It is not often a hotel combines museum-quality art with tasteful contemporary accommodations. Add to that equation the best value in town with a convenient location to major attractions. What do you get? The 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville.

Located in downtown Bentonville, Ark., home of Wal-Mart and world-class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the 21c Museum Hotel is a contemporary four-story building including 12,000 square feet of art exhibitions, meeting and event space and well-heeled accommodations. The atmosphere is professionally upbeat with minimalistic décor borrowing heavily from Scandinavian design.

The understated urban exterior belies the treasures within, which includes curated rotating exhibitions and live art events, upscale country cuisine at the Hive restaurant, business and fitness centers, dry-cleaning services and a small gift shop. Bike rentals are also available for exploring town.

The 104 deluxe rooms are smartly decorated with contemporary art and fun pieces like an old handheld telephone receiver, which plugs into your smartphone. There is even a yellow rubber ducky in the oversized shower stall, built for two. Amenities include free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an ultra-modern bathroom, mini-fridge, Nespresso machine and turndown service with chocolates and full ice bucket.

The sleek, ultra-modern bathroom has personal-sized Malin + Goetz amenities that embrace aromatherapy. They include a peppermint shampoo, cilantro hair conditioner, rum body wash, vitamin B5 body moisturizer, rum bar facial soap and a peppermint bar body soap. Two fluffy white robes hang conveniently in the bathroom, with slippers to accompany the comfort.

Continuing the overall art motif of the hotel, each room showcases contemporary decorations and artwork. The art is edgy, contemporary, fun and can be provocative — all good starting points for conversations. I absolutely loved the 4-foot, lime-green penguins that magically migrated to unusual spots in the hotel at the strangest times —  sometimes outside your room, other times joining you around the table for dining or at the bar for a drink. You also have the freedom to place the lightweight plastic penguins throughout the hotel. I’m still trying to figure out how one managed to get on top of the roof.

A quick note about security is necessary, since the downstairs museum is open 24/7 to the public. The elevator to your room is not just key-activated but is programmed for your floor only. Also, your key card activates the business center and the gym on the first floor. Watch out for the fat Batman hanging from the ceiling while in the gym. My best guess is his presence is designed to provide motivation during guest workouts.

21c Museum Hotel Bentonville

200 N.E. A St.
Bentonville, AR 72712
tel 479 286 6500