The Hornibrook Mansion Empress of Little Rock.
Set within the 1888 Hornibrook Mansion, this boutique hotel is often cited as the premier example of Gothic Queen Anne architecture in the region. The structure was originally built by a local saloon keeper with the explicit goal of outdoing his rivals, resulting in an extravagant display of divided stairways, octagonal rooms, and a 3.5-story corner tower. Inside, the aesthetic remains firmly Victorian, with period antiques and a stained-glass skylight setting a formal tone. Guests can stay in the main house, the Carriage House, or the Cook’s Cottage, with most mornings centering on gourmet breakfasts served on the expansive veranda. Located in the historic Quapaw Quarter, it offers a refined, quiet alternative to downtown, complete with a traditional high tea service.