Sonesta Essential Van Buren

We strive to make your stay as comfortable as possible and to accommodate the needs of our guests with disabilities. Please contact the hotel at 479-262-2221  if you have any special requests relating to your disability.  

Accessibility Features

• Service/Guide Dogs Welcome
• Accessible Registration Desk
• Accessible Parking
• Automatic Doors
• Accessible Restrooms

Our Hotel Has The Following Accessible Room Types:

• Accessible King

Information About Accessible Guest Rooms

Rooms designated as mobility accessible have features for guests with mobility disabilities, including, but not limited to:

• Doorways Providing 32” of Clear Width
• Lowered Light Switches and Thermostats
• Lowered Entry Door Peephole
• Closed Caption TV
• Toilets with Grab Bars
• Accessible Vanity
• Accessible Towel Racks/Bars
• Accessible Route to All Parts of the Room
• Bathtub with Grab Bars, Shower Seat, and Adjustable Handheld Shower Wand
• Visual Doorbell Alert
• Visual Telephone Alert

For general amenities associated with each room type, please view our Rooms.

Please call us at 1.800.SONESTA should you have further questions about accessibility, or email us at reservations@sonesta.com.

Visit Van Buren with your furry friend!

Sonesta is proud to invite your cuddly companions and provide special amenities like bowls, waterproof mats, and treats at check-in. We’ll greet your pet with an arrival letter outlining our local recommendations for a “pawsome” stay.

Sonesta Essential Van Buren is pet-friendly and welcomes well-mannered pets with no breed restrictions.

Up to two pets are permitted per room, with a weight limit of 15 lbs. per pet.

Fees include $25 per pet, per stay, with a refundable deposit of $100.

Learn more about our Pets Are Welcome At Sonesta (PAWS) policy.  

Check-in is at 3:00 PM, while checkout is at 11:00 AM.

To ensure a smooth check-in process, please have a photo ID ready for verification. We will also require a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit for incidental charges.

We want to make your stay with us is as enjoyable as possible, so please let us know of any special requests you may have at the time of your check-in.

Please note that the minimum age for check-in is 18.

There is a $5.00 charge for each extra adult on your reservation.

At Sonesta Essential Van Buren, you’ll find the travel amenities you rely on for a comfortable, seamless stay.

Pool

Cool off with a dip in our sun-filled outdoor pool (open seasonally).

Gift Shop

Find travel necessities, sundries, and snacks at our lobby gift shop.

Laundry

Make it a clean getaway with our on-site laundry facilities.

Free Wi-Fi & Local Calls

Stay connected with our free Wi-Fi and local call service.

Print and Copy Services

Take advantage of our convenient printing, faxing, and copying services (fees apply).

Wake-up Service

Rely on our friendly wake-up service so you never miss a thing.

We offer a variety of guest rooms and suites designed with everything you need for a stress-free stay.  

Our in-room amenities include:

• 55” flat-screen TV with HBO & ESPN
• Complimentary Bath Toiletries
• Desk with Lamp
• Hairdryer
• Mini Fridge
• Self-Controlled Heating/Cooling Unit
• Blackout Drapes
• Free Local Calls
• Free Wi-Fi

Free Breakfast

Start each day with a tasty, free breakfast that includes a hot buffet, pastries, yogurt, hot and cold cereals, chilled juices, and coffee.

Daily: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Local Restaurants for Eat-In, Takeout, or Delivery

Enjoy a variety of fast food and casual dining options close to the hotel. In your room, you’ll also find a full list of local restaurants that offer takeout, delivery, or full table service.

If you need a recommendation, please don’t hesitate to ask our friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Local and Airport Shuttles

We’ll take the wheel for your airport or around-town travels so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Ask our front desk staff for details.

Sonesta Essential Van Buren is proud to offer our guests free parking during their stay.  We also provide electric vehicle chargers.

Extended parking is also available for a fee of $20 per day.

Explore Van Buren’s historic downtown, nearby Fort Smith, and countless outdoor and family adventures from our centrally located hotel.

Van Buren and neighboring Fort Smith are awash in history and local culture, with an abundance of activities for all ages.

Van Buren River Valley Museum

Located in a quaint, old train depot, the museum also offers trolley tours of the city.

Historic Downtown

Explore bookstores, art galleries, restaurants, and shops in this charming, historic district.

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Originally a gateway to the western frontier, Fort Smith now boasts a vibrant arts scene, galleries, and a film festival.

National U.S. Marshals Museum

Opened in 2023, the museum’s five immersive galleries educate and inform visitors about the role of the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency.

The Drennen-Scott House Museum

Take in impressive views of the Arkansas River and learn about the role this historic site played in the Civil War-era struggle to help escaped slaves.

King Opera House

For well over 100 years, this elegant Victorian-style opera house in downtown Van Buren continues to host a variety of performances.

Wheels in Motion

Burn off some excess energy in this indoor complex featuring roller skating, trampolining, and rock climbing.

Malco Cinema Van Buren

Sit back and enjoy a new release at this popular local movie theater.

Van Buren lies between two of the largest parks in the region—Ozark National Forest and Ouachita National Forest—providing endless options for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lee Creek

Enjoy hiking, boating, and breathtaking overlooks at this leafy recreation area.

Fishing

Van Buren offers numerous spots for fishing enthusiasts.

Golfing

Golfers of all skill levels will find manicured greens, inspiring scenery, and challenging layouts at the area’s local courses.

Parrot Island Water Park

Fort Smith’s giant water park is the answer to how to spend a sweltering day with the family.

Lake Fort Smith and Devil’s Den State Park

A short drive from Van Buren, these iconic parks offer excellent hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and canoeing amid the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Fort Smith Dog Park

Our four-legged guests can enjoy some off-leash time at this nearby pup park.