Inn at the Mill: Clarion Combines Charm with Convenience
Written: Sep 05 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Charming and unique. Warm, friendly service. Convenient location. Free high-speed Internet access in most rooms.
Cons: A bit pricey, but a nice treat.
The Bottom Line: I very much enjoyed my stay at this quaint hotel and found it a refreshing change from cookie cutter hotel rooms. The service was outstanding, much more than expected.
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| diverpam's Full Review: Clarion Carriage House Inn at The M |
This charming hotel features a 40-foot working water wheel, unique suites, and is the site of the highest-rated restaurant in Arkansas.
History
Located in the tiny community of Johnson, Arkansas, just outside Fayetteville, this hotel is complete with water wheel and pond. The Inn at the Mill is part of a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Johnson Mill).
Johnson Mill began operation in 1835 and was partially burned during the Civil War. It was rebuilt in 1867, then given a complete new persona in 1992 by architect James Lambeth. At this time the 3-story mill building was renovated to house the lobby, as well as luxury suites overlooking the property.
Check-In
While checking in I told the clerk that my husband and I were there for the birth of our grand-twins, due to be delivered the next day. The hospital is located just across the interstate highway, making The Inn on the Mill the most convenient hotel for us.
I booked our room through the Clarion website at a price of $99 a day, but the clerk offered a free upgrade to the James Lambeth suite for the evening.
There were no open suites for the following evenings but I didn't mind moving to a smaller room when my husband left. He was only staying one night, but I would be there for at least another night or two.
I definitely wanted to check out one of the six unique suites. The other suites embody the styles of Frank Lloyd Wright, Walt Disney, Claude Monet, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and Frederic Remington. (Yes, Virginia, there is a Mickey Mouse suite!)
The clerk proudly showed us pictures of some of the well-known guests who have stayed there in the past decade or so. Apparently, lots of folks came to that part of Arkansas while Bill Clinton was President.
Warm, Welcome Atmosphere
Every staff member I encountered greeted me with a smile and friendly service throughout my stay. After my first day there, the desk clerks always greeted me by name.
Each evening the hotel provided complimentary wine, cheese and other snacks in the lobby area for the guests' convenience. There was also a daily continental breakfast with fruit, pastries, and assorted beverages. There were always bottles of water and fruit available.
Our Rooms
The Lambeth Suite is located at the end of the hallway on the back side of the hotel. There was ample parking behind the hotel and there was a wooden walkway into the hotel. This section of the hotel is separated from the lobby/mill by a short walkway.
Our suite was very angular with lots of triangle shapes. The walls were painted white and the king-size bed had a frame built right into the room's high ceiling beams. There were white plaster faces looking at us from high on the wall all around the room.
The was a black leather sofa and chairs, as well as chrome and glass nightstands.
The entertainment center was built of sturdy wood and resembled a pyramid. With the television at the top, there wasn't room for a very large set, but it was adequate and functional.
The bed was very cozy and welcoming, with a soft, white comforter. I couldn't wait to plop down on the bed, after a six-hour drive to the Arkansas mountains.
There was a very small wooden deck with a small table and chairs, as well. I preferred staying inside with the air conditioner going full-blast. It was a very hot and muggy summer day!
There were extra pillows and blankets, as well as ironing board and iron.
Bathroom
The bathroom had a very large whirlpool tub with glass enclosure and a nice, powerful shower. The towels were large, fluffy and plentiful, just to my liking.
The only area that seemed to be skimped on was the "potty" room itself. Long and very narrow, there was not an inch of space to spare.
The floors were covered with large, gray marble tiles and the walls were accented with the marble as well.
I was a bit disappointed with the "Plain Jane" vanity with single sink and formica top. The toiletries were Gilchrist & Soames, with two kinds of wonderful smelling soaps, shampoo, and lotion.
My Next Room
The following morning I moved from the suite to a regular queen-size room. Although it was nice, with desk, sofa and entertainment center, it seemed small by comparison.
It was just the opposite style of the Lambeth suite with dark furniture and walls and a definite old-fashioned feel.
The room, as many of the others in the hotel, included free high-speed Internet access. That was great for emailing pictures of my new twin granddaughters to friends and relatives.
I initially had trouble getting the connection to work, so the hotel sent someone to assist me with a new cable.
The room was very comfortable and air conditioning worked well. It was a very hot week in the summer and I was running back and forth a lot from the hospital, so it was quite nice to have a cool room awaiting me.
The bathroom contained a regular tub with shower and another small "potty room." The vanity area was open in the hallway, across from the closet.
This bathroom also contained plenty of towels and toiletries.
Restaurant
The James at the Mill restaurant is located on the property, separate from the Mill/hotel. It is open for lunch and dinner. It has an excellent reputation and was busy every evening.
Because of the circumstances of my visit I did not have the opportunity to dine in the restaurant, but would like to do so when my husband and I are there again sometime.
The chef, Miles James, offers "Ozark Plateau Cuisine" that includes steaks, seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Overall
I very much enjoyed my stay at this quaint hotel and would encourage anyone to visit when they have the chance.
On a Personal Note:
My beautiful granddaughters, Madison and Marilyn, were born on August 4. I stayed an extra night to be with them, getting to hold them in the nursery while they were still not ready to be released to their room. Staying in such a lovely hotel with great service made a wonderful experience even better!
Recommended:
Yes
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diverpam
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Member: Pam
Location: Collierville, TN
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~~~~So many oceans...so little time!~~~~
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