The Hornibrook Mansion Empress of Little Rock
Opulent late-Victorian Gothic romance. Dark walnut antiques, featherbeds, clawfoot tubs, and fireplaces. The kind of place where you expect someone in a crinoline to appear at the end of the hallway.
The Chatelaine Suite is the largest room in the mansion itself — ideal if you want maximum Victorian grandeur inside the original house.
Why It Matters
The only Michelin Keys-awarded hotel in Arkansas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the finest example of Gothic Queen Anne Victorian architecture in the state. Built in 1888 for a saloon-keeping social climber who died at the front gate just after completion — the mansion has a backstory worth asking about.
A massive Gothic Queen Anne Victorian mansion built in 1888, the Empress of Little Rock is the only Michelin-awarded hotel in Arkansas — and it earns Two MICHELIN Keys. Eight individually decorated rooms spread across the original Hornibrook Mansion and a restored Carriage House, each named for a character from the region's history. The architecture is genuinely extraordinary: a divided double stairway, a 3.5-story octagonal corner tower with a rumored secret card room, and a stained-glass skylight overhead. Breakfast is served on fine china and crystal. This is not a place to crash between meetings.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
The Chatelaine Suite
From USD229 / nightThe largest suite in the mansion itself, originally the nursery and water closet — now an antique Austrian king bed in walnut, red velvet drapes, double vanity, clawfoot tub with massage jets, and a tiled walk-in shower. North side of the house. Heavy, romantic, and serious. Not pet-friendly.
King (antique Austrian walnut)
The Eliza Cunningham Suite
From USD179 / nightA tribute to Little Rock's first First Lady. Soaring 14-foot ceilings, a French walnut queen bedstead, dark oak antiques, and a soft palette of rose and violet. Natural light comes through generously. Private bath has a pedestal sink and Pullman bath with shower adorned with Victorian-era seashell details. Light and intimate — the most feminine room in the mansion.
Queen (French walnut bedstead)
The Hemingway Spa Suite
From USD299 / nightLocated in the restored Carriage House, the Hemingway leans into 1940s masculine style — vaulted ceiling, rough-hewn beams, lighted gothic window architecture, bamboo and wood décor. King featherbed, fireplace, separate sitting area with overstuffed couch and lounging chair, and a garden balcony. The spa bath goes all-in: Jacuzzi, steam shower, and footbath in the shower.
King featherbed
The Majestic Spa Suite
From USD254 / night1930s Hollywood glamour in the Carriage House. A gold crown canopy over the King high-back bed sets the tone; 1930s antique sofa and chairs, fireplace, mirrored Jacuzzi, and a spa bath with steam shower complete the picture. Clark Gable's aesthetic, essentially. Pet-friendly.
King high-back bed
The Pagoda Suite
From USD249 / nightFirst-floor Carriage House suite with views of the secret garden and chapel. Spacious, with a kitchenette (mini-fridge, Keurig), a soaking tub, a 6'6" walk-in tiled shower with double shower heads, and a makeup vanity. Smart TV with Hulu live. The most practical of the suites if you're staying more than a night or two. Pet-friendly.
KingThe Petit Jean Room
From USD190 / nightNamed for the legend of a French girl who disguised herself as a cabin boy to follow her love to the New World — and died on the banks of the Arkansas River before he knew she was there. Dark walnut Empire queen bed, military and nautical relics, blues and whites in the sitting area, marble room-side sink, and a Pullman bath with shower. One of the most frequently mentioned rooms in guest reviews.
Queen (Empire high-back)The Washburn-Welch Room
From USD199 / nightA spacious octagonal room — the mansion's signature shape — finished in aubergine and green. Renaissance king-size bed, lace-draped windows, Victorian settee, and a travel-worn humpback trunk for atmosphere. Named for Presbyterian ministers who preached the first sermon west of the Mississippi. The clawfoot tub is a proper soak. Not pet-friendly.
King (Renaissance-style)Victoria's Garden Spa Suite
From USD254 / nightIrish cottage atmosphere overlooking the Heirloom Moonlight Garden. King featherbed, two chairs by the fireplace, French doors to a balcony, quartz fountain, and a morning-lit spa bath. The Jacuzzi and walk-in tiled shower are both proper. Scent from the moonlight garden drifts in through those French doors. Pet-friendly.
King featherbedThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Private High Tea for groups up to 20 in the mansion's elegant dining room. By reservation only.
The mansion is available for professional photography and media productions. Contact the property to arrange.
Private tours of the Hornibrook Mansion are available upon request. Guests and non-guests can book to explore the architectural details, history of the original owners, and the storied evolution of the property from Victorian estate to Arkansas Women's College to bed and breakfast. The hosts are excellent guides.
The mansion hosts weddings and private celebrations, including indoor and garden wedding packages. Inquire directly with the property.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A conference space for business retreats is available. Referenced in property listings as 'Quapaw Conference Center'.
All rooms have flat-screen TVs; the Pagoda Suite specifically features a Smart TV with Hulu live.
Heirloom Moonlight Garden with quartz fountain, outdoor seating areas, and a small chapel visible from the Pagoda Suite.
Smoking is only permitted outdoors. Pets allowed with prior arrangement in designated rooms (Majestic, Pagoda, Victoria's Garden). Children under 12 not accommodated.
Electric vehicle charging available on property.
BUILD YOUR THE HORNIBROOK MANSION EMPRESS OF LITTLE ROCK PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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