New Hotel Going Up Adjacent To Arkansas Convention Center

HOT SPRINGS, AR— John Q. Hammons is building a $35 million hotel adjacent to the Hot Springs Civic and Convention Center here, which is also currently undergoing an expansion. The 120,000-square-foot expansion to the convention center and the new hotel are expected to open in late 2003. The move will make the Hot Springs Civic and Convention Center the largest meetings spot in Arkansas, according to reports. The new Hot Springs hotel, connected to the convention center by an enclosed walkway, will be an Embassy Suites, with 250 “upscale” rooms, said Hammons, who noted he has considered building in Hot Springs for several years.  Already adjacent to the convention center is the 14-story The Austin Hotel and Spa. It was built in 1986 as a Hilton Hotel and later changed hands.