Planning a visit to the Hot Springs Arkansas Bath Houses? Trying to decide Buckstaff vs Quapaw? Get our comparison of Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Bathhouse. Including services, cost, our experience, and where to find free parking. Don’t have time to read this now? Pin it for later!

Buckstaff vs Quapaw

Buckstaff Bathhouse is a traditional bathhouse that follows the bathing routine established in the 1800s. Traditional, older tubs are used for the mineral baths, and the women and men are separated so you will not see your partner until your bath is over.

Quapaw Bathhouse is a modern day spa that offers private mineral baths in modern tubs. There is an individual and couple option for the private baths, and reservations are required.

At Buckstaff Bathhouse bathing suits are typically not worn. You are wrapped in a sheet and your attendant assists you through the bathing routine which includes helping you in and out of the tub and shower. If that makes you feel uncomfortable then I wouldn’t recommend Buckstaff Bathhouse. At Quapaw Bathhouse the private mineral baths are clothing-optional.

Buckstaff Bathhouse Cost

• Mineral Bath $38 (Includes Tub Bath, Steam Cabinet, Sitz Tub, Hot Packs)

• Add on Loofah Mitt $4 (Attendant scrubs your arms, legs and back after your bath, you keep mitt)

• Add on 20 minute Swedish Massage $40

• Traditional Bathing Package $82 (Includes Mineral Bath, Loofa Mitt and 20 minute Swedish Massage)

Quapaw Bathhouse Cost

• Mineral Baths $30 (Includes Tub Bath) - $45 Couple

• Aromatherapy Mineral Bath $35 (Add your aromatherapy to the tub) - $50 Couple

• Add on 25 minute Swedish Massage $50

• The Quapaw Package $130 (Includes Private Bath, 25 minute Swedish massage, 25 minute foot conditioning & scalp massage) - $245 Couple

Buckstaff Bathhouse Review

We both wanted the traditional bathhouse experience and since Buckstaff Bathhouse doesn’t take appointments we got to the bathhouse around 10:45 am. We had no problem getting right in. Everyone starts with the Tub Bath but after that the order of steps could vary. For me, the Hot Packs followed the Tub Bath. For Penguin, the Sitz Tub followed the Tub Bath.

What is included in the traditional Mineral Bath?

1. Tub Bath: A fifteen minute soak in a private tub where the water was 102 degrees

   • This was definitely my favorite part, although I would have liked my water a little bit hotter

     • I got a twenty minute soak (which was awesome) because they were busy

     • During peak periods your Mineral Bath could take longer

   • The tub was long and had one powerful jet so I had to prop my feet against the provided board to stay in place

     • I loved the size of the tub because I could easily float my entire upper body

   • We paid $4 extra for the loofa mitt which meant at the end of your soak the attendant scrubbed our arms, legs and back

     • Not worth it. We would skip this add on next time

2. Steam Cabinet: I sat in a metal cabinet with my head out for three minutes. This gave my body a good sweat

   • Penguin had a more traditional walk in steam room which is more intense

3. Sitz Tub: You sit with your butt checks and lower back in a smaller bath of hot water for ten minutes

   • This was my second favorite step as it targeted your lower back

4. Hot Packs: Four very, very, very hot towels are placed where the customer requested or attendants choice for fifteen minutes

   • I requested my neck and back. These hot towels were EXTREMELY hot!

     • When I laid down on top of them I thought I was going to burn my back but I didn’t

     • These hot towels felt great on my sore muscles

   • A cool towel is placed around your face and this helps keep you cool as you get very hot from the hot towels

   • These hot towels get the muscles warmed up for the optional (and costs extra) 20 min Swedish Massage which we skipped

     • If you can afford the massage, do it!

     • My body was so warmed up that I can only imagine how great the massage would have felt

5. Needle Shower: The last step is a quick shower to rinse off but instead of one shower head you walk into a circular shower with probably close to a hundred small streams of water hitting you from every direction

The Buckstaff Baths Mineral Bath typically takes 45 minutes to one hour depending on how busy it is at the bathhouse. Penguin’s was around 45 minutes and mine was a little over on hour.

We both loved the traditional bathhouse experience and we would definitely do it again but next time we would add the Swedish Massage. I can only imagine how great a massage would feel after that Mineral Bath!

Bathhouse Row Free Parking

There is a free parking garage on Exchange Street, one block west of the Hot Springs National Park visitor center. Just follow the signs once you are in downtown Hot Springs.

While visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas we recommend hiking Hot Springs National Park or driving up to Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Read about it in our Hot Springs Mountain Tower at Hot Springs National Park article. Looking for things to do in Arkansas? Take a look at our Arkansas articles. Where are we going next? Don’t miss an adventure, subscribe today.