Arlington Hotel - Birth, Fire and Rebuilding

Raphael Tuck & Sons Series No. 2369 "Hot Springs Ark."
The Arlington Hotel is the only hotel situated on the Government Reservation. The structure is of brick, in the Moorish style, well befitting its location against the Hot Springs Mountain in the narrow valley. The Arlington accommodates 500 guests and is open the whole year. It is one of the oldest hotels, but was entirely rebuilt a few years ago.

The postcards above and below depict the second of three constructions of the Arlington Hotel. Its first location is actually across the street from its present location and was completed in 1875. It is still located in the downtown area of Hot Springs, and offers not only rooms but a full-service spa and two restaurants. 

Posted February 22,1910

On April 5, 1923, the above structure burnt to the ground. One fireman died and two others were injured fighting the fire after a wall collapsed.

The loss was estimated at over $1,000,000, even in 1923. According to newspaper reports, only about half that loss was covered by insurance.

This is an actual photo of the fire and firefighting efforts.

Although guests were able to escape, most personal property was destroyed by the fire. Many of the guests were able to exit through the back of the hotel where it was possible to escape to the mountainside.

The fire was reported at about 3 in the afternoon, according to a newspaper report. The fire started in the basement and spread quickly. Many of the guests were outdoors enjoying the weather when the fire started.

Even though many were outdoors, about 50 guests had to be rescued from windows at the front by hook and ladder, as they were unable to exit through the rear due to heavy smoke.

Heavy, thick smoke also hampered firefighters' efforts to fight the fire. For most of the first hour, it was contained to the lower part of the building but spread to consume the entire structure. It had been closed the previous year for about 4 months for renovations.

A popular hotel at the time, the Arlington had several notable people including William Pinkerton, head of the Pinkerton Detective Agency staying there.

Actual photo of the ruins after the fire.

Rebuilt in less than a year, in the same location, the Arlington was once again a popular hotel for the rich, famous, and infamous. Notable guests included, Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Theodore Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, Andrew Carnegie, and Al Capone. During WWII, the Arlington was one of the hotels commandeered by the Army for relaxation and redistribution for its troops. 

The Arlington Hotel is open year-round. For more information, please visit their web site http://www.arlingtonhotel.com

Newspaper articles cited:
Detroit Free Press, April 6, 1923
The Atlanta Constitution, April 6, 1923