Most people think of Arkansas as a remote, laid-back state with beautiful scenery but little more. In reality, my husband and I decided to take a trip for some much-needed R&R and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I had done quite a bit of research first, trying to find the “perfect” place, something nice, romantic, but also affordable. I found this charming bed and breakfast called Empress of the Little Rock or better known as “The Empress”.
This Victorian style inn was beautiful with each room conveying the sense of a private sitting are. The double staircase is made of cypress and walnut, with a gorgeous backdrop of a 64 square foot stained glass skylight. To relax in the evening, we spent time on the verandah but only after dining on an amazing dinner in the formal dining room. The entire visit had us in the lap of luxury, pampered from the minute we arrived to the time we left. If you want to stay in a bed and breakfast that is reminiscent of the “Gone with the Wind” era, The Empress is it.
Originally called the Hornibrook Mansion, this bed and breakfast was completed in 1888 for $20,000, which at that time was a significant amount of money. In addition to the massive stairway and stained glass window, other architectural features include a three and one-half story corner tower and octagonal shaped rooms. While still the Hornibrook Mansion, it served many purposes. For instance, it was at one time the Arkansas Women’s College, a nursing home, and even private residence and apartments. Fortunately, the mansion was restored and turned into a bed and breakfast.
Today, this Three Diamond AAA-rated inn is nothing less than charming. We wanted a place where we could have some down time, as well as rekindle our romance. The Empress was the perfect setting for doing just that. With everything done in a unique Gothic Queen Anne style, you almost feel as if you were living in another time. We also enjoyed the fact that during the day, we had a nice selection of things to do. For instance, nearby were golf, tennis, and fishing. Then in the evening, we spent time visiting a theater in Little Rock, all within walking distance to the bed and breakfast inn.