The Empress of Little Rock was built in 1888 by famed saloonkeeper James Hornibrook. All rooms have been fully restored and include beautiful museum quality antiques. Each bedroom has a private bath, feather bed, luxury robes, and modern amenities. We are central Arkansas' only AAA Four Diamond small luxury hotel and bed and breakfast. The house is very opulent and in high Victorian style with 14 ft. ceilings, beautiful parquet floors, and fabulous wainscoting throughout of walnut, mahogany and cherry.

This tower room mini-suite boasts an antique Austrian king size bed in walnut with matching marble topped end tables and washstand with room side Victorian sink and Pullman bath with shower. Hues of gray-blue and brown lend this room an air of dignified serenity as the bed nestles behind portieres and tassels and overlooks the front fishpond with fountain. Victorian parlor settee and chair ring the fireplace for that quiet romantic getaway for two.

Named for Presbyterian ministers who evangelized Arkansas in the 1820's and preached the first sermon west of the Mississippi. Escape to the solitude of this spacious octagonal room finished in shades of French Aubergine and green, complimented by a French walnut king sized bed, that can be converted to twin sized beds, and lace at the windows. Recall the treasures of a past era in the travel worn hump back trunk or curl up in a cozy Victorian settee. Explore a cherished history in the old family bible or reflect on a favorite psalm, a balm for the soul. The claw foot tub invites a soak, which would have been "sinfully" wasteful in 1820.

Its historical significance lies in the unique architectural features (divided stairway, 3 1/2 story corner tower, stained glass skylight, and octagonal shaped rooms) which create a massive structure representing late-nineteenth century architecture in its most flamboyant style.

Imagine an evening in the family parlor at the Biltmore, surrounded by luxurious antiques, the warmth of the fire draining away the tension of a busy corporate day, stretched out in your smoking jacket or Victorian dressing gown, and that special book you've been postponing for the "right time". Each room at The Empress conveys just such a feeling in your own private sitting area.

Or imagine yourself as Scarlett, descending a magnificent double staircase made of walnut and cypress, lighted by the rainbow hues of a 64 square foot stained glass sky light. Breakfast smells beckon you to leisurely dining served from the verandah or the formal dining room, resplendent with silver service and unrushed conversation, where true Southern hospitality is served, along with English crumpets. Queen Victoria would have nodded her approval.