The Empress of Little Rock Small Luxury Hotel

Debra, our hostess, was most hospitable, thoughtful, knowledgable, gracious AND a wonderful cook! We enjoyed the beautiful home, exquisite woodwork and attention to detail, the history of the home and the beautiful grounds and porch swing! Our frist stay but not our last!

My daughter and I stayed at this magnificent Bed and Breakfast and were blown away by the attention to detail in every corner of this home. We spent hour perusing the rooms, antiques, pictures and stories of this beautiful home. It is in a great location near downtown, we were pointed to the most amazing restaurant, The Flying Fish where we had Catfihs and Hushpuppies that were to die for! It was an amazing eperience topped off by the friendly and helpful staff. Did I mention how comfortable the beds were!!

Beautiful home, cordial/friendly service and a delicious breakfast.

We stayed at The Empress because we bought a Living Social deal online. We were not disappointed in the least bit and will come again some day. The staff treated us like royalty while we stayed there.

I absolutely loved your B & B! We spent our honeymoon there and it couldn't have been more perfect. The furnishings were authentic & charming, the staff was helpful and efficient, and the food was beyond wonderful. In spite of having to travel all the way from Dallas, TX, we will be back! Thanks for a great 3 days.

The Empress is an excellent B&B. Service was top notch and room was amazing. Will return. Second visit to the Empress.

We had a great time staying at the Empress. The rooms are wonderful, and the value is very good. The only negative is that the Empress is located in the middle of a lower income neighborhood (which can be noisy at night) with nowhere to walk to...must drive (albeit a short drive) to everything.

The rooms were excellent, it was aesthetically very pleasing to see the intricate details of the rooms, at the same time the beds were very comfortable and the food was excellent. When we stepped into the Empress it was as if we were brought back into the Victoria era. Very nice getaway!

This is a incredable house with a very interesting history. That alone would be a reason to come here, but there is so much more. More than can be said here but here is a small list: the beds, the sheets, the furniture, the service, the location, the chocolates and magazines in the rooms. If you find yourself anywhere near Arkansas, find your way to the Empress of Little Rock.

My fiancee...now husband and I dont have much money. But a wedding at the Empress was SO affordable; and it sacrifices nothing! We had a beautiful garden wedding that was simply enchanting; we stayed in the hemingway suite and had breakfast in bed no less! We could only stay one night but are already planning to stay at the empress in spring and then again for our anniversary next year. The staff is AMAZING and I was impressed with how simple things were to arrange the wedding while working full time with LOTS of overtime hours. I really didnt have to do anything but show up! Thanks to Jessica for setting up the wedding and Deborah was so much fun and was gracious when bringing us breakfast. We recommend this to anyone planning a wedding or just want a beautiful getaway!

I thought the Empress of Little Rock was an excellent stay. My wife and I really enjoyed the accomodations, service, and decor of this place. Every thing was outstanding!

My husband and I had our wedding on October 22, 2011 at the Empress and our entire experience was top notch. The staff was great at planning the event, the location was easy to find, everything was reasonably priced (if not a STEAL considering all that they do for you). We stayed in the Hemingway suite after our wedding and I never wanted to leave! They have luxury spa tubs and showers and beautiful ambiance. They had trays of food from our wedding waiting for us (which is a good thing, because we were starving!). We couldn't have asked for a better day. If you want a beautiful wedding that you don't want to have to do all the intricate details for-the Empress is the place to go!

If you are looking for a romantic weekend getaway from the Memphis area, the Empress of Little Rock is just what the doctor ordered! Beautiful rooms, elegant food, and gracious host & hostess!

We were visiting from Australia and hadn't been to Arkansas previously. We arrived early (and without prior notice) but were made to feel welcome and comfortable from the moment we stepped in the front door. Our room was ready and it was a seamless check-in. As the inn wasn't full, the hostess kindly gave us a short tour of the other rooms (all magnificently decorated and presented) and shared with us the history of the house and its occupants. Breakfast the next morning was exquisite, served in the formal dining room with silverware and the server in period apron - just delightful. The setting was amazing, you feel transported to another more genteel and special era. Although some luggage was mishandled by the airline, the staff personally brought our bag to our door as soon as it arrived. They also went out of their way to ensure my fiance's wedding ring was forwarded to me, liaising with the courier late into the evening, after it was delivered to Little Rock after our departure. I simply cannot recommend the experience enough. Beautiful setting and warm, caring and attentive hosts. Thank you, Leanne from Canberra Australia.

The Empress is a very lovely home loaded with many interesting antiques. My wife and I greatly enjoyed looking at all of the beautiful things and the place makes for many wonderful kodak moments. Our room the Hemingway suite was very beautifully decorated and had a lot of extras including a great shower with aroma therapy and message capabilities. There were several things that were disappointing. The bed frame was bent in the middle and the bed looked somewhat banana shaped. The mattress was very hard and had huge depressions on both sides with a huge hump in the middle. It was very uncomfortable. The breakfast was disappointing as well. The atmosphere was very elegant and food presentation was good but the quality and portions left something to be desired. To be honest we didn't like any of it. Rhubarb soup for breakfast is just not my cup of tea. The secret garden was poorly maintained. There was an old hot tub in the garden that was in disrepair and covered with dirt and mold. The view from the balcony looks over the secret garden and also the back yards of the neighbors which are loaded with lots of old junk making you want to just shut the door and go back inside. All this being said we did manage to enjoy ourselves despite the backaches from the bed. One last thing. Everywhere you look in your room and around there house there are things on the dressers And tables for you to buy. These things belong in the gift shop and cheapened the experience for us. As I said it makes a great museum but a not so good bed and breakfast. The two things anyone wants most from a Bed and breakfast are a great bed a a great breakfast. The bed was just plain uncomfortable and worn out and the breakfast may just be a matter of taste but it wasn't ours. I suspect if everyone that I saw while there were to leave their comments you might see that it just doesn't hold up to your expectations.

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
We always like to know when a guest is displeased. We always consider this an opportunity for improvement. In this case, I will let the comments from all our other previous guests speak for the guest experience at this inn. But I must take exception to the comments made about the bed in the Hemingway Spa Suite and the gardens. This is a custom made bed with an iron bed frame. I personally checked the bed out when I read our guests comment because I just couldn't imagine what on earth he was talking about. And indeed, the iron bed frame is not bent, nor even remotely "banana shaped". It has a nearly new BeautyRest pillow top mattress with a "featherbed" added on top of that. However, when guests lay on the bed, the feathers do push out to the sides creating a comfortable niche for the back to rest on. This will create the appearance of a bulge in the center until it is smoothed out when the featherbed is turned after each guest stay. In fact, we've had an amazing number of guests tell us they've never slept as well at home as they have in our wonderful featherbeds and want to know our secret. Sadly, we cannot guarantee our gardens are as beautiful in the fall of the year, especially after surviving four months of 100+ temperatures. But our gardens are always mowed and well maintained by a gardener who comes 1-3 days a week. The hot tub is not for guest use since the cost of the liability insurance has made it prohibative, but it works fine when we use it and it is attractively surrounded by wood and lattice decking. Rain does collect on the top and with all the fall pollen and leaves, it is quite possible it needed a good rinse. We regret this guest did not enjoy their stay . But slamming a facility because it doesn't match ones own personal taste is disappointing. It seems clear why they indicated they do not usually stay in bed and breakfasts. Nonetheless, we enjoyed these guests and wish them the best.

- Sharon Welch-Blair (innkeeper/owner)

My husband and I loved staying at the Empress and will stay there again. The decor and attention to detail is exquisite. I especially enjoyed all the history and facts available to guests about the home and the era.

We will never forget our wonderful stay at The Empress. It was a magnificent Victorian Mansion with stellar service and a most delicious gourmet breakfast!

I took my wife here for her birthday and it was all that you would think. Very relaxed atmosphere and the history of the house is fascinating. The rooms were wonderfully decorated, and full of interesting items. Breakfast was very good. The staff is well versed in the history of the area and very helpful.

My boyfriend (after our trip now my Fiance) and I stayed for one night on 8/8/11. It was so romantic with a wraparound porch and swings. THe bathtub in our room was fantastic- so relaxing. I haven't had that great of a sleep in some time. The location is a bit out of town but an easy fast drive. If you stay, you must stay for breakfast and try the Acadia for price fixed dinner Mon/Tues- it is amazing. The innkeeper Jessica was very helpful and showed us where everything was when we checked in. We would definitely go back!

It was beautiful! More amazing than the pictures in the website. Our first BB stay and it surely set high standards for us.

The Empress of Little Rock was a wonderful B&B. We where only there for one night, but what a night. The staff was just lovely, everything was clean, and OMG the bed was so comfy!! Definitely a must is you are in the area!!

We spent seval days in Little Rock and of all the days we spent in Little Rock the night spent at the Empress was Outstanding. Beautifully restored and the service was great along with the very nice Breakfast. Beautiful room. I would stay there again in a heart beat.

Just as beautiful as the website depicts! And, very comfortable with modern amenities mixed in with the lovely antiques. Very warm, friendly staff. And, the breakfast is better than any local restaurant.

I have stayed at The Empress several nights in March 2011, traveling on business. First ~ it is a LOVELY home, there are breathtaking details in every single room. The Empress is decorated in immaculate style. Second, you will find the staff and owners to be out of their way accommodating, helpful, and very pleasant. They always cook up a scrumptious breakfast that is appropriate for royalty! When I have to leave early, they fix me a breakfast to go and always put write something special on the package wishing me a happy day! What service!!!!!! The beds are comfy and the sheets are exceptionally nice. The towels and wash cloths have an extra nice feel, too! I love staying at The Empress and always look forward to my next visit.

My husband and I have stayed at the Empress three times, and it is always exquisite. Lovely breakfast and friendly, helpful staff. The house itself is an attraction. An inspiration if you enjoy Victorian decor! I highly recommend the Empress, especially for couples.

My wife and I stayed in the J.E. Murray room on February 18, 2011 and had an absolute wonderful stay. The Empress is beautiful and all the rooms share a great deal of Southern history inside them. The J.E. Murray room was very large and peaceful. The stay was very quiet, even on a busy Friday night in Little Rock. Breakfast was amazing with French toast that seem to have come out of a Williams Sanoma catalog. Absolutely amazing. We had dinner at local spot down the street called Juanitas and was great if you wanted to sit back, drink some margaritas and eat some good Mexican cuisine. Overall the stay was great andn we will be coming back.

My husband and I spent our first visit to a B&B at the Empress and I must say it was more beautiful than I expected..Amenities were outstanding. The staff treated us like family. It is the most comfortable night I have spent away from home..I would recommend to anyone visiting the Little Rock area to check this place out. You will not be disappointed and we will visit again. My first visit to a B&B has spiked my interest and I will be visiting many more in the years to come.

The Empress in Little Rock is the most beautiful victorian home I've experienced. The attention to detail is amazing! The accomodations were better than any 5 star hotel I've stayed in and the service was impecable. Breakfast was way beyond my expectation with homemade sweet rolls, ham and asperagus in puff pastry, and much more. This is not a breakfast buffet, it's a served meal! If you are going to stay in Little Rock, AR this is the place to be!

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
Bob and I continue to be honored and humbled by the kind words of our guests. Our mission is to provide more than they expect. We try hard to achieve it. We don't always make it, but we're so appreciative to our wonderful guests for taking the time out to let us know we did it right for them!

- Sharon (innkeeper)

Took a little spring trip with my just graduated from college daughter--Arrived on a Sunday afternoon to find that we were the only ones booked for the evening. It was incredibly magical to have the entire beautiful place to ourselves.(There was one innkeeper on duty, but after telling us where they would be, they left us alone.) The next morning we had a terrific breakfast in the dining room. Wonderful experience, and really good food!

I enjoyed my stay very much. I did not want to leave. I am looking forward to returning again in the near future. Thank you for making my business trip more pleasant than I could have imagined. I felt like I was on vacation instead of business. Gorgeous place to visit!!!!!

I took my husband there for his birthday. He HATES surprises but let me tell you...he had the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!! It was very relaxing and the hospitatily of Bob & Sharon...they made you feel right at home. It was incredible. I highly recommend anyone to stay here. Southern Hospitality at it's' finest! I can't wait to go back!!!

This was the first B&B my wife and I had stayed at. It was a surprise anniversary gift for her so I wanted it to be special and grand. We stayed in the 'Hollywood Suite' and it was awesome. The two of us are both certified chefs, but the food and service was still impressive. We are looking forward to our next visit in the near future.

Oh my goodness The Empress is magnificent! The beautiful decor, atmosphere, service, this is a top notch B&B. I travel alot for work and compare all the places to The Empress and those shoes are very hard to fill! My favorite part of the rooms are the sheets, who knew a person would long to stay somewhere for sheets! The Empress allows you to truly relax even when you are staying for business. -Fort Smith

The stay at the Empress was not planed. I was coming into town to visit my mothers grave site and had not made a reservation. We found the B & B and I was very excited to stay we went in and it was sooo pretty and the owners were so nice and were helpful. If you stay any place this is a place to stay. We have stayed in alot of places from Texas to Alaska and this B & B is outstanding.

Very beautiful room. The breakfast was great. Can't wait to come back.

We loved our room and the staff was very friendly. However, we notified staff when making reservation that one of us didn't eat pork and were told we would have turkey sausage instead. We had to eat there 4 times for breakfast and I never received the turkey - even when I reminded them upon arrival. Also, we didn't care for the italian restaurant and picnic items. We had better luck with finding our own places to eat.

The Empress in Little Rock was where my wife and I spent our first night after marriage. We have revisited this location on special occasions since we enjoyed it so much our first time around. Each time we have stayed, we feel as if we are royalty. The hospitality is outstanding! Looking forward to our next stay! Sincerely, Chris and Monica Eastham

The room was beautiful, dinner and breakfast were fabulous. Very friendly staff and the house is wonderful. By far the most wonderful evening anyone could ask for.

The Empress of Little Rock exceeded all our expectations. The personal service of Bob and Sharon, the decor, and opulence of the rooms makes a stay at the Empress of Little Rock something to remember.

Great experience! the food was awasome, the hotel is absolutly romantic, you wouldn't want to leave it at all! We had the best weekend!

My husband and I wanted to do something extra special for our 20th anniversary but didn't have money to go on an actual vacation. We got the Hemingway Suite here and it was like we had escaped to another time. We were in the middle of the city but it seemed that we were far away from everyone. We were treated like royalty. My husband is diabetic and Annette was so great to cater his breakfast to his dietary needs. The room was beautiful, romantic, the hydro-massage shower as well as the jacuzzi tub were such a luxury. The house is amazing to view and tour. We are planning on staying every few months or so for a quick getaway together rather than wait for an anniversary! Well worth it!! Best anniversary yet just wish we could have stayed longer.

I had my wedding at the Empress and then stayed the night there. I could not have asked for the most perfect fairy tale wedding and reception. The staff was wonderful, the food was divine and they took care of the wedding party, my family and friends like they were all royalty. I slept like a baby and the breakfast was amazing. I know we will be back for more amazing memories there. Thank you for all you have done!! Donna

Spent the evening after a day of Black Friday shopping recuperating in the Majestic Spa Suite. Definitely the way to recover after a day of walking and crowds. The charm and features are going to bring us back and probably going to send our parents for a gift as well. The breakfast is an experience that anyone can appreciate and one my wife loved. Treat yourselves and stay here for an unique experience. Our first B&B but certainly only the first of many to come. They were 90% complete for Christmas decorations though what more they could do is sure to be impressive since we thought that what was done was above and beyond. I had to take a couple pics of a the decorated rooms that were so well done.

We live in Indiana and I work in NM. I met my wife for a romantic weekend in Little Rock. When I arrived at The Empress I was greeted by Deborah. She got us checked in and then gave us a tour of the facility. Deborah was very courteous and helpful. She said she was there to make our stay enjoyable and memorable. She did a wonderful job, as everything was perfect. After we got settled in, my wife and I went out for dinner. When we got back to our room, the bed was turned down and rose petals were sprinkled on the bed. The Empress made sure that our weekend was success. There was no detail to small and nothing was overlooked. The public rooms were decorated beautifully, our room was beyond belief. The breakfast the next morning was delicious. We were served a candle it breakfast by a bow-tied butler (the owner). Tom did a wonderful job with breakfast and everything was perfect. When it was time to check-out we were greeted by Deborah again. She once again made sure that everything was perfect for us. She invited us back and hugged us good bye. I would highly recommend The Empress. It is by far one of the best places we have ever stayed. The love and care by the owners and staff were evident at every turn. My hat is off to The Empress and thier staff. Dave and Mary B.

My husband and I spent our wedding night in the Hemingway Suite at The Empress of Little Rock. It was beyond what we expected. It was the neatest room with so many amentities. It was not like staying at a hotel; it was so much more. The breakfast the next morning was delicious, snd so much better than what other hotels offer. I highly recommend The Empress of Little Rock to anyone who wants a unique place to stay.

My daughter and I stayed at The Empress of Little Rock while enjoying a fun girls weekend. We had a wonderful, relaxing stay. The Empress is absolutely gorgeous. We loved our room, the hospitality, the food and the step back in history as we sat in the parlor and talked of times gone by. A great find that we hope to visit again.

If you need a "get away" this is THE place! The rooms are so elegantly decorated that you feel like royalty when you step through your door. The staff pampers you and attends to your every need. They booked a hot stone massage, made reservations for dinner, and found directions to antique stores with such exuberance and ease, it was obvious I was in the hands of professionals. Returning the the Empress is already in my plans!

We stayed at The Empress for 3 nights for our honeymoon. We stayed in the Hemingway Suite and from the moment we arrived, we were pampered and treated like royalty! From the incredible breakfasts to the rose petal turndown, we fell in love with this Old Bell of the South instantly. Bob, Sharon, Annette, and Deborah were all so friendly and warm that they felt like family. We love you all to pieces! The accomodations were 5 star, the rooms were beautiful and we can't wait to go back to stay again and see these wonderful people! Thank you Bob, Sharon, Annette, and Deborah for making our honeymoon so romantic and memorable. When you do stay there, we suggest you get the Gone With the Wind package like we did. We had a gourmet picnic at the Old Mill, a fantastic carriage ride through the beautiful homes in Little Rock and breakfast in bed served by Bob himself! There are other great looking packages and although we didn'jt have any of the others (yet), we are sure that they are just as perfect as the package we chose.

Our stay on August 15th was the first time my wife and I had ever stayed at a B&B. Due to not knowing what to expect, the experience felt awkward at first ...but with the regal hospitality of the innkeeper& staff, that evening and the following morning turned out very well. The garden has a very secludedfeel and with the hammock , fountian, deep shade, and surrounding ivy covered walls... it was very tranquil. Since we had the room facing west against the sun and daytime outside temperatures of 104, the room stayed at about 80 deg until later that afternoon when the a/c and fan started to gain some ground , cooling the room down to "normal" tempuratures. Breakfast was excellent with a very good sunrise juice, fresh fruit with a beautiful display and then delicious and well presented Grand Marnier french toast, coffee, etc.. served downstairs alongsided a young college age couple from MD who was staying for their first honeymoon. Note that the neighborhood is not a strong selling point, but grounds are fairly secure with fence and gates..

There are no words sufficient to convey the happy feelings that linger after our wonderful night with you. Walking around the outside at dusk, seing the lights and lamps glowing through the windows -- walking around downstairs at our leisure after hours -- -- so many aspects of our experience that will be a precious memory for us for all time to come. Thanks -- Don + Joy Wright

Great History... Great Home... Great People. My wife and I were both very happy with our stay at the Empress. Rooms were very clean and the massage shower and massage tub were great! Bed was a little squeaky though. ; ) Wonderful time overall and would recommend it!

The Empress is beautiful and clean. The food was delicious and the innkeepers and staff were wonderful. We had a relaxing getaway.

For my birthday, my daughter researched our family tree and made a scrapbook for my gift. As I read through the census copies and pictures it became clear that part of the gift was to find some missing documents and certificates to trace our family lineage back far enough to allow us to become members of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). Arkansas was the home of the Patriot's missing link, so she left Boston and I left Broken Arrow, Ok and we went to Arkansas to complete the search. She found The Empress in Little Rock website and thought it would be the perfect setting to add to our search for our family's past in. After a day searching cemeteries, archives and court houses, the inn was a beautiful culmination of history still alive with atmosphere and elegance. The Secret Garden, the pianoforte I played, the swing and fountains were all so beautiful and the staff only enhanced and made each moment more special. Such a precious memory shall never be forgotten for The Empress is part of our family history scrapbook now.

We really had a great time at the place..lovely place, nice garden, wonderful food, such a relaxing ambiance and the room was so great! We weill definitely recommend the empress to our friends and families..good job guys! we love your place and your service..God bless!

My husband and I celebrated our 15th anniversary at the Empress of Little Rock. We chose one of the spa suites and were not disappointed. The rooms were great and with the "buy two nights get one free", we felt able to afford a couple nights of "luxury". Robert, the innkeeper, and the hostess for the weekend, Deborah, were very accommodating, making our stay in Little Rock wonderful.

Our stay here was a gift from a friend for our anniversary. We had a great time and got to see some sights. There is a lot of history to the Empress and if you've the time would recomend letting them tell you about it.

The innkeepers have done a superb job of restoring this magnificent home. Attention to detail not only shows in the house itself, but in the quality of the service we received. They've thought of everything! The staff was exceptional, as well as the breakfast. We were spoiled beyond our expectations. We will definitely recommend this B&B to our friends.

Thie is a beautifully restored mansion with great rooms, service, and food.

My wife and I had a great experience at the Empress and look forward to going back in the future.

The Empress keeps us coming back! We honeymooned there and just visited again for our third anniversary. We know that we'll be back again for another anniversary trip. The rooms and beds are comfortable, the staff is courteous and down-to-earth, and the breakfast is delicious!

My husband John surprised me for my 65th birthday with a wonderful evening, including spending the night and a wonderful breakfast at The Empress of Little Rock. We had friends join us for wine before we departed for an elegant dinner at the Capitol Hotel. Our room was elegant; the bed dreamy, the bathtub was a beautiful old Claw foot, deep tub with a beautiful surround of polished oak. There was even a decanter of Amaretto for an after dinner night cap. Everyone at the Empress was wonderful. Breakfast was a delightful with fresh fruit, a starter of pureed warm peach soup it was delicious. We had a wonderful stay and my birthday is a wonderful memory. I would highly recommend to anyone a night at The Empress of Little Rock . . Anniversary, Birthday, or just to get away. Dee and John Ostner

Nice night away . . . close to restaurants in downtown Little Rock. Fantastic personal service. It is clear that Bob and Sharon care about their guests and have invested themselves in this B&B. Nice room with cozy amenities. We enjoyed drinking a decaf coffee and eating biscotti before settling in. Breakfast was delicious!

We really enjoyed our stay. It was beautiful and so clean. Our breakfast was delicious. We look forward to going back.

A wonderful evening for New Year's Eve! Exceptional hospitality, a beautiful bed and breakfast. We would recommend this inn to everyone.

We had a wonderful stay at The Empress. It made us feel very special. They had special "feel good things" everywhere you looked in the room. Everyone was sincerely friendly and we certainly hope to come back!

The inn alone was a vacation. Enjoyed the history and architecture. The service was more like visiting family, where comfort and hospitality were more than to be expected. The rooms were a delight and had everything you could ask for. The whole experience was one that I will never forget and look forward to reliving again soon. Thank you! Robby & Melissa W.

Exellent!

An absolutely perfect restoration. A day spent in observation of its details would hardly be misspent.

Our stay was wonderful. Would recommend The Hemingway Suite.

I had my wedding at the Empress. Our guest all said it was the most beautiful wedding they had ever gone to. It was truely a magical evening. Our room was amazing! I can't wait to stay there again.

As seasoned B&B travelers & retired Innkeepers, the Empress is outstanding!

We loved the room. It was expensive compared to the amenitites we usually require at luxury properties. There was no room service included in the rate, and no fitness center, and no variety in dining. However, we loved the room we were accommodated in. The shower was awesome and the fireplace was romantic, along with the stereo. The towel rack was a favorite for my husband. So, despite the lack of amenities we like to have, we still enjoyed the property very much!

It is rare to find such a treasure so close to home. Every time we've stayed at the Empress it has exceeded our expectations. The service and food are five star.

The Wedding Package at The Empress made our special day even more spectacular. The beauty of this exquisite historical home was surpassed by the kindness of the staff and their exceptional service.

1) Beautiful atmosphere 2) Service outstanding 3) Spotless and comfortable beds 4) Innkeeper outstanding service 5) Can't wait to stay again soon I hope!

Everything you see in the pictures is how it really is and then some! I most defiantly would love to visit again.

I loved the room! The bed was extra comfortable, as well as the robes. I enjoyed having our breakfast served in our rooms and the theater tickets with my package. It was quiet and relaxing. I never knew anyone else was in B&B. I look forward to staying again.

WOW! The lobbies are beautiful museums, each room is decorated in a unique style, and the food is an amazing treat. I was made to feel special. Christmas is the best time to visit! The decorations are exquisite.

My husband and I were the first to stay in the Hemingway Suite. When we got there the room was unavailable because there was some last minute adjustments that needed to be done. I was a little disappointed but very excited about being the first to experience the luxury suite. The wait was well worth it. The room was beautiful, the bed was extremely comfortable, and the jacuzzi tub and shower was breathtaking. This was a perfect getaway that my husband and I needed. We had a great time and look forward to doing this again.

My husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary here. We were in a lovely yellow room, decorated in garden style. The room had a beautiful view of the garden below, where we later went and enjoyed the hammoc. It was a great time with beautiful surroundings. Will definitely go back when we have the chance!

Loved our time at the Empress. Very beautiful and relaxing.

We had a wonderful stay at The Empress... the service was great and the staff very helpful. Yummy breakfast in bed! The room rate was a bit pricey... so if we were to return, it would have to be an extra special occasion. But it was a wonderful place to visit and hear the history of the building. Thanks for the memories! ;-)

This was my fiance's first time at a B & B. Needless to say he started with the best. Now it will always be a challange to stay somewhere as elegant, with service as remarkable. Our stay was delightful!

I have stayed here with my husband several times. It is a wonderful getaway for us.

I give The Empress my highest rating. My husband and I spent the first night of our honeymoon in the Majestic suite and it could not have been more perfect. There was champagne, rose pedals and fruits waiting for us. The staff are friendly and courteous. 5 stars

In any field, ranking individuals stops making sense at the highest levels. We have some basis for comparison, having stayed at B&Bs in other parts of the US and in the UK, and we see the Empress as within that upper tier, in which excellence is uniformly expected and received. Charley Sandage Mountain View, Arkansas

My Father, who is the great grandson of the original owner, celebrated his 70th birthday here with all of his brothers and sisters and their families. We all felt as if we were transported back to the time this house was occupied by its owner. The Blairs have done an impeccable job in bringing the mansion back to a state that truely details it's Victorian beauty. I have yet to stay in any B&B who's owners give the guest an experience beyond all expectations. It is obvious that this is their passion and the memories of this place will remain for a very long time.

My husband and I has our first night as a married couple at The Empress. It was absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful surroundings, comfortable bed, awesome shower!

I've always wondered what it would be like to be royalty. After spending our honeymoon in the Hemingway Suite, with breakfast in bed, and a thousand other luxurious delights, I no longer Wonder - I KNOW what being King & Queen feels like! Make your Princess Dreams come true. Stay at the Empress in Little Rock. - T Phipps

Gorgeous 19th century mansion, lovingly restored.

The Empress was beautiful and realxing. I enjoyed my stay there.

The stay was very nice and the food was absolutely wonderful.

Did not take advantage of the dining. Overall, I would recommend the Empress to others.

We enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and most importantly, the fine conversations with Bob and Sharon. Will stay again, soon I hope....

We enjoyed learning the history about the house as well as our 2 night stay. Little Rock and Hot Springs are both nice places to visit and the Empress provides excellent lodging while there. Jim & Cherry Bolles Franklin, TN

I had intended for us to stay at the Peabody, but I was disappointed that they could not guarantee me a room with a river view. This was a special anniversary celebration for us, and a friend of mine suggested I check out The Empress. I was pleasantly surprised to see that their rates were reasonable, and that breakfast was included. Our stay there was the highlight of our special day. We took a tour of the house, an amazing mansion!, where the attention to detail was impressive. The rooms are absolutely magnificent, you feel like you've traveled back in time. The innkeepers are the friendliest most delightful you'll ever meet, and they seem to truly enjoy getting to know you. The rooms are beautifuly decorated, spotlessly clean, comfortable and inviting. The plush robes they provided were an unexpected extra. I thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast. Although I have not stay there again, I have purchased several goft certificates for friends, and I am planning to stay again in the near future.

Our stay was absolutely perfect, and the Hemingway suite was stunning. We can't wait for our next opportunity to stay again.

we've spent two anniversaries here at this beautiful b/b. the owners are very nice and friendly. I would def stay here again.

I have been a guest on two occassions while visiting Little Rock. I came to conduct research at the Arkansas History Commission. After a long day researching files and records, it was the perfect place to go so that you can relax and prepare yourself for the next day of research. When I needed a large table to spread out my research and organize my files, the table was produced without any delay. When I needed to leave early in the morning, they prepared a small meal that I could take with me. When I needed advice about where to eat or places to visit. Simply stated The Empress is everything you need in a place to stay. I look forward to a return visit.

I made a huge mistake when I booked a stay at The Empress of Little Rock. I flew into Little Rock on a late afternoon flight one day, and flew out of Little Rock early the next morning. This simply wasn't long enough to experience a property as beautiful and as historically significant as the Empress. I want to come back and stay long enough to soak up all the architectural details, sleep long as I want in the made-for-comfort bed and savor the breakfast I had to skip (in exchange for a breakfast-to-go in a bag).

We stayed at the Empress of Little Rock for our anniversary. It was the first time we had spent away from our children (as a couple) in over 8 years! It was long overdue, and we were so pleased that we were able to renew ourselves as a married couple in such a lovely, romantic, peaceful setting. With three children, we don't remember to do that for ourselves very often, but our time at the Empress showed us how important it is. We plan to make the Empress part of our strategy to renew, re-energize, and strengthen our relationship each year. Thanks so much!

My husband and I stayed at this bed and breakfast inn one year ago. It was a wonderful experience!! The room was absolutely exquisite! It absolutely exceeded our expectations. We stayed in the Hemingway room and it had everything to offer from a spa like experience in the bathroom to a lovely decorated sitting and bedroom area. I have recommended this place to everyone that I have met. The staff also were incredibly charming and very accommodating. We will definitely be back in the future. Joe and Candace Percifull

The Empress is an outstanding bed and breakfast. From the moment you arrive to your departure you are treated like royalty. Every detail for a pleasureable stay has been well defined by the staff. The suites are beyond belief. It has to be the best bed and breakfast in the United State. For your next vacation getaway, this is a must!

We are Little Rock residents but we felt like we were in a faraway place during our stay. Everything was heavenly and we have recommended this getaway to many of our friends. An outstanding bed and breakfast!

The Empress is not only beautiful but also full of history and amazing service. Every room was breathtaking. We stayed here the weekend we got married! It was so cozy and private. The food was really unique and tasty! We loved siting around the table with other guests over breakfast chatting away about life's events!

Our stay was worth it. My husband would love to come back again and suggests that we have more B&B experience at least quarterly. Our room surely was a home away from home. And breakfast was just wonderful and yummy! Specially the service we received.. awesome!!!

My husband and I wanted a get away that wasn't 'too far away' so we decided on the Empress. A wonderful decision! The service was supberb and the innkeeper was friendly and full of advice on what to see and do in Little Rock that would make a relaxing weekend. Would recommend this B&B to others!

The Empress of Little Rock is the BEST B&B in Arkansas. It is a wonderful place to stay, kick back, and relax. Very romantic for couples and provides a great backdrop for a wonderful trip. The owners Bob & Sharon know how to treat their guests and do an ammazing job!

My husband and I stayed at The Empress for one night to begin our trip to see his sister for her 80th birthday. It was the "BEST" decision I made on the whole trip. It was like going home, only with service. We live in Northern California and B+B's are everywhere but, we never expected a B+B in LIttle Rock as extraordinary as this one. We loved everything about it. The food was great, the room was great, and I spent so much time taking pictures that I didn't get a chance to just sit and relax. The host and hostess were charming and Wendy, who we spent the most time with, was a great help. My husband has trouble walking and Wendy was there whenever we needed something. Even though it rained the whole time we were in Arkansas, the one night we spent at The Empress made everything sunny. +

The Hemingway Suite was total luxury from the the deck opening onto the secret garden, the canopy bed, fireplace to the hydrotherapy massage and steam shower... it was the perfect weekend retreat! The personal attention the staff lavished on us and the willingness to help us fill out our schedule was most appreciated. It is a definite place in which we will return. Many thanks to Bob, Sharon, Mitzi, Debra and and Wendy for making our 11th Wedding Anniversary so special!

Spent the night celebrating my wife's birthday. Very inviting staff with Bob and Sharon leading the way. Debra was very friendly, informative and helpful in any way she could be. Unusually comfortable bed. Breakfast was above first rate. Home was very well decorated and clean. Coffee and tea outside rooms was nice touch. Bathroom in our room was very clean and functional but small. Definitely will return for another special occasion and will recommend highly to friends.

This is one of the most beautifully restored Victorian Mansions that we've even seen or stayed in. The people here just bent over backwards to make our stay memorable with wonderful amennities, recommendations for dining (with printed directions), friendliness, and of course the delicious and gorgeous breakfast. We hope we can return again. I would recommend this B&B to anyone.

Our stay at the Empress was a gift to my husband and me from my choir and some others at church where I am the choir director. It was a total surprise! We had a completely wonderful and relaxing time from start to finish, the three nights we were there. We stayed in the civil war Murray Room, but were shown all around the others and told the history of the place since we were interested; the decor is lovely everywhere. The people are friendly and fun to be with. And the food is wonderful. The Empress is the epitome of Southern Hospitality.

This was our first stay at a B&B. This place is gorgeous! The attention to detail is amazing. My husband and I stayed in the Hemmingway Suite for 1 night. Debra was our innkeeper and she was delightful. Sharon prepared our breakfast and it was served by Bob. Very fancy and scrumptous! We had a ham and aspargus crossaint that was to die for. These folks represent southern hospitality at it's best. We loved our room and felt so relaxed. It was a much needed get away that was well worth the price. This may have been our first b&b experience, but definitely not the last.

My husband surprised me on our anniversary with an overnight at the Empress-Ernest Hemmingway room. We put our tux and wedding dress on as we do every year we go out on our anniversary, and arrived at the Empress. From the minute we checked to the minute we checked out, the experience was wonderful. They arranged a horse and carriage ride to dinner and then served us breakfast in bed the next morning. The room was immaculate and the careful touches in the room such as the fireplace, music, jacuzzi bath, steam shower, and netted bed made for a cozy, romantic evening. We have never been a B&B fan, but after our stay at the Empress, we will seek out other gems such as this one when we travel.

Our June 6, 2009 stay at The Empress was a rare treat! It was our opportunity to return to a time when gracious living, impeccable service, and delicious food was the norm for the occupants of this lovely mansion. It's obvious that the Innkeepers, Bob and Sharon, have spared nothing when it comes to insuring that their guests will enjoy their stay. The Empress sets a very high standard for other B&B's!! S.L.L. of Joplin, MO

This past week myself along with 3 other girlfriends spent a night at The Empress. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. We will definitely include it in future travel plans.

My rollergirl wife and I were in Little Rock for the weekend and decided to stay at this wonderful little B&B. The service was amazing as Bob & Sharon (and staff) really made you feel at home. The beds were very cozy, the rooms were beautifully decorated and breakfast was delicious each and every morning. Thanks for having a Tornado Alley Rollergirl from OKC and her husband!

This was are our second time there. Everything was great. It completed a great year as it was our first wedding anniversary!! Love the Hemiway Suite.

We celebrated our anniversary at the Empress, and were very impressed by the ambiance and friendly service. It is the nicest B and B we have stayed in during our travels. I highly recommend it for visitors to Little Rock.

All was very well done. A great place if you are in Little Rock.

My husband and I decided to treat ourselves to one special night during our cross country move from LA to DC. We could not have asked for a more perfect retreat. The spa suite was exquisite and we fell in love with The Empress!

My wife and I recently took a trip to Little Rock, AR for our first wedding anniversary. We went diamond-mining, antique shopping, toured the Clinton library and even soaked in thermal water at Hot Springs. However, the most impactful and memorable part of our trip was the stay at The Empress. From the moment it comes into view, the visage of The Empress is imrpessive. Even under the dark, overcast skies The Empress was a bright and welcoming sight. We were greeted as we were parking the car and really made to feel special from the first moment. The interior of The Empress was meticulously appointed and was wonderfully reflective of Victorian times. Our room was in the tower and was romantic, luxurious and quanit all at the same time. The breakfasts were above and beyond our expectations and kept us excited to wake up in the morning. With all that has already been said, it was truly the small things that had the biggest impact on me. We arrived on a Sunday and were given a list on restaurants open late on Sundays. The innkeeper gave us a tour of the entire home and made suggestions as to where we could find landmarks -- all the way down to printing us out directions. There was a complimentary coffee/tea bar as well as amaretto liqueur in the room. And when they found out it was our anniversary they gave us a rose-petal turndown service. Little Rock may not seem like a hot vacation destination, but I would recommend that everyone take a short trip just to experience the luxury, decadence and top-flight service of The Empress. Believe me, it is an experience you will remember for some time.

This is the second trip my wife and I have made to the Empress. Our first visit was the night of our wedding and this one is the first break we have taken since our son was born eight weeks ago. We always get much needed rest and relaxation at the Empress. It makes you feel like you are back in the 1800's. We will always treasure every visit. Christopher and Monica Eastham

The hospitality and atmosphere was outstanding. Deborah made you feel at home but you also had your own privacy to browse around. The breakfast was really good something unique with the right special touches. We will recommend this B&B to many of our friends.

We both had just a great time and had no idea what a wonder experience the Empress would be. We have told a number of other friends how great the weekend was.

We celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary at The Empress of Little Rock. The staff welcomed us warmly and made us feel at home. We loved the hydrotherapy shower, aromatherapy sauna, and whirlpool bath in the Majestic Suite. Breakfast was delightful! We had a wonderful time and are planning to come back!!

We stayed at the Empress on our wedding night and had the most amazing time. The pictures on the website do not do it justice...We stayed in the Scarlett room and my goodness... that is the best room there (in my opinion) !!!! Jason set up some very special "honeymoon romance" such as rose petals, champagne, chocolates and a fruit basket. The staff (Deborah--"go hogs!" :) were amazing and had everything perfectly ready for us. Thank you for contributing to the best wedding night a bride and groom could dream of. We will be back for sure!!!! Beautiful and very special memories.... -Jamie and Jason

We just needed one night away from the hustle and bustle of life and The Empress was perfect. We stayed in the Majestic and it was great for a romantic getaway.

We enjoyed ourselves!! The house is beautiful and delightfully decorated. We loved the gourmet breakfast and the atmosphere! The staff was very friendly, helpful and attentive. The location is definitely a plus!!! We will recommend this place to our friends.

Wonderful period detail throughout the hotel. Our stay was short and we departed before breakast which we have heard is outstanding. Great location near downtown and the airport. Don't miss the chance to stay here.

My wife & I stayed at the Empress when we got married nearly 10 years ago. We like to come back from time to time and always enjoy our stay.

This is a unique, and uniquely charming, place. It fulfilled all our expectations. The room was charming, and was equipped with everything to make the evening restful, secluded, romantic, and memorable. The breakfasts were excellent and above and beyond anything to be found in any chain establishment. The personnel were uniformly helpful and gracious. If you come to Little Rock, this is the place to stay!

Making reservations, being contacted by host, arriving, RELAXING!!!, devine food, gracious hosts, royal accomodations. The entire experience was without a hint of drama or complication. This establishment has left a lasting, wonderful memory for us to cherish forever! We thank Bob, Sharon, Mitzi & Deborah for their hard work and exceptional hospitality. Bill and Lori Tucson

Outstanding is not enough to say about this fantastic inn. The staff was amazing and were so professional !! They catered to myevery need!! Can't wait to stay again!!

It was the best place to spend an anniversary and to take a break from our very busy lives!

This inn is for even the fussiest guest! The food was excellent, the inn was spotless, hospitality the best. This was my fiance's first experience with a bed and breakfast, needless to say he's starting with the best of the best. We are definitely returning soon.

As we travel quite frequently, we often stay in many hotels and B&Bs. This small hotel offers the most luxurious rooms we have ever experienced at a very reasonable rate. With an interesting history behind the mansion, a stay at The Empress allows each guest to step back into the past to create new stories of romance and adventure. We look forward to many return visits. M. & S. De Jesus

We stayed two nights at the Empress. We enjoyed elegant breakfasts, friendly service, and luxurious rooms. The location is convenient to downtown Little Rock with easy access to main highways.

Our stay at the Empress was fabulous! We loved everything. The room, the staff, the food, and the waterfall/picnic package created a weekend for us that we will never forget!

Our room at The Empress of Little Rock was spacious and beautifully decorated with period pieces. Also, the breakfast was wonderful. The presentation of our food was appealing and it was delicious. The house itself was gorgeous, and we were made to feel at home as we explored the house and the grounds.

My husband and I celebrated our first anniversary at the Empress. It was more than I imagined. The Hemingway room was beautiful. It was truly a get-away for both of us.

WOW! What an unbelievable find! So much love has been poured into this house! Attention to detail is obvious. The furnishings are grand but comfortable, and the service was impeccable. We loved our gourmet breakfast - although it wasn't the most filling - and really enjoyed chatting with Bob and Deborah. We stayed in the Miss Eliza room, and while it's the smallest room (and lowest priced) at the Empress, it offers PLENTY of space. Great value. Beautiful home. We will be back for sure! (By the way, we also stayed at another B&B in the same district on this trip - it doesn't compare.)

The most wonderful birthday I have ever had was at The Empress, January 1997....I have never forgot that experience. True luxury and elegance. The suite is beautiful...with fireplace and beautiful furnishings. The food is wonderful. The Blair's are perfect hosts. I wrote in the journal at the bedside table....and slept in a comfortable bed and elegance all around me. I have visited several times since then and told many about The Empress. I can't wait until I can return again.

Staying at the Empress is an unforgettable experience that should be repeated as often as possible. The building, rooms, furnishings, grounds, owners, FOOD, and hostesses are all fabulous. I highly recommend the Empress and urge everyone to visit this excellent facility.

I have stayed at B&B's before, just a few, so i expected a historical experience, the Empress far exceeded my expectations. My two daughters, ages 11 & 17 came to Little Rock for a girls getaway and had a blast. The only thing missing was the southern bell dresses. THe girls walked around with thier mouths wide open in awe. The empress is spectacular.