Before Hurricane Laura hit southern Louisiana and Texas on August 27, North Little Rock hotels were ready. Despite being one of the industries hit hardest economically by the coronavirus with employees furloughed and budgets cut, hospitality hasn’t stopped being hospitable.

Even before the pandemic, Marjorie Thompson, General Manager of La Quinta Inn & Suites at 4311 Warden Road, filled in for every position at the hotel – managing the front desk, answering phones, cleaning and marketing. She also personally bakes birthday cakes for returning guests and knows everyone by name. So when calls started coming in for people evacuating due to Hurricane Laura, she didn’t hesitate.

“I’ve started collecting board games, movies, books, anything that can help keep families entertained,” she said. “North Little Rock has excellent outdoor, free activities, but I also knew they would need free or inexpensive indoor activities with the rain.”

North Little Rock hotels have a knack for anticipating guest needs, even if it just means listening or helping beyond the call of duty.

“I received a call last week, the lady was crying on the phone,” Marjorie said. “She was trying to book a room, but she was also upset because she couldn’t convince her father to evacuate ahead of the hurricane. I told her, ‘You don’t worry, we’ll get him out. When you get here, get him on the phone, and let me talk to him. I’m a grandma, I’m used to getting my way.'”

“We’re here to help those that may be affected by Hurricane Laura,” said Courtney Probst, Regional Director of Sales for the Candlewood Suites at 3950 Vali Court in North Little Rock. “Our team will work with each individual to ensure a comfortable short- or long-term stay.”

With easy access from I-40 and close to familiar big box stores, Candlewood Suites offers full kitchens in every room, free onsite laundry facility, indoor pool, pet-friendly rooms and outdoor entertainment gazebo area. For displaced families, long-term stay properties like Candlewood can provide some sense of normalcy and a friendly, familiar face in a new location.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 4306 E McCain Boulevard is also a convenient place to stay for travel-weary guests with complimentary Grab ‘n’ Go breakfast, free WiFi, fitness center and indoor pool.

Special Rates for Hurricane Laura Evacuees