Lookout Point Lakeside Inn

Wedding Bliss at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn

2008-05-04T22:41:00.001-05:00

Kayla & Garrett
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Kayla & Garrett exchange vows just steps from the shores of Lake Hamilton in the gardens of Lookout Point. Joy simply radiates from their smiles! They came to Arkansas for a simple wedding, and return home for a celebratory reception. The staff at Lookout Point consider it a privilege to share in such momentous life-changing events. Every couple married at Lookout Point is truly special!

Lake Hamilton calm just before the storm

2008-05-04T22:36:00.001-05:00

calm lake before the rains 2
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

With a serious storm approaching, the calm of Lake Hamilton mirrored the unique sky. The severe storms moved around the area, and the Lookout Point guests enjoyed a beautiful show of mother nature. Kelley captured this photo during a wedding at Lookout Point!

Benefits of intimate weddings at Lookout Point Wedding

2008-05-04T22:32:00.001-05:00

exchange of rings
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

This couple chose to be married on the labyrinth, with close family present for the special occasion. Some bride's choose traditional formal attire, others choose casual. A personalized, intimate wedding at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn provides multitudes of benefits including: a perfect yet stress-free wedding; financial savings; a meaningful service of worship with an ordained minister on site; a wedding coordinator handles all of the details, working with the bride for her cake and flower selections; personalized vows; plus a simply stunning lakeside garden backdrop for the most important day of the couple's life.

Marriage celebrated at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn

2008-05-04T22:21:00.001-05:00

A happy couple
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Jay & Anna, married in the Lookout Point gardens by the stream, share laughter and joy immediately following their wedding ceremony. They exhibited the unique quality of tenderness and humor.
With each marriage covenant made at Lookout Point, the inn and gardens are further blessed by the love experienced in this setting.

Lookout Point Lakeside Inn Hosts Meghan & Justin's lakeside wedding

2008-04-25T21:04:00.001-05:00

Danzy 001
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

A lovely morning greeted Meghan & Justin as they exchanged vows under a canopy of trees, and only steps away from Lake Hamilton. The sweet couple grinned broadly with the announcement "You are husband and wife!"
Lookout Point specializes in personalized, meaningful weddings. Every couple selects the site for their wedding, with many gorgeous garden and lakeside options available.

Springtime Wedding in the Lookout Point Gardens

2008-04-24T18:34:00.001-05:00

Dirk & Kay garden wedding
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Kay & Dirk married April 23 at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn in Hot Springs. Standing alongside the waterfalls, the flowing stream and the birds provided lovely chorus for the event. Both bride and groom appeared calm and relaxed, and so very happy. Congratulations and best wishes to this delightful couple.

Lookout Point welcomes small weddings, and the couple are invited to select their favorite garden location for the wedding. The inn and gardens are on Lake Hamilton, providing either a lake or garden backdrop for the wedding.

Lookout Point is Eco-friendly

2008-04-23T16:01:00.001-05:00

Before "going green" was a national buzzword, Lookout Point implement environmentally friendly practices, and continues to learn better ways of providing great hospitality while loving the environment.

Here are some of the eco-friendly steps taken by Lookout Point. We hope you will consider implementing any of these ideas, and share with us your ideas/suggestions to help us all become better stewards of this beautiful and fragile planet.

Find out more here

New at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn: Chocolate Covered Wednesdays

2008-04-21T12:33:00.001-05:00

Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Originally uploaded by rpslee

Are you a chocoholic? Chocolate is the #1 food craved by women across North America. And it’s second only to pizza among men. Chocolate Covered Wednesdays at Lookout Point in Hot Springs, Arkansas feature a bit of chocolate at breakfast (think strawberry breakfast sundaes). Indulge at the daily Innkeeper’s Reception with a chocolate house made dessert, Ghiradelli chocolate covered strawberries, and chocolate port. To further delight your palate, a chocolate treat will arrive at your room before bedtime.

Why chocolate? Lookout Point developed Chocolate Covered Wednesdays with your health in mind! The benefits of chocolate abound. Chocolate contains large quantities of potassium and magnesium, some calcium and sodium, and vitamins A1, B1, B2, D, and E. In addition, chocolate contains endorphins, natural opiates that are released by the brain in increased amounts when eating chocolate, thereby elevating your mood and reducing pain. Also found in chocolate are phenols, which are also found in red wine, tea, fruits and vegetables, and may help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Come to Lookout Point Lakeside Inn on Wednesdays, and join in the celebration of chocolate, the “food of the Gods”.

LeighAnn & Lee 4-19-08

2008-04-19T21:07:00.001-05:00

LeighAnn & Lee 4-19-08
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Congratulations to Leigh Ann & Lee, married today in the Lookout Point Lakeside Inn gardens, on the stone bridge with the waterfalls in the background. It's obvious to everyone who meets this couple that they are not only in love, but really good friends, too.
Leigh Ann is stunning beautiful in her gorgeous bridal gown, and the weather turned perfect for a garden wedding.
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn also hosted a Renewal of Vows service today.
With the backdrop of the Ouachita Mountains, and the calm waters of Lake Hamilton lapping at the gardens of Lookout Point--the graciousness of Lee & Leigh Ann fit in splendidly with the setting.

Dennis & Sheila April 08

2008-04-19T20:59:00.001-05:00

Dennis & Sheila April 08
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Happy 11th Anniversary to a great couple! Dennis & Sheila celebrated their anniversary in fine style at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn, in Hot Springs. What fun to see two people that adore each other completely! When asked about their favorite aspect of Lookout Point, without hesitating Sheila replied "the serenity". Thanks!
The weather was perfect today, with a calm lake, sunny skies, and many guests napped in the hammocks. Lake Hamilton came to life today, with lots of boaters and fishermen out.

corvette friends 4-08

2008-04-19T20:49:00.001-05:00

corvette friends 4-08
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Corvette lovers from surrounding states gather in Hot Springs, Arkansas. These great friends, Susie & Hank, and Marsha & Tony, travel from Texas each year for the rally. Now they've become great friends of Lookout Point Lakeside Inn--and their arrival is anticipated with joy each year.
Their beautiful cars are a sight to behold! Yet their kind and fun-loving personalities outshine all the car razzle-dazzle!

Mickey is short!

2008-04-16T13:02:00.001-05:00

paii 2008 001
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Mickey Mouse attended the final PAII luncheon, and as you can see pictured here, Mickey is much shorter than Kristie remembered.
At the convention, Kristie presented panel workshops on "Sane Weddings", and "Nothing but the Truth: How to Love Innkeeping for the Long Term". Ray served on a panel, sharing the cost-benefit analysis of hiring innsitters.
We learned a LOT, and came away with 31 action plans to implement at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn over the next year. Hot Springs, Arkansas is a happening place, and Lookout Point is THE place to stay.

PAII Founders

2008-04-16T12:56:00.001-05:00

PAII Founders
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Lookout Point Lakeside Inn innkeepers, Ray & Kristie, were honored to spend time with the founders of PAII (Professional Association of Innkeepers International) at the recent convention. Twenty years ago JoAnn Bell and Pat Hardy, two brilliant and forward-thinking innkeepers, formed the association for the fledging innkeeping industry. Today the association has great growth, and over 500 innkeepers attended the convention held at Disneyland.
JoAnn continues to volunteer her expertise to the innkeeping industry, while Pat volunteers fulltime as a peace/non-violence educator for the California prison system.
Here in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the innkeepers of Lookout Point are grateful to have learned so much from their association with PAII.

Choosing new mug colors

2008-04-10T12:15:00.001-05:00

Choosing new mug colors
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Ray works with the wonderful potter and genuinely nice man, Peter Deneen, to select new mug colors for Lookout Point Lakeside Inn. Peter and his staff hand-throw all of the beautiful Lookout Point mugs. The PAII (Professional Association of Innkeepers International) trade show is magnificent. We've been able to learn about new products available to the industry, from great bed sheets to innovations in credit card processing.
Yesterday Ray presented a workshop, along with other panelists, on Interim Innkeeping. Using his accounting skills and numbers acumen, he presented the cost/benefit analysis for retaining innsitters when innkeepers must be away from the inn.
The PAII 20th birthday party happened Wednesday evening, with great fun. We were both big losers in the giant musical chairs game.

90th birthday party at Lookout Point

2008-04-05T16:59:00.001-05:00

90th birthday party at Lookout Point
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Preparations for tonight's 90th birthday celebration are in full swing. Chloe's family have gathered from all parts of the country to celebrate. The family even "private labelled" a bottle of Chloe wine. This dynamic woman, aged to perfection, loves leopard print, so gifts and color schemes revolve around the leopard.
Way to go, Chloe! Lookout Point Lakeside Inn in Hot Springs, Arkansas is honored to host this grand celebration.

Ricky & Luci return

2008-04-05T16:55:00.001-05:00

Ricky & Luci return
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Returning for their annual spring & summer sojourn, mallards Ricky & Luci are welcomed back to Lookout Point Lakeside Inn. They enjoy a nap in the sun, paddling around the waterfalls and upper pond, and dining in the stream before heading out to Lake Hamilton for a swim. Each year they become a bit more comfortable with people taking their photos.

Off to the big PAII (Professional Innkeepers) conference

2008-04-05T16:43:00.001-05:00

Goofy At Disneyland Hotel
Originally uploaded by darthservo

Although the conference will be held at the Disneyland Hotel (April 7-11), we won't be TOO goofy. We make it a point to keep updated in all things "innkeeping" and have attended the PAII conference every year, including prior to opening the inn. Between the workshops, speakers and trade show, we expect to return to Lookout Point Lakeside Inn with terrific ideas to implement.
This year, both Ray and Kristie are speaking at the conference in 3 different workshops.
Our brains will be filled, we'll laugh, and enjoy the goofy characters.
Back at the inn, our terrific staff (Annette, Tricia, Ilissa and Kelley plus the great housekeepers) continue to take great care of our guests.

Tulip Extravaganze at Garvan Gardens

2008-03-24T14:47:00.001-05:00

Garvan Gardens (5)
Originally uploaded by With One Eye Closed

Garvan Woodland Garden's Tulip Extravaganze begins today through April 12. More than 90,000 tulips burst forth with color at the nearby Garvan Gardens. It's an awesome sight, with sea upon sea of stunning color. Hot Springs is so fortunate to have a world class woodland garden in our midst!

National Geographic Traveler April 2008 issue

2008-03-20T11:38:00.001-05:00

National Geographic Traveler April 2008 issue
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Wow! Lookout Point Lakeside Inn is honored to be included in National Geographic Traveler's "Top 150 Hotels" in North America & the Caribbean. Check out the April 2008 issue. On the cover, it's referred to as a "Celebration of Place" and "The Stay List."

The selection was based upon " location-inspired architecture, ambience, and amenities, eco-stewardship, and an ehtic of giving back to the community."

This is very exciting and humbling for all of us at Lookout Point! We did not know we were included, and had not even opened the magazine when it arrived last Friday. Yet a guest (and leader of our Mindfulness Retreats) received an e-mail from her brother in Florida asking if she knew of this place--Lookout Point. Thanks for the tip, Sandra.

We promise to strive even harder to provide our guests with peace and tranquility, comprehensive pampering and luxury. We welcome the greatest folks in the world--and that makes all of us even more passionate about the life of hospitality.

More springtime at Lookout Point

2008-03-20T06:42:00.001-05:00

spring 08 004
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

With the official start of spring only one day away, the gardens at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn are changing by the hour!
Lake Hamilton ( the lake surrounding Hot Springs Arkansas in the Ouachita Mountains) water levels have returned to normal just in time for fish spawning.. Every room at the inn overlooks Lake Hamilton and these gardens.

Forsythias in bloom

2008-03-20T06:36:00.001-05:00

spring 08 002
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Blooming brilliantly, forsythias herald spring's arrival in the gardens of Lookout Point Lakeside Inn. Spreading their blooms across the stream, these yellows punch color in the landscape. Hints of greening grass, and trees budding forth bring anticipation of the full beauty of this place. Even "our" spring/summer visiting ducks, Lucy & Desi, graced the fountains for a few minutes this week. Just not long enough to allow their photo to be snapped.

spring is here

2008-03-10T13:16:00.001-05:00

spring is here
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

In addition to the flowers beginning to bloom, Lake Hamilton (Hot Springs, Arkansas) is returning to normal water levels following the winter draw down. Filling the lake will be completed by March 13. Soon Ray will be offering boat tours on Lake Hamilton again.

daffodil and pansies

2008-03-10T13:14:00.001-05:00

daffodil and pansies
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

With the snows behind us (hopefully), the daffodils beautifully announce that spring has nearly arrived. The Lookout Point Lakeside Inn gardens are bursting forth with energy--daffodils blooming, rose and butterfly bushes beginning to leaf, forsythia's yellow blossoms hinting at their full beauty to come. Behavior of the waterfowl also indicate spring is here!

happy couple

2008-03-09T16:07:00.001-05:00

happy couple
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

Beth & Robert married at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The lovely coupled shared wedding cake and a bubbly toast with their closest friends. Lookout Point specializes in personal, stress-free weddings. Best wishes to a sweet couple!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-07T12:53:00.001-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Originally uploaded by peggy.

Hot Spring is home to the First Ever World's 5th Annual Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade. The title is almost longer than the parade, which is held the entire length (90 feet) of Bridge St. in downtown Hot Springs. The event is great fun, rowdy, and Mike Rowe (of the TV fame "dirtiest jobs") is Grand Marshall.

"May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.
Laughter to cheer you.
Faithful friends near you.
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you."

~ traditional Irish Blessing