A stay inside one of Arkansas’s finest Victorian mansions where history, hospitality, and relaxation come together.
There are hotels where you check in, sleep, and barely remember them a week later.
Then there are places like The Empress of Little Rock.
After spending the afternoon exploring the fascinating exhibits at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, we made the short drive to one of Little Rock’s most iconic historic homes. As we pulled into the driveway, I immediately stopped and said one thing.
“Wow.”
The towering Victorian mansion, intricate architecture, wraparound porch, stained glass, and beautifully landscaped grounds made an unforgettable first impression.
Before we had even walked through the front door, I knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary overnight stay.
The Empress of Little Rock Official Website
More Than a Bed & Breakfast
Completed in 1888, The Empress began life as the magnificent Hornibrook Mansion, built entirely from Arkansas materials for approximately $20,000—a tremendous investment at the time.
Designed by architects Max Orlopp and Kasper Kusener, the mansion has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as the finest example of ornate Victorian architecture in Arkansas and one of the region’s most significant examples of Gothic Queen Anne design.
Today, every stained-glass window, handcrafted wood detail, soaring ceiling, and architectural flourish reminds guests they’re staying inside a remarkable piece of Arkansas history.
Yet despite its grandeur, it somehow feels incredibly welcoming. It’s elegant without being intimidating. Historic without feeling like a museum. Beautiful without sacrificing comfort.
A Warm Welcome
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by James, who immediately made us feel like welcomed guests rather than customers checking into a hotel. After introducing us to the house, he showed us around the common areas before mentioning something intriguing. “There may be a secret room you want to see later…”
That single comment immediately sparked my curiosity. Little did I know it would become one of my favorite parts of our stay.
Our Home for the Night
The Empress selected the Washburn-Welch Room for our stay.
The spacious octagonal room was decorated in rich shades of aubergine and green, complete with a Renaissance king bed, beautiful antiques, comfortable sitting area, and elegant lace curtains framing the windows. A travel-worn trunk, antique furnishings, historic books, and carefully chosen décor created the feeling of stepping back into another century. The en suite bathroom featured a clawfoot soaking tub—a perfect reminder that this house was built long before modern hotels. Despite its historic charm, every modern comfort was there.
The bed?
One of the most comfortable I’ve slept in during the entire road trip.
The Secret Poker Room
Every historic house has stories. The Empress has a secret.
Following James’s instructions, we climbed into the attic and began following a series of rugs across the floor until we reached what appeared to be an ordinary closed door.
Behind it? A hidden poker room.
Between 1888 and 1890, original owner James H. Hornibrook reportedly hosted around-the-clock poker games here. James encouraged us to find the only piece of clear glass among the stained-glass windows. That was where a lookout watched for approaching law enforcement. Then he told us to look up. Hidden in the ceiling was another hatch leading to a rooftop platform where additional lookouts—often neighborhood boys—kept watch over Little Rock with an unobstructed 360-degree view.
Standing inside that secret room felt like discovering a forgotten chapter of Arkansas history. It was one of those unexpected moments that transforms a hotel stay into a story you’ll tell long after returning home.
Slow Down and Stay Awhile
One of my favorite memories from our stay wasn’t inside the mansion at all. After dinner, we picked up ice cream from a nearby shop and returned to The Empress instead of rushing off to another attraction. We sat together on the expansive front porch. Then wandered through the gardens. Fed the fish in the front fountain. And simply enjoyed the quiet.
It reminded me how rarely we allow ourselves to slow down while traveling. The Empress encourages exactly that.
Guests are welcome to relax throughout the beautifully furnished common rooms, enjoy the porch, or simply sit and appreciate the craftsmanship surrounding them. Sometimes the best part of travel isn’t doing more. It’s doing less.
Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
Breakfast the next morning was served over a relaxed two-hour window, allowing guests to arrive whenever they pleased.
Large banquet tables encouraged conversation while smaller tables offered a quieter experience.
Our breakfast included:
- Homemade biscuits and gravy
- Eggs
- Toast
- Fresh waffles
The cooks were incredibly gracious, making the morning feel more like visiting family than checking out of a hotel. After breakfast, checkout was simple. No long lines. No crowded lobby. Just gathering our bags and beginning another day of exploring Arkansas.
A Photographer’s Dream
As a travel photographer, I found myself constantly reaching for my camera. The stained-glass windows. The intricate antiques. The massive double staircase. The beautifully preserved woodwork. The colorful gardens. The wraparound porch.
Every room offered another composition waiting to be photographed. Morning light filtering through the stained glass was especially beautiful, while dusk added warmth to the home’s exterior. If you enjoy photographing architecture or historic interiors, you’ll have no shortage of inspiration here.
Tips for Staying at The Empress
A few things to know before you book:
- All guest rooms are located on the second floor.
- There is no elevator, so guests should be comfortable using stairs.
- Free on-site parking is available.
- The property is located in a quiet historic neighborhood just outside downtown Little Rock.
- The Governor’s Mansion is approximately 1½ miles away.
- Take time to explore every room downstairs—you don’t have to stay in your guest room.
- Don’t forget to ask about the secret poker room.
Is The Empress Right for You?
I would recommend The Empress for:
- Couples
- Solo travelers
- Girls’ getaways
- History lovers
- Architecture enthusiasts
- Photographers
Families with young children may find a traditional hotel more practical, but for adults looking for a memorable stay, it’s hard to imagine a better choice.
Final Thoughts
Before arriving, I expected a historic bed and breakfast with beautiful architecture. Instead, I found something much more meaningful. I found one of the coziest, most welcoming places I’ve stayed in years.
The Empress isn’t simply a place to spend the night. It’s a place to slow down. To appreciate craftsmanship. To hear stories. To discover hidden rooms. To enjoy a quiet evening on a porch with ice cream. To step back in time while still feeling completely at home.
Some hotels simply give you a place to sleep. The Empress gives you a story you’ll remember long after you’ve checked out.
Continue the Adventure
Our stay at The Empress of Little Rock was the perfect complement to our visit to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, proving that Little Rock offers far more than travelers often expect. Before checking into this beautifully restored Victorian mansion, we spent the afternoon exploring one of the nation’s most engaging presidential libraries, where history came to life through interactive exhibits, remarkable artifacts, and stunning architecture. During our Midwest Road Trip, we also discovered unforgettable experiences like the immersive world of Factory Obscura in Oklahoma City and the incredible animal encounters at Tanganyika Wildlife Park near Wichita. If you’re following along on our journey, be sure to explore the rest of the 2026 Midwest Road Trip Series as we continue uncovering hidden gems, remarkable accommodations, and memorable destinations across America’s heartland.
