Fodor's Expert Review Crescent Hotel

Named one of America's "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this 1886 hotel, on 15 acres of grounds along the spine of the Ozark Mountains, is a Eureka Springs landmark. Originally built as a resort escape for Victorian gentility, it later became a bogus cancer hospital in an area known for healing waters. Since its multimillion-dollar refurbishment and reopening in 1997, the Crescent has added a conservatory, an expansive spa, a pizza bar, and a steak house restaurant complete with wine cellar. The newest addition to lodging options includes a collection of lodge-style cottages. Guests can learn about the hotel's past on morning history tours and nightly ghost tours.