Nestled in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas, stands a grand hotel with a past as rich in history as it is in mystery — the Arlington Hotel. For over a century, this iconic Southern landmark has attracted travelers looking for luxury, history buffs seeking tales of the past, and, of course, paranormal enthusiasts drawn to its ghostly legends. Whether you’re soaking in its famous mineral baths or roaming its storied halls after dark, the Arlington offers a one-of-a-kind experience. And if you’re hoping to encounter something—or someone—otherworldly, this might be the place for you.
The History
Beginnings of a Landmark
The Arlington Hotel first opened its doors in 1875, making it one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in Arkansas. The original structure, known affectionately as the “Old Arlington,” was built by Samuel W. Fordyce, a Civil War veteran and prominent railroad tycoon, who envisioned a luxurious resort capitalizing on Hot Springs’ famous thermal waters.
The hotel quickly became a popular destination for elite travelers, drawn to the city for its healing baths and vibrant social scene. Visitors included luminaries like Al Capone, Babe Ruth, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and other high-profile guests seeking both leisure and discretion.
The Rebuilds
Over its long history, the Arlington Hotel has seen three different buildings erected on its foundation. The first, built in 1875, was razed in 1893 to make way for a grander, more elegant version. That second hotel, boasting electric lights and modern amenities for the time, tragically burned down in 1923.
The current structure, completed in 1924, is a striking example of Spanish Revival architecture and stretches majestically across an entire city block. With its twin towers, ornate detailing, and robust structure, this third incarnation of the Arlington immediately re-established itself as the crown jewel of Hot Springs.
A Playground for the Rich and Infamous
During Prohibition and the heyday of organized crime, the Arlington Hotel played host to gangsters, gamblers, and politicians. Al Capone was a frequent guest in the 1920s and 30s, and he often rented an entire floor for himself and his entourage. It’s said his favorite room was 443, positioned close to a private stairway for quick exits if needed.
The Arlington’s location across from the Hot Springs Bathhouse Row made it an ideal destination where the elite could soothe aches and ailments—or hide from the limelight. It was also once connected by underground tunnels to nearby illegal casino venues, further adding to its aura of clandestine luxury and whispered secrets.
Modern Legacy
Today, the Arlington Hotel remains a classic destination for travelers in search of both relaxation and history. The hotel features 478 rooms, grand ballrooms, fine dining, and access to the hot springs for which the city is named. Guests can still enjoy spa services, vintage décor, and an unrivaled proximity to the historic district.
But for some visitors, the draw isn’t just relaxation—it’s the whispers in the hallway, the corner-of-the-eye shadows, and the creaking floors after midnight. That’s where things start to get truly interesting.
The Haunt
With nearly 150 years of history, it’s no surprise the Arlington Hotel has accrued a fair share of ghost stories. The spirits that reportedly walk these halls are as numerous and diverse as the casts of real-life characters who once stayed inside the walls.
Room 824 — Hotspot of Hauntings
Perhaps the most famous haunted location in the Arlington Hotel is Room 824. Guests have reported sudden drops in temperature, flickering lights, and the eerie sensation of being watched—only to find no one there. Housekeeping staff have allegedly refused to clean the room alone due to unsettling feelings and unexplained noises.
Sceptics might chalk it up to old wiring or creaky pipes, but anyone who’s experienced the distinct feeling of being followed or watched while in 824 tells a different tale—and they’ll probably hesitate before booking it again.
The Capone Connection
The ghost of Al Capone is rumored to linger in the halls of the fourth floor, particularly near his former suite in Room 443. Some say they can hear faint jazz music playing down the corridor, despite no music actually playing in the hotel. Guests have also reported the lingering scent of cigar smoke, though the hotel no longer allows smoking indoors.
Whether it’s true or just the remnant of years of lore, one thing’s certain—his presence continues to fascinate and attract paranormal investigators from all over.
The Dancing Lady of the Lobby
Several witnesses have spotted a ghostly woman in a flowing gown gracefully dancing through the lobby in the early morning hours. Always barefoot, silent, and gleaming under the chandeliers, she vanishes when approached. Some believe she may have been a guest from the Roaring Twenties, lost in an eternal moment of joy—or perhaps an unresolved past.
Elevators with a Mind of Their Own
According to both staff and guests, the elevators at the Arlington Hotel don’t always obey the laws of physics—let alone simple button-pushing. The elevators have been known to travel between floors carrying no passengers, or stop at a floor where no one is waiting. Paranormal investigators visiting the hotel with EMF detectors have recorded unusual spikes near elevator shafts.
Haunted Halls and Hot Springs
Guests have also reported ghostly footsteps in the corridors late at night, muffled conversations echoing in empty rooms, and mysteriously locked doors that suddenly fly open. It’s believed that some of the spirits may be connected not only to the hotel, but also to the ancient hot springs themselves—long considered sacred by Native American tribes.
Paranormal Investigations and Ghost Tours
In recent years, the Arlington Hotel has opened its doors to paranormal investigators and ghost tours during certain times of the year. Organizations equipped with thermal cameras, EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) devices, and spirit boxes have reported convincing evidence of unexplained activity. The hotel’s willingness to embrace its haunted reputation adds an exciting allure for ghost hunters and curious visitors alike.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters
Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or just someone fascinated by haunted history, the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas offers more than just a luxurious stay—it’s a portal to the past, a nexus of unexplained occurrences, and a thrilling opportunity to explore one of the most storied hotels in America.
The blend of opulent architecture, celebrity intrigue, and decades of reported hauntings makes the Arlington Hotel a top-tier destination for anyone seeking a blend of history and mystery. With its creaky floorboards, famously haunted rooms, and a lingering air of bygone elegance, this hotel might be Arkansas’s most paranormal playground.
So pack your EMF meters and night-vision cameras, and book a night at the Arlington—you never know what (or who) might be waiting for you in the dead of night.