Arkansas applies its state sales tax plus a 2% tourism tax to lodging. The Department of Finance and Administration's rule says the tourism tax is 2% of gross receipts from certain sales and services, including furnishing lodgings to transient guests, in addition to other state and local taxes; its use-tax page gives the state sales and use tax rate as 6.500% since July 1, 2013 (the older rule text still says 6%). We could not verify any city's local taxes, so the calculator below applies 6.5% plus 2% only. Treat its total as a floor.
Where to stay in Arkansas
Compare areas, see the hotel taxes and fees and calculate your total. Booking links come after the advice.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details.
Which destination to choose
| Destination | Best for | Trade-off | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | The Clinton Center and a free streetcar | Hot, humid summers | Little Rock guide |
| Hot Springs | A free national park | Visitor-center hours unconfirmed | Hot Springs guide |
| Bentonville | Free art at Crystal Bridges | Closed Tuesdays | Bentonville guide |
| Fayetteville | A northwest Arkansas base | No verified details | Fayetteville guide |
Our assessment from official descriptions. We have not inspected hotels and publish no nightly rates.
Arkansas hotel-tax calculator (state sales tax and tourism tax)
This calculator applies the 6.5% Arkansas state sales tax rate and the 2% tourism tax on lodging, as read October 17, 2026. It does not include city or county taxes, resort fees or parking, so your actual total may be higher. Ask your hotel for its all-in rate.
Booking notes
- Transport: see the transportation guide.
- Heat: summers are hot and humid; see the climate table.
- Affiliate links: banners and "Compare" buttons may be affiliate links; they are labeled and never change our advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Which destination should I stay in?
The one nearest your main activity; see the cities and regions guide for trade-offs.
How are hotel taxes described in Arkansas?
The state sales tax (6.5%) plus a 2% tourism tax, plus any local taxes; ask your hotel for the all-in total.
When should I book a hotel?
We have no verified price-by-month data; book early for the seasons you plan around.
Are the hotel links affiliate links?
Some are, and they are labeled. See the affiliate disclosure.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 17, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- 26 CAR 30-103: Amount and nature of tax — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (Code of Arkansas Rules)
- Consumer Use Tax — Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
- FTC Endorsement Guides: What people are asking — U.S. Federal Trade Commission
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