Hotel choice for a very short stay, thanx in advance

On easter day I, my 23 yr old son, 72 yr old mom and 13 yr old neice are flying into little rock. We are leaving CA late, so we can spend some of easter w/ family in CA, we are leaving little rock the next day, to spend time w/ mom%26#39;s family (2-90+ aunts and apparently a few cousins) and to show my niece and son where their root%26#39;s are (Christian Co.,MO. mid 1800%26#39;s)

Soo, as the responsible adult, any ideas about were to stay for the night? I am attracted to the RiverMarket area, but am thinking the 2 room deal @ embassy suites would be a better choice, since our time is so short.

Mom has health issues and by the time we land get the rental car and drive to wherever we stay they%26#39;ll all be excited, exshausted, and unable to sleep (we, as a family travel a lot together, I know this pattern well) so I%26#39;m thinking a little space like embassy suites would be best, but location and attractions of River Market look tempting.

Thanx for your help.

Hotel choice for a very short stay, thanx in advance

The rivermarket is not an area for kids at night (mostly bars and restaraunts). Although they might enjoy riding the trolley around (only 50 cents one way.) Combined with the fact that it will be Easter leads me to believe most things will be closed downtown. Im not sure how long you will be in LR on Monday. Downtown there is the Clinton Library and the Museum of Discovery for the kids. On the North Little Rock side (just across the river) is the USS Razorback Submarine you can tour. So depending on how much time you will be here before you leave, I would recommend the rivermarket. The hotels in the rivermarket are Courtyard by Marriott (closest to all the action); the Peabody (the kids might like seeing the ducks); and The Doubletree.

The embassy suites is a really nice hotel, but there is not much to do around there. There are a bunch of stores in West Little Rock (but mostly just your average chains). Across the street is a Barnes and Noble, Toys R Us.

Hotel choice for a very short stay, thanx in advance

I agree that not much will be open late in the river market on easter, The area where the embassy suites is located in a good safe area, west little rock is where the richer people live, so it would be safe to go out and eat, or shop. but there is not really much to do in that area, and It%26#39;s not really on your way to where your destination of mo, is. It might be better and faster to stay near the airport since your not really familiar with little rock. there are a few places right near the airport that are descent places to stay, If you stay in the river market area I would suggest the peabody.

If you stay at the embassy suites it is really easy to find, it is the tallest building on the street and is really pretty.

Where ever you stay , stay safe and enjoy our beautiful state..

Well, I must be having another senior moment as I%26#39;m not exactly sure how long you%26#39;ll be in Little Rock. You%26#39;re flying in from California and arrive at what time? And what time the next day will you drive to Missouri?

Normally, the River Market would be a much more desirable area, but I%26#39;m honestly not sure what things - if any - are open on Easter or the day after. I%26#39;ve stayed at the Embassy Suites in West Little Rock during an ice storm and it%26#39;s a really nice hotel, especially if you get a corner room, which is bigger than others. They also have a sports bar type restaurant which was good the last time we ate there (several years ago).

In other words, you probably won%26#39;t go wrong with either as far as comfort goes, but there are NO real activities near the Embassy Suites, and several near the River Market.

Thanks for your replies, our time will be very short, we%26#39;ll arrive 10 pm +, we leave CA @ 2pm and by the time we debark, gather luggage and collect a rental car, I expect it%26#39;ll be midnight. There is no way for us to cut the 5 hr flying time from any of the choices, city wise, Little Rock was the shortest flying/driving to MO wise - @ least the MO ozarks we want to be in. Plus add the time difference. We are free on Mon. and can stay as long as we like. Mom called today and it sounds like she is leaning towards the Peabody. Assuming I book the Peabody, any ideas for a great midday meal nearby? Something to introduce my CA son and niece to the spirit of the ozarks?

And for me, since I%26#39;ll be up before everyone, a nice walk nearby?

Again, thanx for your suggestions.

I don%26#39;t think barbeque is an Ozark specialty, but it%26#39;s certainly popular in Arkansas. There%26#39;s a great place called Whole Hog Cafe just up Cantrell from the Peabody. Somebody at the desk will be able to give you simple directions. It%26#39;s nothing fancy at all, but the food is good and barbeque is a Southern specialty. For something VERY close to the Peabody, I really like Boscos, which is just a couple of blocks away. It%26#39;s got a varied menu and I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ll be able to find something you like there.

As for early morning walks, I wouldn%26#39;t advise you to walk around downtown before it%26#39;s beginning to fill up with people. Walking deserted streets is NOT a good idea, but the River Market area gets busy fast, so you%26#39;ll be fine then. Don%26#39;t walk along the river alone.

yeah, little rock is not really ozark spirited, we have a wide variety of foods, but nothing ozark mountain like, you will have to wait till you get to the northern part of the state. And I agree you should be careful walking around until around mid morning and not along the river, The river market is safe during busy times.

I really like the flying fish downtown for good fried southern food. Mostly catfish and french fries, etc. Served in an interesting atmosphere. It is in the rivermarket, across from the museum of discovery.

I second the Flying Fish as a great little place to eat. It is very casual and tasty! I do, however, like to let people know that they carry more than just fried foods! They have oysters, crablegs, and great salmon and tilapia platters that are NOT fried!

All that seafood, in the middle of the country - wow. Thanx all for your replies, will definately check out flying fish before we leave 4/17.