Tag Archives: hotel

A hot spot in Hot Springs

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Once again, the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa in Arkansas is on the list of Top 100 Spas compiled by Spas of America.

Arlington Spa-2The Arlington’s Thermal Water Spa is unique in that guests bathe in the waters of the hot springs pumped directly into the hotel. The natural spring waters from the world-famous Hot Springs National Park flow out of the ground at a temperature of 143 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, how does that work? Thank Mother Nature. Rain in the watershed area sinks about a mile deep through faults and fractures. As it goes deep into the earth, it becomes heated by the natural heat of the earth. Hot water then rises quickly through a fault at the base of Hot Springs Mountain where the Arlington and world-famous Bath House Row are located.

Hot_Springs_062“We take great pride in the Thermal Water Spa, as well as our beauty and facial salon,”  Bob Martorana, general manager of The Arlington, said in a statement. “Our experienced, professional staff is dedicated to making all of our guests look and feel great.”

Many of the folks at the Arlington have been with the hotel for more than 30 years and their dedication shines through. It’s a unique place, steeped in character. Al Capone slept there.

The spa retains its vintage tubs, outfitted with what appear to be large electric mixers. It isn’t sleek or fancy but it sure gets the job done.

When I was a guest at the Arlington spa last year, I was greeted by Susan, who ushered me into the tub. After a good, hot soaking in swirling waters, Susan gave me a thorough scrub down, showered me off, wrapped me in towels and left me to rest on a chaise like a proper southern lady before being led to a sublimely relaxing 20-minute massage. Ahhh!

The list was featured in Healthy Living + Travel, and included spas in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Spas of America based its selections on the number of unique visitors to its website.

The Arlington has been a destination since 1875 when visitors from around the world would come to Hot Springs to bathe in the soothing thermal waters to heal and relax. Hot Springs National Park became “America’s Spa” and is the only national park in a city.

Bring your water bottle to the park downtown and get a free refill of this natural refresher from any of the public water fountains.

quapaw_baths_spa_poolIf you’re looking for an option that retains its sense of history but is completely restored try, Quapaw Baths. The state-of-the art bathhouse and spa offers four spacious soaking pools with Hot Springs’ natural waters in varying temperatures and is located a short stroll from the Alington down Central Avenue on historic Bath House Row.

Don’t miss the spectacular skylight sited over the pools. A full slate of spa services also is available.

 

Extra! Extra! The Scotsman delivers good news for guests

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The Scotsman, a luxury hotel sited in a Victorian era newspaper building, is good news for travelers to Edinburgh.

It’s so close to the Royal Mile of museums, shops and restaurants that a newsboy could easily hurl a Sunday paper there.

Extra! Extra! In addition to location, The Scotsman offers friendly, efficient service and such vintage charms as a coal fire glowing in the lobby grate. The magnificent Italian marble staircase, which the brass used to climb to the executive offices, remains in place.

I am upgraded to an editor’s suite, which features a bay window and an antique desk that might have been around when The Scotsman published its first newspaper at the site in 1905. Closets and the TV are behind raised-panel doors crafted from the deep, rich wood you would expect to find in the library of a country house in an Agatha Christie mystery novel. The windows are dressed with heavy, tweed curtains. The bathroom is large and well-appointed with a huge tub, heated towel rack and a radiator so efficient it will dry hastily rinsed socks in an hour flat.

The Scotsman also stocks Highland Aromatics, the best darn shampoos, lotions and soaps I have ever enjoyed on my travels. (More on the line in a future post.)

The hotel is part of Connoisseurs Scotland, an association for unique luxury properties throughout the country. Like a daily newspaper delivered to your doorstep, The Scotsman focuses on every-day courtesies. There is a chute in the entry way to the suite, where room service can deliver food and drink. I place my shoes in the chute for a complimentary shine. The next morning I find what appear to be new shoes. But, no! They are the same, serviceable Mary Janes, splendidly cleaned and polished.

There’s also the North Bridge Brasserie, the hotel restaurant, which focuses on traditional Scottish fare and locally sourced produce, meats and fish. A few nibbles from a recent menu: roasted North Sea squid with smoked Shetland mussel fritters; Loch Lomond Arctic char with a warm salad of Ayrshire new potatoes and grilled leeks; and Chef Paul Hart’s twist on traditional Scottish haggis, topped with Glenfiddich single malt whisky jelly.

With his piercing blue eyes and bristle of white hair, Ivor, the affable and efficient doorman, looks a lot like my grandfather, Allan Sinclair II, whose father hailed from Scotland. Ivor, who donned his kilt when the hotel opened in 2001, is grandfatherly in his helpfulness, patiently giving directions to the spa through The Scotsman’s warren of corridors.

The cavernous space that once accommodated the presses is now home to a stainless steel swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by other aquatic amenities, including a steam room, hot and cold shower heads and a whirlpool spa.

Both the pool and fitness center are open to local members, which gives guests an opportunity to mingle with Edinburgh natives. Chatting with the locals in a bubbling whirlpool is a decidedly civilized way to gather shopping tips.

Prices start at around $250 for a studio room, including VAT, full Scottish breakfast and spa access. Expect a copy of The Scotsman at your door, bright and early.