My husband and I stayed at Inn of the Mill in Johnson prior to the recent development that currently surrounds it. Then it was gem of a place, tucked in the woods between Springdale and Fayetteville. We returned only to discover it's exposure to a commercial development that has removed much of it's charm. The trees are gone and the Inn's owners have been forced to battle water drainage from mall development across the street. Still, our room was well-appointed and comfortable. Wine, cheese, crackers and fruit were available in the lobby from late afternoon throughout the evening. Breakfast consisted of cereal, pastry, quiche and fruit. The folks manning the front desk were friendly and helpful. We decided to forgo James at the Mill this time; we trust that the restaurant's Ozark Plateau Cuisine is still worth a trip. I lament that Johnson and Inn at the Mill has been forced to succumb to commercial forces without a sense of an aesthetic or of history, but it was just a matter of time. So, if you go, just don't look across the street.

We just came back from a 2-nights stay at the "Inn at the Mill". Described as "nestled in the Ozark Mountains" in the guide of the "Small Luxury Hotels of the World", we found this hotel right next to a very busy service road leading to a busy highway and overlooking a building site for a new mall. According to the brochure we were supposed to be greeted with a glas of wine or a cup of coffee or tea, but nothing like that happened; The room was ok and tastefully decorated. The bed was comfortable, but the airconditioner was so noisy that we could only sleep with earplugs. The complimentary breakfast consisted of cereal, bagels and stale cakes as well as apples as fruit. The second day they had ran out of milk and therefore offered no cereal, but when we asked for it went to a nearby supermarket and bought us some. There was no fruit anymore either, the apples seem to have been finished. All in all a very disappointing stay and not worthwhile the price we payed. And certainly not fit for a "small luxury hotel of the world"-category.

Lots of good press for these people starting with the NY Times review in 2006. All changed in my opinion. Our room was nice, but the overall Inn appearance and upkeep were sorely lacking. Inattentive staff (desk clerk unable to break away from YOU TUBE for instance), unkept public areas, grounds and water features mossy and overgrown, heavy traffic in what was advertised as a pleasant and quiet area, etc. Additionally, we were tempted by their GOLD PACKAGE which included dinner at JAMES at the Mill Restaurant. As soon as we told the waiter of our package , the menus were whipped away and we were told that in order to get any of the normal dishes - substantial supplement prices were added with mandatory SERVICE CHARGES (?) and tips applied. Food was upscale average at best. Enough of that. This will be our first and LAST visit. On the positive side, it may be a reasonable spot for a large group meal as long as you negotiate the menu and charges beforehand.

I recently attended a conference in Fayetteville, AR, but after reading the reveiws of the conference hotel, the Radisson in Fayetteville, I decided to look elsewhere. Am I glad I did! Added into the mix was my husband and 16-month-old daughter, and so a hotel with no breakfast, surly staff, and elevator problems wasn't going to work. I looked around and found the Inn at the Mill, a quick 10 minute drive from downtown Fayetteville. The setting probably was once bucolic, but the incredible rate of development of northwest Arkansas is not leaving even this Inn untouched...developments are going up all around it. Despite the noises of construction, the Inn itself was charming...the rooms were spacious and clean, the bed comfortable, and the breakfast ample (hard-boiled eggs, English muffins, coffee cake, cereal, fruit juices...most of these items you could opt to be delivered to your room each morning for no extra charge). The grounds were lovely...a pond, flowers, paths...all great for our daughter to roam around in. Also, an excellent restaurant by the name of James at the Mill is adjacent...looked wonderful, but we didn't get to try it (see the part about a 16-month-old). The Inn has several suites decorated in interesting themes, but those were out of our price range. Our room (king bed) was a reasonable $94/night...equivalent to what the Radisson wanted. The best thing about the Inn at the Mill was the accommodating staff. Every phone call and interaction was a true pleasure...not corporate, not phony, but genuinely pleasant. They allowed us to store our daughter's milk in their fridge, made recommendations for restaurants, and were helpful to a fault. When the Internet connection in our room didn't work, they gave us a key to an empty room across the hall. The only area of possible complaint is that the furnishings, carpet, and paint were tending along the worn side...probably the Inn (which is a Clarion Hotel) could use an update soon, but everything was very clean and well-kept. Overall, a very lovely place to spend a few days.

We have stayed at In at the Mill many times, but it has been a few years since the last visit. Built maybe 25 or so years ago around a historic Mill by James Lambeth, late great Arkansas architect, Inn at the Mill was beautifully designed. The once pastoral setting has unfortunately been surrounded by commercial development rampant in the busy Walmat inspired growth area. Still, a very nice free breakfast on a terrace overlookin a gorgeous Koi pond with the historic mill wheel looming above is a special feeling. The inn boasts all kinds of fascinating suites like the Frank Lloyd Wright suite, design as if the master himself had contributed to it. The highlight by far is walking up to the restaurant also designed by Lambeth, and run by Arkansas's best chef, Miles James, and enjoying an amazing dinner. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with waterfalls. The Inn is moderately priced and the restaurant is higher priced but worth every penny. The Inn itself is getting slightly worn. The furnishings and interiors are due an update though it remains clean and attractive. Had Mr. Lambeth lived longer, likely he would have it in ship shape condition. But still it is well run by a cheerful staff, has a good breakfast included, interesting architecture, is a pleasant alternative to the chain stereotypes and is overall a pretty good value.