IMHO, the best hotel in Hot Springs as well as one of the best in the South is the Arlington. When I stay there, I feel like it's 80 or 90 years ago. Everytime I go to Hot Springs, I stay there and I've never been disappointed

Although, I think for spa treatment the best course is to walk down the street and get the real deal at the Buckstaff Bath House...The Arlington also has acess to the waters and has a whole floor dedicated to spa treatment.

The Arlington is downtown, so lake acess would be a problem from there. There is a hotel right on the water on the right as you go into town. I think it's a Clarion. It's where the ducks go into the water. Be careful, I heard someone died on a duck not too long ago.

Anymore questions about Hot Springs, just ask. It's one of my favorite places

The big resort right on the water at Lake Catherine is SunBay, and it is timeshares. They might have rooms for rent. (We're owners there.)

The Buckstaff is THE place to go for the royal treatment! DON'T miss it!

I agree that the Buckstaff is the best place for a spa treatment and/or massage. However, I have to disagree about the Arlington. It is considered one of the best places to stay in Hot Springs, but it's old and in need of repair. The rooms aren't anything special and even the suites have tiny bathrooms and furniture that looks like it is from the 50s.

I think the above post about staying out at the lake is a better idea.