Little Rock sits on the south bank of the Arkansas River in the centre of the state, and it works as a base for both city sights and the outdoors. The downtown core holds the Clinton Presidential Center and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the historic Quapaw Quarter is nearby, and the Arkansas River Trail and Pinnacle Mountain State Park are within easy reach for walking and recreation.
For a visitor, the useful split is between downtown and the River Market area on the riverfront, the central and west corridors along the interstate and business districts, and the separate city of North Little Rock directly across the river. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation you will find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Little Rock
1. River Market and downtown
This is the revitalised downtown district on the banks of the Arkansas River, and it puts you within walking distance of the River Market itself, the Clinton Presidential Center and the Old State House. It suits first-time visitors who want the main sights and the riverfront on foot rather than by car.
You will find mid-range and full-service downtown hotels here, including properties two blocks from the riverbank and others in the River Market near the Clinton Presidential Center. Expect this to be the most convenient base for a short visit, with the trade-off that it is the busiest and most in-demand part of town.
2. Markham Street and the civic core
The blocks around Markham Street and Louisiana Street form the historic and civic heart of downtown, across from the Peabody and within walking distance of the River Market. It suits visitors who want to be central but slightly removed from the riverfront crowds, and who value being close to downtown performance venues.
Accommodation here leans toward full-service and upscale downtown properties, including one adjoining the Robinson Center next to the Old State House. Everything in the River Market and the Clinton Presidential Center remains walkable from this area.
3. Central Little Rock
The central part of the city, around the university and hospital corridor, is not near downtown but is convenient to I-630. It suits travellers with a car, people visiting the medical and university institutions, and anyone who wants quick road access rather than a walkable base.
You will find mid-range and full-service hotels in this corridor. The practical point is that you will rely on driving or rides to reach the downtown sights, in exchange for easier connections to the rest of the city.
4. West Little Rock and the financial district
The western side of the city spreads into the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, with business and financial districts along the interstate corridors. It suits business travellers and drivers, and anyone heading out toward Pinnacle Mountain and Lake Maumelle.
This area holds the widest spread of accommodation, from budget and extended-stay properties to full-service hotels in the financial district and along Financial Centre Parkway. The trade-off is distance: you are well placed for the western outdoors and the interstates, but you will drive to reach downtown.
5. Airport area
The area around the airport, on the eastern side of the city, is a practical stop for early flights and for travellers passing through by air. It suits short overnight stays and anyone whose trip is built around a flight rather than the city centre.
Accommodation here is at the budget end, with limited-service properties. It is the least convenient base for the downtown sights, so treat it as a functional stop rather than a sightseeing base.
6. North Little Rock
North Little Rock is a separate city directly across the Arkansas River from Little Rock, once the 8th ward of Little Rock and briefly renamed Argenta. It suits visitors who want to be near the river and the downtown skyline without staying in the centre itself.
Because it is a separate city, you should treat it as its own base with its own riverfront, and plan on crossing the river to reach Little Rock's downtown sights. It is a reasonable option if you are driving and want an alternative to the downtown core.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: limited-service and extended-stay properties, concentrated around the airport and along the western interstate corridors, with basic rooms and fewer on-site facilities.
- Mid-range: chain hotels and suites in the River Market and downtown, in the central corridor near I-630, and in the financial district, typically with breakfast, a pool or a gym.
- Splurge: full-service downtown hotels and historic properties around Markham Street and the River Market, with restaurants and event space, plus larger all-suite hotels in the western business districts.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the River Market and downtown. It puts the Clinton Presidential Center, the River Market and the Old State House within walking distance, and the historic Markham Street area is close by. You will spend less time driving and more time on foot in the part of the city most visitors come to see.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Little Rock or North Little Rock?
They are separate cities on opposite banks of the Arkansas River. Staying in North Little Rock means crossing the river to reach Little Rock's downtown sights, while staying downtown keeps those sights walkable.
Do I need a car if I stay downtown?
Not for the downtown sights, since the River Market, the Clinton Presidential Center and the Old State House are all within walking distance of each other. You will want a car for Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Lake Maumelle and the western parts of the city.
Which area is best for outdoor access?
The western side of the city, in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, is closest to Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Lake Maumelle. The Arkansas River Trail is reachable from the downtown and riverfront areas.
Where do budget stays tend to be?
Budget and limited-service accommodation clusters around the airport and along the western interstate corridors, rather than in the downtown core.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.