This Small-Town Hotel is Giving You the Big City Experience

Tucked in the Northwest corner of Arkansas, 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville may seem like an unexpected place for a gallery-slash-boutique-hotel. But given its walking proximity to the massive Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, this 104-room property is right at home in the charming and artsy Southern town. For culture fanatics looking for an experience outside the norm, this Bentonville hotel offers it. 

Expect to see quirky touches and elaborate site-specific installations, like A Sudden Gust of Wind, which will make you second-guess if papers are actually flying around your head. And while the lobby and massive exhibition space may be filled with eccentric, in-your-face pieces of art, the spacious rooms are purposely homey with subtle modern touches. Don’t miss the hotel’s restaurant The Hive to try the sophisticated country fare from award-winning executive chef Matthew McClure.

We talked to fashion and lifestyle blogger Ally Noriega about her experience at 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville, which was a short trip from her hometown of Oklahoma City. Take Noriega’s advice for what to do within walking distance from the hotel!

 

Photography: Ally Noriega

 

Hey Ally! Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

Hello everyone! My name is Ally Noriega and you'll find me sharing my favorite fashionable finds and dreamy destinations over at Allyson in Wonderland. I have lived in the Oklahoma City area my entire life and love watching my city grow and change. I’m hoping to start a YouTube channel soon, but currently I'm most active over on my Instagram. I hope you follow and say hi!

 

Photography: 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville | Ally Noriega

 

What prompted your trip to 21C Bentonville? 

I heard a rumor about a new venue that was both a museum and a hotel; as an art major, I was very intrigued! Since it was only a short road trip away, I had to check it out!

 

Tell us about your experience at the hotel... Any highlights? 

I've never been so surprised in my life! I've traveled all over and could not believe how much fun I could have in Bentonville, Arkansas! Everything from my room to the restaurant to the art was so impressive. And I loved that it was a short walk to the town square and the Crystal Bridges Museum. 

 

Book your next event at 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville here!

 

Photography: 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville | Ally Noriega

 

Did you do any exploring in Bentonville? Give us your itinerary break down.  

I arrived around 5:00pm so I just wanted to settle in and check out the hotel. After unpacking, I grab a glass of bubbly and walked around checking out all the art before dinner at The Hive. Then the next day started with coffee at Onyx, shopping at Lola, followed by a day of exploring the Crystal Bridges Musuem, then an early dinner at Pressroom. I love how everything was within walking distance!

 

Any recommendations for future explorers?  

Give yourself a full weekend to explore. I could have easily stayed another day. It's such a charming area so pack your flats and get to walking.

 

Photography: 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville | Ally Noriega

 

Book your next event at 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville here!

 

Created in partnership with 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville.