Interviews

Bill Ott ~ Director of Marketing - 1905 Basin Park Hotel & 1886 Crescent Hotel

How did you discover Eureka Springs?

I first came to Eureka Springs in 1976 for the 2nd Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism representing the Hot Springs (AR) Advertising & Promotion Commission as their ad agency account executive.

It was the grand opening of the convention center here.

What brought you here and what convinced you to relocate?

I had the opportunity to join the sales team of Eureka Springs' Landmark Hotels ~The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa and The 1905 Basin Park Hotel~ in 1997, working out my Hot Springs' office making sales calls in the Little Rock area.

In August of 2000, I was invited to join the on-site sales team for the hotels. I spent my first night in Western Carroll County as a resident on October 1, 2000. And since I had a job here, it was a fairly convincing reason to relocate.

Can you give us a little background on your company? What do you do and what accomplishments are you most proud of?

The history of our hotels can be found in any text that outlines the history of Eureka Springs or in the orations of any step-on guide who holds a microphone on one of the historic tram tours.

As director of marketing and communications it is my proud challenge to tell the world (or at least those areas we feel are in our geo- and demographic markets) of the wonders of Eureka Springs and our two hotels.

I am most proud of the fact that the properties I represent are considered the lodging icons of this resort community.

As a business person what are the benefits you find being located in Eureka Springs? Are there any drawbacks?

Since I am in the business of tourism, what better place in which to live and work than the center of leisure travel for the state and region.

Drawbacks? None. If you have a modem and a computer, you are connected to the world. We have both. What we don't have are traffic snarls… especially for me now that I walk to and from work.

If you were coming here on vacation what would your list of "must see or do" agenda include?

The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa. The 1905 Basin Park Hotel. The Crystal Dining Room. The Balcony Bar & Restaurant. Dr. Baker's Lounge. Rooftop Billiards at 12 Spring Street. Basin Bagel & Deli.

Then I would stop in at the Chamber of Commerce and find out what else there was to see and do.

What would your ideal "night on the town" in Eureka Springs consist of?

With the woman I love on my arm: A casual gourmet dinner in The Crystal Dining Room, a carriage ride around the historic loop, and total relaxation in a Jacuzzi Suite (preferably Room 101) at The 1905 Basin Park Hotel.

What do you think of the people that live here? How vital is the diversity of the residents to your idea "perfect community"?

The people in this town are real. No pomp, no circumstance. The diversity of this community teaches one the humble lesson of acceptance.

By the way, there is no perfect community. The better communities are those that work together for the progressive realization of worthy ideals.

Eureka Springs has quite a fascinating history. How important do you feel this is in today's fast paced world?

History is a wonderful story you can recount to generations to come. History is only important or should I say valuable if one learns from it regardless of the pace.

What does Eureka Springs mean to you?

To me, Eureka Springs means one of the many blessings God has bestowed upon me in the past few years.

This town is now my home… and that comes from someone who was deeply woven into the fabric of his former community during the preceeding 45 years.

What feelings did you have the first time you stepped foot in Eureka?

A feeling of being inside a theme park… especially when I visited downtown. It is like Main Street at Disney.

I discovered why people simply "go" to other resort communities and why those same people "get away" to Eureka Springs. That feeling still exists today.