The Capital Hotel

Walking into Little Rock’s historic Capital Hotel stirs up images of yesteryear – 1872, when the building was built. Other than a few technological upgrades for comfort and convenience, the hotel remains virtually unchanged, said its general manager, Joe Rantisi.

The high quality of service hasn’t changed either, as the hotel consistently earns four diamonds from the American Automobile Association, which grades on service, housekeeping and amenities.

More than 130 years ago, the hotel was on the cutting edge of technology, Rantisi said, with indoor plumbing, running hot water, gas lights and room service bells. Today, the cutting-edge spirit remains intact: The Capital offers guests two telephone lines and DSL Internet in each room and has stopped charging guests for local calls, breakfast and other items for which many hotels still charge, Rantisi said.

Each of the hotel’s 130 employees are dedicated to quality, Rantisi said.

“Our people love what they do, and because they love it, it’s reflected in their service,” he said.

Indeed, the service exhibited has allowed the hotel to compete among the best in the nation, while advertising only locally. (Revenue per guest room is the highest in Little Rock, said Rantisi, who wouldn’t disclose the figure.) Guests will always remember their stay at The Capital Hotel, Rantisi said, because his employees learn the client’s name and create a personal history based on his needs and preferences. And for subsequent visits, the client’s preferred room and dietary needs – among other preferences – will be fulfilled before he arrives.

The hotel also boasts its four-diamond restaurant, Ashley’s, and its wine cellar, which can be rented for parties or private dinners.

The Capital Hotel was founded in 1876 after a local hotel burned, creating a need for a new place to house visitors. The Danklar Building, as it was then called, housed gentlemen’s quarters and commercial space downstairs before being turned into a hotel.

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