If you haven’t stayed in a bed and breakfast or an inn recently or ever, you’re missing pure pleasure in travel adventure.

Years ago bed & breakfasts conjured up visions of old Victorian houses that smelled funny and had white doilies (looks like a crocheted placemat that your grandmother made) on every table top. That just isn’t the case anymore. Take a look at the  Death to Doilies video and make your next reservation at a bed and breakfast. We would especially love having you visit us at Lookout Point Inn in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Here you’ll have an escapade of pure pampering and luxury.

Lookout Point is the vision Ray and I had years ago to provide a beautiful, serene setting on Lake Hamilton that would serve as a sanctuary of peace and tranquility for our special guests who were looking for a place to relax and unplug.

If you have never had a bed and breakfast experience or it’s been a long time since you treated yourself, you’ll be amazed at the extraordinary opportunity that awaits you. —- by Kristie Rosset

As innkeepers, we see a great variety of people from all over the world.  Meeting interesting, kind, funny, and curious persons is a great perk of this job! Guests who return to Lookout Point over and over again weave their way deep into our hearts.

Bill & Cheryl are two of those people woven onto the fabric of the inn, with their gentle spirit and zest for life! Married in Hot Springs years ago, they soon found our inn. Lookout Point became their spot to stay, and they even renewed their marriage vows in our gardens. Often coming with family, the inn rang with laughter and joy with every visit.

Three years ago in March, Bill died suddenly while on vacation with Cheryl and their teenage son. The shock and grief gripped their community in Missouri, and rippled to other states. Bill was a community leader, Boy Scout volunteer, physician, and so much more. In the midst of grief, even “his” innkeepers needed to do something, while feeling so helpless.

Bill's Tree

So we planted a tree. A dogwood.

The first summer, the tree struggled, telling us it was not happy where planted. Our gardener relocated the tree.

The second spring, the tree did not bloom but seemed content.

This month,  in the 3rd spring, profuse blooms are covering this small tree. Bill’s tree is happy and thriving. I am grateful to have known Bill, and to be reminded of life’s beauty through Bill’s tree!

The editor of Better Homes & Gardens Country Gardens magazine,

BHG Country Gardens editor James Baggett

James Baggett recently included Hot Springs, Garvan Gardens, and our inn in the  BHG blog.  It was our honor to welcome James to the inn!He’s been a magazine editor for 30 years, and he is full of life, and great ideas. Rarely one to sit still, when he had a few extra minutes James could be found in our gardens, deadheading flowers.

When James asked if he could re-pot our house plants, I was speechless! Within a week of his departure, our houseplants had all been lovingly tended.

Here’s James’ comments about our Hot Springs B&B:

But the highlight of my too-short visit had to be my impeccable accommodations at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains overlooking a serene bay of Lake Hamilton, the inn—built in 2003 in the Arts and Crafts architectural style—is surrounded by pretty manicured gardens and pathways and waterfalls that lead to the lake itself, where turtles gently paddle near the water’s edge. Innkeepers Ray and Kristie Rosset have created a labyrinth for guests to explore, above. (Remember, you get lost in a maze and find yourself in a labyrinth.) While I slowly followed the twists and turns of the labyrinth, hummingbirds were busy sipping nectar from the many flowering shrubs and perennials that line the paths that crisscross this idyllic getaway. Like I said, it’s especially comforting to reflect on just such an escape at precisely this time of year.

Thank you, James! We would love to welcome YOU to enjoy Hot Springs, Garvan Gardens,  our inn, and perhaps find yourself in our labyrinth.

Hot Springs is becoming known as one of the great places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! On March 17, the hilarious “First Ever 9th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade”

World's Shortest St. Patrick's Parade

is held on Bridge St., in the historic downtown. Really. This parade is only 98 feet long–the entire length of Bridge St.

Never a town that takes itself too seriously, this day is full of green celebration and green libation. Live, free concerts fill the air before and after the parade. You can also join in the kissing of the Blarney Stone.

This year’s grand marshal: Otter (Tim Matheson) from Animal House.

Come on and stay at our Hot Springs B&B—away from the crowds and noise, but close enough to the fun. We’ll provide tips on the best parking and viewing areas.

Happy 9th Birthday to Lookout Point! Today we celebrate nine years

Happy Birthday!

of opening our doors to the best guests in the entire world. On Valentine’s Day, 2003 we opened to a full house. While some guests were out to dinner, glass shower doors were being installed. With construction delays, the gardens and waterfalls were yet a vision in our minds at that time.

The first day of serving breakfast, Ray sliced his hand on a new knife –he was not used to handling sharp knives–and had to drive himself to the ER for stitches and then surgery.

We’ve learned so much in these 9 years, and the most important lesson is the comforting reassurance that we love, love, love being innkeepers and welcoming people to this oasis of peace & tranquility.

You’re invited to come stay at our Hot Springs B&B/Inn!

The Sunbelt Conference, featuring twelve colleges stretching across the country from Florida to Denver, compete at Hot Springs’ Summit Arena

Sunbelt Championships March 3-6

for the 2012 men’s and women’s basketball championships.

From March 3-6, the excitement builds as fans gather in Hot Springs to cheer on their teams. A free pep rally with bands fires up the crowds in downtown on March 2.

You’re invited to come away to our quiet inn on the lake–a great place to retreat during  your days of  cheering on your team at the Summit Arena.

TripAdvisor, the granddaddy of travel review sites, named Lookout Point to the TOP TEN B&B/Inns in the country!

We learned of this honor from various Arkansas guests, offering congratulations after seeing it on the TV news.

Thanks to everyone that took the time to write a lovely review on TripAdvisor! We are honored, and always look forward to your stay at our Hot Springs B&B.

At Lookout Point, we are committed to taking care of the environment in every way possible. We recycle,  we built the inn with green products, our cleaning products are eco-friendly, we use CFB’s, and the list goes on.

Last year, we partnered with Clean The World, shipping the unused portions of guest soaps to Clean The World. Instead of throwing unused soaps away, we now pay to ship them to Clean The World. These soaps are collected, sterilized, recycled and distributed to 48 countries to stop the spread of preventable diseases.

Every day 9,000 children around the world die from acute respiratory illnesses and diarrheal diseases that could be prevented

Recycled Soaps Clean the World

with simple handwashing. In 2011,  97 bars of soap were made from the little bars of unused soap from Lookout Point guests!

It’s an honor to do small tasks that can make a big difference in people’s lives.

Celebrate love through the month of February with our “Indulge Each Other”

Romantic dinner at Lookout Point

package, designed to truly feel pampered. Bring your beloved to our Hot Springs B&B, and you will be the hero!

“Indulge Each Other” Package includes:

• Two nights in a luxurious room
• Private dinner for two with your own personal chef
• Bottle of French Sparkling Wine
• Incredible one hour couples massage
• 1/2 dozen chocolate covered strawberries
• Spa basket for enjoying your whirlpool tub
• Gourmet breakfast for two each morning
• Afternoon Innkeepers Reception

We look forward to assisting you in creating the perfect lovers getaway, as you re-ignite your relationship. Of course, we’ll be happy to answer any questions, or customize your package. Just give us a call at 501.525.6155.

Excitement is mounting in Hot Springs, as the horses, owners, jockeys and fans return to Oaklawn Races for the 56-day live meet. Throughout the season, over 2600 horses will be stabled and ready to race.

Racing at Oaklawn

With the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, enjoy 4 days of live thoroughbred racing this weekend. On Saturday Jan 14, Oaklawn’s famous corned beef sandwiches are only 50 cents!

When staying at our Hot Springs B&B for a minimum of two nights in January, you are welcome to be our guests at the exclusive, members only Oaklawn Jockey Club.  OJC is a special place to watch the action, with great service, great food, and great views! We will be glad to make the reservation for you.

(Note:  strict dress code enforced at the Jockey Club, including sport coat required for men, and no denim).

And they’re OFF!