The vacant Savoy Hotel is a far cry from the world-class resorts that fill Hot Springs. Abandoned for years, it’s crumbling into ruins and best left to the elements. From the looks of it today, it’s hard to believe that it was once a popular destination sought out by a few of history’s most infamous figures! It’s even harder to believe that, with the hotel’s colorful past, it’s been left to decay at all. When it comes to abandoned places in Arkansas, the old Savoy Hotel is one of the most intriguing - come see why!
Hiding in plain sight, Savoy Hotel is on Central Avenue in Hot Springs.
It is unassuming and quaint, and if you didn't know it was there, you'd probably NEVER know it was there.
It sits right above It’s About Rocks, a crystal, stone, and gift shop.
Get yourself a little something while you're there - it's fun, we promise.
The hotel has long been vacant. However, its infamous reputation continues to live on.
The stories abound from all sorts of sources and angles, and many are nothing short of totally intriguing.
During its heyday, it was a favorite of well-known gangsters, who came to Hot Springs to take part in illegal drinking, gambling, and prostitution.
...you know, the fun stuff, right?
Notorious figures, such as Al Capone, Lucy Luciano, and Bugsy Siegel, were regulars at the Savoy Hotel.
What exactly all their doings here were, nobody is entirely sure - but we can likely assume it wasn't exactly wholesome.
In fact, Al Capone loved the hotel so much that he owned a suite.
It's not every day you get to check out somewhere that an infamous figure from history actually lived, but if you could roam the halls of the old Savoy, you'd be able to.
Today, the hotel is nothing like it was when it hosted its famous guests.
It's a lot quieter, for instance. Quieter, and dustier.
Just a shell of its former self, and its interior is in complete disarray.
Vandals and ne'er do wells have infiltrated the place, leaving it amok.
The deserted remains are undeniably eerie, so it's not too shocking that the hotel is rumored to be haunted.
...because it wasn't spooky enough already, we suppose.
Legend has it that the ghostly residents have ties to the city's famous hot springs.
People have reported footsteps coming from the hotel floors despite there being nobody there to create them, as well as other eerie noises.
The hotel is thought to be haunted by the spirits of those who died in Hot Springs while seeking thermal bath treatments.
It is unknown how many deaths might have occurred here, but the estimate is definitely more than one.
Between the hotel’s colorful past and haunting reputation, it’s no wonder the Savoy Hotel has continued to pique people’s interests throughout the years.
So, did you know about the Savoy Hotel? What about its past? Ever explored it firsthand? If so, what’d you think? Tell us!
This is just one of the abandoned places in the state. There are quite a few. Check out these abandoned places in AR to learn about more sites that are being reclaimed by nature.
A special thanks to Dax Ward Photography for allowing us to use his photos. To see more of his work, visit the Dax Ward Photography website.
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