If you have an opportunity to stay overnight at the Capital Hotel in Little Rock, thank your lucky stars and do not hesitate for even a half second. This is a no dilly-dallying around decision. The Capital Hotel, called Little Rock’s front porch, oozes classic southern charm from your first step onto the sidewalk out front until the moment your head melts into the Chaz Stevens pillowcase that will surely carry you to dreamland.
No detail is left unattended.
Built in 1872, the hotel has seen all sorts of greatness. You can bet political careers were made inside the oak paneled bar. And many a bride and groom have walked beneath the soaring stained glass ceiling of the lobby. Throughout history, the Capital Hotel has hosted an assortment of VIPs, including President Ulysses S. Grant.
John and I are just regular folk, yet during the weekend of my Little Rock book signing, we sure experienced the luxury VIP treatment. What a special place.
A few pics…
- View from the second floor stairs. Breathtakingly stunning.
- I love love love an old tile floor. Can you imagine all the footprints left behind?
- Cocktails at the Capital Hotel Bar & Grill. They say rules are made at the Statehouse, but laws are made at the Capital Hotel Bar & Grill. I believe it. I ordered the Crop Duster (left) made with house made blackberry preserves and Hayman’s Old Tom Gin. John ordered a Don Draper (right). Not sure what was in his drink, but he enjoyed it.
- The enormous elevator has its own stories to tell. According to legend, the unusually large elevator was built to allow Grant to take his horse, Cincinnati, to his hotel room. Also, “Mr. Witt” (Witt Stephens, founder of Stephens, Inc.) was known to hold the Arkansas state legislature on board. It was certainly large enough for John, me, and a few dozen of our closest friends. “H-e-l-l-l-oooo over there…” A chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
- Seriously. Best turndown service. Last night at my own home, I missed this Lambrecht Southern Pecan Toffee… (insert pouty lip)
- Why, yes, I ordered grits. Breakfast at One Eleven included every southern favorite including buttermilk biscuits and gravy, house made sausage, homestyle potatoes, and stone ground grits from War Eagle Mill.
- Coffee. Can you smell it? There’s something about white china and black coffee.
- White tulips filled the window boxes along the sidewalk. And you know I love tulips.
- Until next time.
I hope there’s a next time.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]The Capital Hotel in #LittleRock—where everyone is a VIP. @capitalhotel @DowntownLR #freshflowers #southerncharm[/tweetthis]
Musical Pairing:
Etta James, At Last
I’m glad you had such an exciting,fun and successful book signing! Pretty pictures!
I never new there was a drink called the cropduster. I need to mention this to the Wilson Café. The Capital Hotel is beautiful.
Yes, it’s based on a cocktail called Aviation. Wilson Cafe definitely needs a version of it!
Beautiful place
Oh, the hotel is beautiful. Loved your pictures. What a great adventure for you and John. I am so glad the book signing was such a success. So proud of you. You go, girl.
It is, indeed, a beautiful place. We’ve been to several event there and I’ve stayed there once back when I worked and had to be downtown super early to help with a conference. I’m glad you had a pampered stay.
Don and I celebrated an anniversary there. Did they give you roses because you were an honored guest?
Oh, no, the roses were in the lobby for everyone to enjoy. I thought they were so gorgeous I had to take a picture.