This is the land of Wal-Mart, but Bentonville is just part of a huge economic engine that is Northwest Arkansas. That’s why 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville has seen such success. From the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville to the other major corporations in the area, like Hormel Foods, this design hotel from the Accor family of brands is one of the area’s most entertaining.
21c Museum Hotels are art museums in their own right, each open to the public to enjoy conversation and discussion through design, art and photography. 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville is a great example of that effort. These are five of the best reasons to visit when staying in the area.
The rooms
Two key card-protected elevators lead to the guest rooms that showcase minimalist décor. White-washed walls with a few pieces of desert-inspires photography create a clean look. The duvet-topped beds have four firm, yet squishy pillows (they were an absolute favorite of mine as I hate pillows that are too soft that they cannot support your neck).
An L-shaped sofa sits in the corner with so many easy-access power and USB ports that I ran out of things to plug in during my stay. A lovely marble-topped table works as a desk or dining spot, but it is quite easy to bang your head on the triple light fixture that dangles overhead (beware).
Two, refillable water bottles are complimentary on the bureau facing the bed, which also houses a fancy coffee machine and refrigerator (ideal for storing takeaway food or leftovers from downtown’s numerous trendy eateries). The closet was large and had plenty of hangers and a luggage rack.
My favorite was the bathroom, which is enormous with a bright mirror that makes you look like a movie star. Malin+Goetz toiletries are in large pump bottles on the vanity and in the glass shower stall, including the rum scent that I actually use at home. Rubber ducks on the shelf smile back at you while you shower.
There are junior suites with ensuite living areas, and the largest 21C Suite has a private terrace, ideal during some of the city’s biggest parades and public events.
The art
Colorful art, provocative photography and creative design pieces (the multi-basket basketball hoops on the patio are a favorite) prove to be hallmarks of the 21c brand. All of the art is free to the public to explore, and even though this is a hotel, it gives the entire property a buzz of energy since it doubles as a museum.
Part of the art, however, is the green penguin. What at first may seem like a strange addition to the hotel is actually a clever part of the design aesthetic. The penguins have become a fixture across 21c Museum hotels. These large, plastic animals move around the hotel and are often seen in elevators, looking out the windows, in hallways and even on the roof. Each day, they change positions and become a favorite talking point of guests.
The service
Welcome to southern charm, and the staff here are a great example of it. Ongoing construction work was taking place during my stay, and the staff was so apologetic. They offered all guests a complimentary drink at the bar, but were also quick to point out how to get around the city’s roadwork diversion.
In fact, the hotel is so close to everything you would want to see, the construction poses no problem at all. The Wal-Mart Museum had just completed a full renovation so I wanted to see what had changed. It took me 90 seconds to walk there, leisurely.
In the restaurant, where I enjoyed breakfast (order the protein smoothie), the staff was as friendly as can be. I am from North Carolina, and this type of friendliness is normal to me. But, it is nice to see how Southern hospitality translates across the different parts of the American South.
The food
I loved my breakfast, particularly because the morning menu had so many side menu options that you could mix and match to get the perfect pairing. I normally do not have breakfast at home, but when traveling, it is sort of an indulgence. And if I am going to have a morning plate, I want it to be exactly what I want. So, kudos to the menu designers for that.
While I worked on my laptop, I loved that there was complimentary Lavazza coffee for everyone to enjoy. Later in the day, there is a lunch and dinner menu. I did not stick around to enjoy it, but people started arriving around 11am, which I found to be quite early for lunch. It wasn’t even a weekend brunch, but several groups checked in for a bite to eat way before Noon. This must be a popular spot for a bite to eat after exploring the hotel’s art and photography.
The location
Perhaps that is why the location of this property is so key. It is in the center of it all. Walking to the Wal-Mart Museum, the nearby Neighborhood Market (Wal-Mart) and main square filled with shops and cafes, it’s all a short stroll. The hotel also offers weekly happy hours, art tours and pet-friendly get togethers. Guests also have access to a well-equipped fitness center if they don’t want to take a jog through the town center.
If you are going to the University of Arkansas or other areas (like the Wal-Mart headquarters), you will need a rideshare (parking here is not free). And Wal-Mart is about to move their headquarters from one large area to another so make sure that your rideshare app is using the correct address after the switchover.
This hotel is part of the Accor All Live Limitless loyalty program, but also belongs to the Dis-Loyalty program. Either one provides benefits for members, like discounts on stays or free coffee drinks.
