Before Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” immortalized the hotel’s unique ground-level structure in its pages, before the Arkansas Art Trail wound its way around this property’s stunning landscape and before the spooky Spirits of the Basin Tour even had any tales to tell, the 1905 Basin Park Hotel stood alone on its perch adjacent to Basin Spring Park welcoming weary travelers to “stay a spell” after soaking in Arkansas’ healing spring waters.
Built in 1905, the hotel was an instant success for couples and families, and it grew alongside the rest of Eureka Springs as the destination became more known for its artistic community and wellness pursuits. It was in 1997 that the hotel underwent a renaissance and the property became a mecca for small or large meeting groups. Under the direction of general manager Jack Moyer, the hotel was updated to infuse 21st-century amenities and comforts into its 61 guest rooms and communal spaces while maintaining the historical integrity of the building.
The hotel now features five meeting venues, among them the Barefoot Ballroom, as well as two on-site restaurants and bars — the Balcony Bar and Restaurant and the Lucky 7 Rooftop Billiards and Bar — and a spa that draws inspiration in its menu of treatments from the healing waters that started the town of Eureka Springs so many years ago. The hotel’s prime location in the center of town makes it easy for meeting guests to find entertainment before and after events; they need only step out the front door of the hotel to become surrounded by dozens of unique shops, art galleries, restaurant, bistros and clubs.
Whether you are planning a weekend retreat, a corporate gathering or a glamorous fundraising event, the 1905 Basin Park Hotel is distinctly suited to meet and exceed all expectations for a successful meeting or event.
Meeting Spaces
The 1905 Basin Park Hotel features more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space spread throughout five meeting venues. The outdoor Spa Deck at Spa 1905 is available for intimate al fresco gatherings of about 10 guests, and other outdoor events can be held at the hotel’s sister property, the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa, in the property’s indoor and outdoor garden venues. The Barefoot Ballroom is the largest space and can accommodate up to 250 guests. Other venues include the Ozark Room and the Atrium Room, which each hold up to 125 guests.
Spirits of the Basin
Many guests have a hard time leaving the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, and some are believed to have never left. The hotel’s 90-minute Spirits of the Basin Tour has become a favorite for groups. Led by a guide dressed in period costume, it begins with an introduction on the rooftop of the hotel; guests are then led through the hotel’s chilling past with tales of the characters who stayed, worked, died and perhaps never left the hotel. The tour ends in an underground cave where guests are served a sample of bootleg liquor while listening to the final ghost story by candlelight.
Catering
The in-house culinary team, which will also customize menus for groups’ specific needs, creates seasonal catering menus for a variety of occasions. The reception menu includes a number of platters and carving stations and even features some favorites in their hors d’oeuvres selection, like mini crab cakes, spanakopita, mini chicken cordon bleu and black bean quesadillas. Plated dinner menu options are wide-ranging, with such offerings as traditional surf-and-turf and decadent vegan options of quinoa cooked until tender with black beans, corn, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Don’t miss the team’s signature Arkansas buffet, which features Basin baked chicken, Buford’s baked beans and Krystal’s coleslaw. Alcohol is allowed.
Before and After Events
The hotel is in the center of Eureka Springs’ Historic Downtown area and is within easy walking distance of the town’s biggest and most popular sites. Eureka Springs is known for its art, architecture and history, and guests have access to all of that while surrounded by mountains, lakes and rivers. The setup is ideal for team-building retreats, board retreats, planning sessions and more; the events team at the hotel will gladly arrange off-site activities for groups or offer suggestions for dining, playing and shopping around the area.
Basin Park Hotel
Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Size: 61 rooms
Meeting Space: More than 5,000 square feet of flexible space
Access: U.S. Highway 62; Buck Mountain Airport and Carroll County Airport
Contact Info:
877-456-9679
www.basinpark.com
