Last Updated on July 19, 2026 by Katrina
Sure, you can hike, camp, or even play at a water park at Crater of Diamonds State Park. But most visitors to this Arkansas attraction have another mission in mind. This park has a 37-acre plowed diamond field, and you’re allowed to keep any gemstones you find. (Your odds of scoring? While only a few people have found multi-carat gems, you have a decent chance of finding tiny crystals of white, brown, and yellow diamonds, along with other rocks and minerals.) Nearby Murfreesboro has cabins and B&Bs, but to stay in a hotel somewhat near the state park, your best bets are in Hope, about 25 miles away, or Arkadelphia and Hot Springs, each about 50 miles away. Here are five of the best hotels near Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Hampton Inn & Suites Hope (2700 N Hervey St.; 870-777-4567) Hope
This Hampton Inn sits about 40 miles from the park, and offers the crowd-pleasing perks of free breakfast and a pool. A Tripadvisor user likes the “great beds with a ton of pillow options. Breakfast was really good—ton of options, great coffee, and a swank breakfast room. There’s a Walmart right next door if you need anything and it’s close to the Clinton sites in Hope.” A Google reviewer likes that it is “very quiet at night, but near the freeway so convenient as well. Good eats nearby. This motel is hard to beat … and had free homemade cookies!” >> Book this hotel for less
Holiday Inn Express Hope by IHG (2600 N Hervey St.; 870-722-6262) Hope
This Holiday Inn Express features a free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a laundry room. “It was less than an hour to Crater of Diamonds and close to everything in town,” writes a Google reviewer who also had praise for the “best breakfast I have ever had at a Holiday Inn. Omelets, biscuits and gravy, and fresh, hot cinnamon rolls.” A Tripadvisor user likes that the “location has good access to I-30 and a Mexican food restaurant. And I don’t think I’ve ever slept in a more comfortable bed.” >> Book this hotel for less
Best Western of Hope (1800 Holiday Dr.; 870-777-9222) Hope
Located about 40 miles from the park, this Best Western has a “very quiet location, with easy access to the highway,” writes a Tripadvisor user. The hotel has an outdoor pool, free parking and a free hot breakfast. A Google reviewer likes the “good location… gas station, restaurants and shopping within walking distance. Shower water pressure is fantastic. At breakfast, everything was fresh and hot. Scrambled eggs and omelets, sausage, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, waffle maker and even a cool pancake maker. I took a second coffee for the road… it was that good!” >> Book this hotel for less
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Arkadelphia (258 Red Hill Rd.; 870-245-0003) Arkadelphia
You’re about an hour from the state park at this pet-friendly Fairfield Inn that offers free breakfast, onsite laundry and an outdoor pool. Some online reviewers comment that the hotel sits in a fairly undeveloped area: “Location is right off the highway,” writes one Google reviewer, “but in a secluded area so very quiet. There are plenty of food options, but it’s a short drive away.” A Tripadvisor user called the breakfast “better than standard with waffles, bacon, breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, and even chocolate milk.” >> Book this hotel for less
Embassy Suites by Hilton at Hot Springs Convention Center (400 Convention Blvd.; 501-624-9200) Hot Springs
Maximize your national park options by staying an hour away in Hot Springs, which is home to the geothermal waters of Hot Springs National Park. Lodgings at this Embassy Suites have a separate living area, microwave and small fridge. One Tripadvisor calls it a “great hotel with an indoor atrium and indoor pool,” while another likes its “great location with hiking trails three blocks away.” A hot breakfast and an evening reception are included in your rate and a Google reviewer likes that “the hotel provides two complimentary cocktails for each night of your stay.” >> Book this hotel for less
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