The Compton, a new 142 room independent lifestyle hotel, has opened on Bentonville’s historic Square, positioning itself as both a visitor base and a community anchor at a moment of rapid downtown change. Developed by local firm Blue Crane and operated by Practice Hospitality, the property leans into an Ozarks rooted identity, from biophilic design elements that soften the line between indoors and outdoors to small, story driven guest touches such as a folklore inspired turndown ritual.
The opening arrives as Bentonville continues to build its reputation as a global cycling destination, with more than 70 miles of trails through the city and access to an estimated 400 plus miles across the wider Ozarks network. Designed with that audience in mind, The Compton introduces an in house Cycling Concierge, powered by local outfitter 37 North, offering route guidance, group rides and Saturday shuttles to major trail systems, alongside practical rider amenities such as secure bike valet storage, curbside staging and post ride recovery comforts.
Inside, the hotel’s narrative is shaped around conservationist Dr. Neil Compton, whose advocacy helped preserve the Buffalo River as the first National River. Architecture and interiors by Marvel Design, BRR Architecture and CRÈME build a sense of place through Ozark limestone, living greenery and art installations, including a dramatic atrium centred on a carved stone bluff wall with gently flowing water and a large skylight that shifts the mood throughout the day. Public spaces extend the storytelling through the Ozark Room and a library stocked with regional history, folklore and natural science, complemented by mineral specimens, local artefacts and audio field recordings from the Buffalo River landscape.
The Compton also aims to broaden Bentonville’s culinary and events landscape, with three dining concepts run by Indigo Road Hospitality Group: Sestina, an approachable Tuscan steakhouse; The Eddy, a cocktail forward bar overlooking the Square; and Field Notes, an all day cafe designed for both locals and travellers. With nearly 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a ballroom and gallery style venues that double as contemporary art showcases curated with OZ Art NWA™, the hotel is targeting leisure demand alongside corporate and group travel tied to Northwest Arkansas’ growing business ecosystem, while serving as a central gateway to trails, downtown culture and nearby attractions such as Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
The Compton Bentonville
200 E Central Ave
Bentonville, AR 72712
United States
+1 479-696-4500
