlled. A modern, two-person jacuzzi was equally easy to operate.
Stained glass pieces and art objects filled the three-room suite, but modern convenience is also in evidence: a microwave oven, toaster and coffee maker in the breakfast room, and a flat screen television is mounted to the bedroom wall.
Each room has its own private balcony or sitting area, but the noise of the town below is muffled by a large stand of trees.
Breakfast on my visit was muffins, in-room coffee and orange juice that chilled overnight in the room's small refrigerator. Big breakfast lovers would be disappointed, but the money I saved would buy several large meals in nearby restaurants.
One other note: this inn is not for families. It's strictly single travelers or couples only. There is a designated area for smokers.
Lesson Learned
A simple spiral notebook sits by the door in the Memories Suite. It is filled with short, handwritten testimonials from past guests who enjoyed the detailed pampering they received here. A drawer in the bedroom filled with brochures for area attractions also contains a collection of similar notebooks that date back many years. Ratings on TripAdvisor are equally generous.
Lesson learned: at the right time and place (in this case, off season during a weeknight) it is possible to realize significant savings on already-reasonable prices.
Don't expect this opportunity at every bed and breakfast establishment, and don't judge harshly those who cannot make such an offer. These small businesses face a variety of financial challenges unique to their location and the condition of their buildings.
But don't expect a place that proclaims itself a luxury location is automatically out of your price range, either. Bed and breakfasts are for more than special occasions. Budget travelers can find ways to add them to a low cost trip and enjoy memorable stays.
