Celebrate the Holiday Season in Historic Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Now is the time to start planning a holiday get-away to the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa is Hot Springs, Ark. It is the Spa City's headquarters for holiday festivities and winter fun all in a grand historic locale that guests describe as much like "a cruise ship on land."

As Arkansas' largest hotel, the Arlington is a historic resort with all the ambiance and hospitality of a traditional, grand old Southern hotel. Established in 1875, it features outstanding restaurants, unique outdoor heated pools and hot tub as well as its own bath house and beauty salon.

"Holiday festivities are a tradition that span more than a century here at the Arlington," said Bob Martorana, hotel general manager. "As in years past, we celebrate the season with a variety of exciting events, dazzling parties and receptions, and great entertainment including our famous New Year's Eve dances."

Holiday activities begin with a Thanksgiving Day Feast Thursday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 26 offers an evening of laughter with the Murder Mystery Comedy entitled "Bullets in the Bathtub." The event begins with a reception to mingle and learn characters. Then dinner is served while the crime is solved and the laughter abounds. Tickets are $45 per person.

The month of December is filled with opportunities to make lasting holiday memories:
� Gingerbread House Celebration, Tree Lighting and Caroling - in the hotel lobby on Friday, Dec. 2 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Complimentary refreshments will be served. This event is a favorite holiday Hot Springs activity.
� Hot Springs Flute Ensemble - in the hotel lobby on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m.
� Christmas Day Feast - served on Sunday, Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Venetian Dining Room and the Fountain Room Grill.
� International Feast - a festive buffet featuring cuisine from around the world will be served on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Venetian Dining Room.

And you can welcome in the New Year in style by attending the Gala Dinner Dance in the Crystal Ballroom on Saturday, Dec. 31 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Stardust Band will play from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The cost of $175 per person includes a five-course gourmet dinner, two before- or after-dinner drinks, wines with dinner, champagne toast at midnight, party favors, tax and gratuity. Dress is black tie optional. Plus, Gala Dinner Dance guests can also visit the Festival Party next door, plus a Black-Eyed Pea Reception at midnight in the Magnolia Room at no additional charge.

The New Year's Festival Party will rock the Conference Center from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $45 per person and include dancing to the music of "White Chocolate," party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Festival Party goers can also attend the Black-Eyed Pea Reception at midnight.

Special New Year's Eve Packages are available for one- or two-night stays for couples. The Celebration Package includes a wine and fruit basket upon arrival, special Arlington memento, two tickets to the New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Dance, plus breakfast each morning. Enjoy the festivities for one night for $500 or only $95 more for two nights.

The Festival Package includes two tickets to the International Feast, the Festival Party and Dance, plus breakfast each morning. Stay one night for $323, or two nights for only $395.

Enjoy the Spa Package from Nov. 27 through Dec. 29 and Jan. 1-12 for $335 per couple. It includes two nights, one thermal mineral water bath and massage for each adult, plus breakfast for two each day in the dining room.

The Arlington Hotel is partnering with Garvan Woodland Gardens to offer a Festival of Lights Package from Nov. 19 through Dec. 30. For only $135, a couple can spend the night at the historic hotel, visit the "Lights on the Landscape" at the gardens and enjoy breakfast the next morning in the hotel dining room.

If you want to visit Hot Springs during the holidays, other special rates are available Nov. 21 through Jan. 12. To reserve a sleeping room or package, please call 501-609-2533 or 1-800-643-1502.

For details about all the holiday feasts, entertainment, parties and special events visit www.arlingtonhotel.com. To make reservations for any of the activities or to request a free holiday brochure, please call 501-609-2575 or 1-800-643-1502.