Hot Springs National Park
 

I'm interested in visiting Hot Springs National Park and would like anyone's comments on it. <BR> <BR>I've been to the National Park Service Web site, but I think I'm more confused now than before I started. <BR> <BR>Any comments, esp. from people who did the spa treatment would be appreciated. <BR> <BR>Kate

If you'll forget the national park aspect and just think of the springs themselves, things will be clearer for you. The "hot springs" have been tapped into by a number of downtown hotels and bathhouses. I've had the spa treatments several places, including the Arlington Hotel and the Buckstaff bathhouse. In my opinion, the Buckstaff was superior. Bear in mind, however, that these facilities are VERY old - decades old - so don't expect anything modern.

My family owns a timeshare condo at a resort in Hot Springs, so we go every year. My husband and I actually had our honeymoon there! <BR> <BR>We did the spa treatment at the Buckstaff and were highly impressed. As hubby said, "I feel like a piece of cooked spaghetti!" They have several treatments, a bath in the hot water, and then a Swedish massage. Ahhh.... It is about $25 per person. <BR> <BR>Be sure and tour the other bathhouses along Bathhouse Row. They are architectural wonders, especially the one with the lovely stained glass ceiling. <BR> <BR>If you like antique hunting, Arkansas is PARADISE! <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!

Have never taken a spa treatment, but will tell you the National Park is in the middle of town, about the size of a municipal park, with a few fumaroles and springs with hot water bubbling out for viewing. Next to these are several historic spas, only one still in operation (once these spas could no longer advertise they could cure all diseases, business went down). <BR> <BR>Thus, the park is more of historic interest than scenery or nature. But still not bad for a getting a slice of Americana now gone.

Thanks everyone. I figured the hot springs were in a remote location, like most national parks. Didn't even occur to me it could be in a town. <BR> <BR>Have a good holiday weekend everyone!