The Empress of Little Rock — Hotel in Little Rock

I have never stayed at a better place in my life. It was more than "a home away from home" for my spouse and I. The Empress gives that warm feeling you get while waking up on a Saturday morning at grandma's house to the smell of a wonderful breakfast coupled with unlimited treasures all of the place, each with a unique story.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a warm welcome and briefed about our reservation. We stayed in the Cook's Cottage Suite. It was nice and private. It was too cold to fully enjoy the sun porch but it was still beautiful and I hope to return soon when its warmer. There is a full kitchen available. The living room is also extremely comfortable with a giant big comfy couch (that I did enjoy a short nap on moments after sitting down). There is also a washer/dryer included in the Cottage. The master suite was very cozy and comes with rear reading room that my wife and I held a short devotional together before bed. The 2nd room was also very cozy. I think my parents enjoyed that bed a little too much because after dinner, I never saw them again and only heard snores until the morning.

In between check-in and going to dinner that night. My wife and I sat in the mansion and spoke for several hours. I think it was around 4 or maybe 5 hours, just learning about the home. We hadn't even ventured into the dining room, library, living room or upstairs or to the tower yet. We simply sat and talked in the drawing room until the sun went down. Coming from Los Angeles and the tumultuous fires, it was nice to find peace where we could. I just wish it were a little warmer to have went and sat in the zen garden to meditate and reflect on life.

Going back to what I said earlier about breakfast, that too was phenomenal. Coupled with coffee, tea, OJ, and water we were given waffles, bacon and fresh fruit. My mouth is watering right now. Even after checking out, I had a few hours to kill before my next event and instead of exploring more of Little Rock, I wanted to learn more and more about the home.

That being said, I didn't even visit the Carriage House. I hope to stay in the The Hemingway Spa Suite or The Majestic Spa Suite next time.

There is just so many things to talk about but I won't spoil any stories or info tidbits. You have to spend a night here, even if only for one night (as Luther says). I highly recommend it. I hope to stay here much longer on my next visit.

As for location: the home is nearby a Walgreens and other restaurants and not far from downtown at all. There is also a fun escape room mansion nearby. There is a small parking lot/drive way and ample street...

Our experience at The Empress of Little Rock was nothing short of magic, thanks to Keith & Antonio. From the moment we arrived, it was evident that they put their hearts and souls into creating a truly remarkable experience for their guests.

The mansion itself exudes character and history, with every nook and cranny telling a story of times gone by. Keith and Antonio's attention to detail in the restoration is absolutely impeccable, and it's clear that they have poured their passion into preserving the mansion's original charm.

Upon our arrival, we were delighted to find out that they had graciously upgraded our room to the carriage house. It was a beautiful and spacious retreat, perfect for celebrating my birthday. To top it off, they had thoughtfully arranged local pastries for us, adding an extra touch of warmth and hospitality.

Keith and Antonio's knowledge of the mansion's history was truly impressive. They took the time to give us a grand tour, sharing captivating stories and anecdotes along the way. It was fascinating to learn about the mansion's past and the people who had once called it home.

Not only were they well-versed in the mansion's history, but they were also incredibly knowledgeable about the city of Little Rock itself. They provided us with excellent recommendations for restaurants and attractions, ensuring that we had a memorable experience exploring the area.

One of the highlights of our stay was the delicious breakfast that Keith prepared each morning. We would eagerly gather on the veranda, enjoying the beautiful surroundings while savoring the mouthwatering dishes he crafted.

As we enjoyed our breakfast, Antonio would regale us with captivating stories from his illustrious career. His charisma and charm made for delightful company, and we found ourselves thoroughly entertained by his anecdotes.

Lastly, we cannot thank Keith and Antonio enough for welcoming our beloved pup into their home. It can be challenging to find pet-friendly accommodations, but they went above and beyond to provide a safe and secure fenced-in garden where our furry friend could roam freely. Their thoughtfulness and consideration made our stay even more special.

In conclusion, we wholeheartedly recommend Keith and Antonio's charming Victorian mansion to anyone seeking a truly exceptional experience. Their genuine warmth, attention to detail, and passion for hospitality create an atmosphere that is both inviting and unforgettable. We are grateful for the memories we made during our stay and cannot wait to return to this hidden gem in Little Rock. Pejy,...

This is such a lovely place! It's beautiful, comfortable, and the owners are very friendly.

Okay, rundown time.

When you get there, you'll climb up a few steps to get to the porch. Be sure you can carry your luggage! You can't let it roll up the steps outside or the stairs inside. When we arrived, we were greeted at the side door, which has a numeric keypad lock. The code is on the back of the keys to your room, so no worries about forgetting it and being locked out for the night!

Inside, you'll climb a flight of stairs to get to your room. There's a landing in the middle, and the topmost stairs are carpeted.

On the second floor, you'll see the doors to the rooms, and they each have a small placard with its name. You'll find a couple of cups (sealed, I assume for Covid), two glasses, and a bottle of water. You can get more, too, if you're like me and end up drinking all of it within an hour! The cups, glasses, and water were replenished in the morning when the room was cleaned.

Now, I can only speak to the Washburn Welch room, but I assume the others are similar. There was an iron, ironing board, hair dryer, and two robes available. There was an overhead light and fan as well as three lamps. There was also a television with instructions on accessing love Hulu.

In the bathroom, there was an overhead as well as lights above the mirror. The bathroom was stocked with lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and a packet of stuff to add to your bath (I think bath salts?).

Outside the room on the second floor, the was a cabinet, mini fridge, and Keurig. The cabinet held a variety of coffee k-cups, tea bags, and snacks, along with sugar, Splenda, creamer, coffee stirrers, and a small trash bin.

As I've mentioned in other reviews, I'm on a very strict medical diet. They worked with me to find something I could eat both mornings I was there, and it was delicious! The first morning, we had breakfast at 10, and since it was hot by then, we ate in the lovely dining room. The next morning at 9, it was cool enough for us to eat on the porch. Along with the food was coffee, a variety of tea bags, hot water, sugar, and milk.

Really, the whole experience was so lovely that my husband and I decided we'd stay here any time we have to stay in...