Old Bear Family Lodge ~ Fishing Pond ~ Spa Bath ~ Where Families Reconnect

Photo gallery for Old Bear Family Lodge ~ Fishing Pond ~ Spa Bath ~ Where Families Reconnect

A rustic wooden building with a star on the roof, a front door, and a small porch with a lattice railing.
A living room with two couches, a coffee table, and a ceiling fan. There are two lamps on side tables, a vase with flowers, and a patterned rug on the floor.
A kitchen with a central island, a stove, and a range hood.
A wooden deck with two chairs and a table, a welcome sign, and a lattice fence.
A bathroom with a white sink, a mirror, a bottle of hand soap, and a blue soap dish.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Sleeps 113 bedrooms7 beds

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Royal, AR
  • Place, Lake Hamilton
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Hot Springs National Park
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Airport, Hot Springs, AR (HOT-Memorial Field)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

1) Primary

1 Single Bed and 1 King Bed

2) Front Bedroom

1 Double Bed

3) Kids Middle Bedroom

1 Single Bunk Bed and 2 Single Beds

Lower Card Room

1 Double Futon

3 bathrooms

1) Primary en suite

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

2) Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

3) Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Old Bear Family Lodge ~ Fishing Pond ~ Spa Bath ~ Where Families Reconnect

Tucked beneath the shade of a sprawling old tree and just moments from the water, this thoughtfully updated retreat was designed for families to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy time together again.
With plenty of room to comfortably sleep up to 11 guests, this home is perfect for family vacations, fishing weekends, reunions, tournament getaways, or simply escaping the nonstop pace of everyday life.
Outside, the spacious yard invites everyone to unplug and enjoy the simple things again. Kids can run and play beneath the trees, challenge each other to badminton, or shoot hoops old-school style in the yard while grandparents relax nearby. As evening settles in, the stocked fishing pond becomes the heart of the property, where stories are shared, fish are caught, and sunsets reflect across the water.
Inside, the home combines warmth, comfort, and thoughtful details throughout. Guests enjoy strong Wi-Fi, smart TVs with Alexa integration, spacious sleeping arrangements, and inviting gathering spaces designed to make everyone feel at home.
The primary suite offers its own private retreat after a day on the lake or exploring Hot Springs. Relax in the whirlpool soaking tub tucked into a quiet alcove, dim the lights, and let the day melt away. The steam shower creates a spa-like experience perfect for eucalyptus or lavender oils and a little well-earned stillness.
This home also holds a special place in the owner’s story.
It was the very first property JB personally renovated and transformed into a guest retreat. What began as a modest home slowly became something much more through years of hands-on care, thoughtful updates, and attention to the little details that make a stay memorable. From relaxing spa features to unexpected comforts like heated bathroom touches, every addition was made with guests in mind.
JB believes vacations represent something valuable: hard-earned time, meaningful moments, and the rare opportunity to step away from busy schedules and reconnect with the people who matter most.
That belief shapes every stay here.
Because your time away should feel worth every moment.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
With non-refundable pet fee & host approval.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Events allowed only with prior approval. Additional event fees, parking limits, and house rules apply.
Pet deposit fee of $99 non-refundable applies. No glitter, silly string, paints, candles, or fireworks inside or out. Quiet hours from 11pm- 6am.
Weight limit for top bunk bed is 150lbs Missing or Damaged items that are the direct result of the guests will incur a fee.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2536701vb
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 40
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Royal

Located in Royal, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Bathhouse Row is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Hot Springs National Park and Lake Ouachita State Park. Travelling with kids? Make time for Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, or head to an event or a match at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
Royal, AR

What's nearby

  • Lake Hamilton - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Hot Springs National Park - 12 min drive - 14.1 km
  • Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort - 18 min drive - 19.9 km
  • Bathhouse Row - 18 min drive - 19.8 km
  • Magic Springs and Crystal Falls - 22 min drive - 24.8 km

Getting around

  • Hot Springs, AR (HOT-Memorial Field) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Canasta Club - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Wards Crawfish Hole - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Mama's Little Italy - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Old Bear Family Lodge ~ Fishing Pond ~ Spa Bath ~ Where Families Reconnect pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Old Bear Family Lodge ~ Fishing Pond ~ Spa Bath ~ Where Families Reconnect?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Old Bear Family Lodge ~ Fishing Pond ~ Spa Bath ~ Where Families Reconnect?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Old Bear Family Lodge ~ Fishing Pond ~ Spa Bath ~ Where Families Reconnect?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Old Bear Family Lodge ~ Fishing Pond ~ Spa Bath ~ Where Families Reconnect located?

This family-friendly Royal holiday home is located on a lake, within a 15-minute walk of Ouachita National Forest and Lake Hamilton. Cathy's Quiltin Square and Extreme Fun Spot are also within 6 miles (10 km).

About the host

Hosted by Rebecca Norris

Host profile image
I am a longtime local business owner, real estate investor, and passionate traveler whose love for hospitality was shaped through years of exploring the world. From scuba diving in exotic waters to discovering hidden destinations and unforgettable conversations across continents, I developed a deep appreciation for experiences that feel both inspiring and personal.
I am a devoted ballroom dancer with a special love for Argentine tango, I understand the beauty of atmosphere, connection, and intention. Every property I've created reflects that same spirit, welcoming, elevated, and thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind.
I believe vacation time is sacred. Guests are not simply booking a place to stay; they are investing their time, trust, and memories into an experience. That belief influences every detail, from the amenities chosen to the feeling guests have the moment they walk through the door.
For me, true hospitality is simple:
treat people exceptionally well, create spaces worth remembering, and make every stay feel like it mattered.

Why they chose this property

I chose this area because it offers the perfect balance of peaceful country living and convenient access to everything guests want to experience in Hot Springs. Located in Royal, AR, near Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita, the property gives families room to relax, reconnect, and enjoy nature while still being just a short drive from restaurants, grocery stores, marinas, shopping, Oaklawn, downtown Hot Springs, Bathhouse Row, and Magic Springs.
What I love most about this area is the slower pace, the beautiful trees and water nearby, and the feeling you can truly unwind here after a busy season of life. Whether guest spend the day fishing, boating, exploring the lakes, or simply enjoying time together at the house, the location makes it easy to enjoy both adventure and rest.
This was also the very first home I personally renovated for guests, so it holds a special place in my heart. This is a space where people feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for from the moment they arrive.

What makes this property unique

Unlike many rentals, this home was not designed simply as an investment property. It was personally renovated and thoughtfully expanded by the owner with comfort, relaxation, and meaningful family time in mind. From the steam shower and whirlpool tub to the fishing pond and spacious yard, the property blends practical comfort with the kind of atmosphere that encourages guests to truly unwind and enjoy being together.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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