The Empress of Little Rock

2120 S Louisiana St, Little Rock, AR 72206, Little Rock, United States

4-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.8 / 5

Overview

The Empress of Little Rock is an upscale bed and breakfast set inside a restored Victorian mansion in Little Rock, Arkansas. Rated 4 stars and holding an exceptional 4.8 rating from 214 reviews, it offers just 9 individually decorated rooms and suites, giving it the feel of an intimate, historic retreat rather than a standard hotel. Guests frequently describe the property as immaculately maintained and elegantly appointed, with a sense of stepping back into a bygone era.

Rooms & Suites

Each of the 9 rooms and suites is individually decorated with antique furniture, and most include sitting areas; some feature working fireplaces and canopy beds for an added touch of period character. Suites step up further with whirlpool tubs, and select rooms offer private balconies. All accommodations include free Wi-Fi and cable TV, blending historic charm with modern basics.

Dining

A gourmet breakfast is served each morning in a formal dining room, with guests noting hearty spreads that have included waffles, fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, and orange juice. An evening cocktail hour is offered as a complimentary amenity, adding a social touch to the stay.

Amenities & Grounds

Beyond the guest rooms, the property features a charming guest lounge, a garden, and outdoor seating areas for relaxing. Complimentary parking is also included, a convenience not always found at historic downtown inns.

Location

The mansion sits about a mile from both the MacArthur Park Historic District and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, and roughly 3 miles from the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. Numerous other Little Rock attractions are within a few miles, including the Old State House Museum, Historic Arkansas Museum, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Museum of Discovery, and the Arkansas State Capitol, making it a well-placed base for sightseeing on foot or by short drive.

Best for

This property suits couples, history enthusiasts, and independent travelers seeking a distinctive, romantic alternative to chain hotels, thanks to its antique-filled rooms, fireplaces, canopy beds, and whirlpool-tub suites. It's also a strong fit for cultural sightseers, given its walkable proximity to the MacArthur Park Historic District, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, and multiple museums within a mile or two.

Travel tips

Book ahead given the property has only 9 rooms, and take advantage of the complimentary parking since street parking near historic downtown mansions can be limited. Many of Little Rock's top sights -- the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History -- are within roughly a mile and a half, so comfortable walking shoes or a short rideshare will cover most sightseeing. The Clinton Presidential Library, Old State House Museum, and Arkansas State Capitol are a couple of miles further and best reached by car or short taxi ride.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the exceptional cleanliness of the property, noting spotless rooms, fresh-smelling linens, and well-kept common areas. The gourmet breakfast, featuring items like waffles, fresh fruit, bacon, and sausage, draws frequent positive mention. Comfort is another recurring theme, with multiple guests describing deep, restful sleep in the well-appointed rooms. Several reviewers, including a business traveler, specifically highlighted how well-preserved and elegantly maintained the historic mansion is, contrasting it favorably with older properties that can feel dated or worn. No recurring negative themes appear in the available excerpts.

Check availability · Booking links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure