Finding a place to crash in a tourist town like Hot Springs can be a total headache if you don't know the layout. Honestly, you've probably seen the Days Inn Hot Springs AR pop up on every booking site from Expedia to Priceline, usually with a price tag that looks way too good to be true compared to the fancy boutique hotels on Central Avenue.
It’s a budget spot. Let’s just get that out of the way right now.
But "budget" in Hot Springs means different things depending on which side of the bypass you’re on. If you are looking for gold-leafed mirrors and a thermal mineral bath in your room, keep moving. However, if you just need a base camp that doesn't eat up your entire budget for Oaklawn racing or Lake Hamilton boat rentals, this specific Wyndham-branded property stays on the radar for a reason.
The Location Reality Check
Location is basically everything in this town. The Days Inn Hot Springs AR—specifically the one located on Central Avenue near the bypass—sits in a weirdly convenient sweet spot. You aren't directly on Bathhouse Row, which some people hate because you can't just walk to the Fordyce Bathhouse.
But here’s the thing.
Parking downtown is a nightmare. It’s tight, expensive, and often involves a long trek from a parking garage. By staying a few miles south at the Days Inn, you’re basically five minutes from the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and maybe eight minutes from the National Park entrance. You’re also closer to the "local" side of town—think Taco Pronto and the better grocery stores—rather than just the tourist traps.
Most people don't realize that Hot Springs is essentially a long, skinny corridor. The Days Inn sits right on that vein. You can hop on Highway 7 or the 270 bypass in seconds. That matters if you're trying to hit Garvan Woodland Gardens before the crowds arrive or if you're hauling a boat down to the Fish Hatchery ramp.
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What the Rooms are Actually Like
Don't expect a minimalist Pinterest aesthetic here. It's a classic motel layout. You have exterior corridors, which some travelers find a bit dated, but others love because you can park your car right outside your door and keep an eye on your gear. For hikers or mountain bikers coming to tackle the Northwoods Trails, that's a huge plus.
The rooms usually feature the standard Wyndham setup:
- A flat-screen TV that actually works.
- The essential microwave/fridge combo (crucial for leftover pizza from DeLuca's).
- Free Wi-Fi that—honestly—is hit or miss depending on how many people are streaming Netflix at 9:00 PM.
- Basic coffee makers for that "I need caffeine before the lake" emergency.
The beds are decent. They aren't "cloud-like luxury," but they aren't plywood either. It’s a place to sleep. If you’re the type of traveler who spends 14 hours a day outside exploring the Gulpha Gorge or digging for crystals at Ron Coleman’s, you won't care about the carpet pattern. If you're planning a romantic anniversary staycation? Yeah, you might want to look at the Arlington or a high-end B&B instead.
Dealing with the "Budget Motel" Stigma
Let's be real. Reviews for the Days Inn Hot Springs AR can be all over the map. You’ll see one person praising the friendly night clerk and another complaining about a leaky faucet. That is the nature of a high-turnover economy hotel in a major tourist destination.
Consistency is the challenge.
In the last year or so, travelers have noted that the property has made efforts to keep up with maintenance, but it’s an older building. Older buildings in the humid Arkansas climate require a lot of love. If you walk in expecting a 2026 ultra-modern experience, you’ll be disappointed. If you walk in expecting a clean bed and a hot shower for under a hundred bucks, you’ll probably be fine.
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Pricing and Why It Fluctuates
Hot Springs has "seasons" that drive prices wild.
- Racing Season (Jan–May): Everything near Oaklawn gets expensive. The Days Inn will spike in price during the Arkansas Derby.
- Summer Lake Season: June and July are packed.
- The "Off" Season: November and December (except for the Christmas lights) can be dirt cheap.
You can often find rooms here for $65 to $85 on a random Tuesday, but that same room might jump to $150 during a major event. Always check the Wyndham Rewards portal directly. Sometimes they have "member rates" that beat the big travel sites by ten percent or more. Plus, you get points. If you stay at enough Days Inns across the country, those points eventually turn into a free night at a much nicer Wyndham Grand somewhere else. It’s a strategy.
The Breakfast Situation and Eating Nearby
They do a "Daybreak Breakfast." It’s basic. Think cereal, maybe some yogurt, and those waffles you have to make yourself. It’s fine for a quick bite, but you’re in Hot Springs—a town with some of the best breakfast spots in the South.
If you're staying at the Days Inn Hot Springs AR, do yourself a favor and drive three minutes to The Pancake Shop or Best Cafe. The Pancake Shop is a legend for a reason (get the sausage patties, trust me). If you want something faster and cheaper, the Hardee's and Starbucks are literally right there on Central.
Navigating the Area Like a Local
One thing most visitors miss is the proximity to the Greenway. There are sections of walking trails that connect parts of the city, but from this location, you're mostly car-dependent.
If you are headed to the National Park, don't just stick to the bathhouses. Drive up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. It costs a few bucks to go to the top, but the view of the Ouachita Mountains is insane. On a clear day, you can see forever.
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Also, keep an eye on your gas tank. The stations right near the bypass tend to be a few cents higher than the ones further down Airport Road.
Safety and Security
It's a well-lit property on a main drag. Because it’s right on Central Avenue, there is a lot of traffic. This is great for feeling like you aren't tucked away in a dark corner, but it does mean you’ll hear some road noise. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room toward the back of the property. It makes a massive difference.
The staff generally knows the area well. If you’re looking for a specific trail or want to know which lakes have the best water levels, the front desk folks usually have the local scoop.
Is It Worth It?
The Days Inn Hot Springs AR is for the pragmatic traveler.
It’s for the family of four who wants to spend their money on Magic Springs theme park tickets instead of a fancy lobby. It's for the solo fisherman who just needs a spot to charge his electronics and sleep for six hours.
If you go in with the right expectations, it’s a solid, functional choice. It isn't the "destination" in itself; it’s the gateway to the destination.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Book Directly: Use the Wyndham site for the best cancellation policies. Third-party sites can be a nightmare if your plans change.
- Request the Back Side: Avoid the Central Avenue road noise by staying in the rear buildings.
- Check the Fridge: As soon as you walk in, make sure the mini-fridge is plugged in and cooling. Sometimes they are turned down to save energy between guests.
- Inspect the Room: Do a quick 2-minute check of the sheets and bathroom when you arrive. If something isn't right, tell the front desk immediately rather than waiting until checkout.
- Plan Your Parking: If you have a trailer or a large truck, call ahead. The lot is decent, but it can get tight when the hotel is at 100% capacity.
Staying here allows you to pivot your travel budget toward the experiences that actually make Hot Springs unique—the thermal water, the history, and the natural beauty of the Ouachitas.