Bentonville, Arkansas, has firmly established itself as a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. Since 2020, it’s become an annual pilgrimage for riders like myself, drawn by the incredible network of trails. What truly sets this Northwest Arkansas town apart is its dedication to the mountain biking community, evident in its infrastructure and businesses designed to support both visitors and locals. So, when I discovered The Bike Inn Bentonville, a hotel specifically tailored to the needs of mountain bikers, I knew I had to experience it firsthand.
Opened in 2021, The Bike Inn Bentonville is the brainchild of owner Jeremy, a passionate mountain biker who transformed the former Pines Inn Motel into a haven for riders. He meticulously incorporated amenities that are essential for a comfortable and convenient mountain biking trip: secure bike storage, a dedicated bike wash and tool station, and even a vending machine stocked with those often-forgotten cycling essentials like chain lube and chamois cream.
During a recent Bentonville adventure, I had the pleasure of spending two nights at The Bike Inn Bentonville. In this review, I’ll share an honest look at my stay and why this unique accommodation is a game-changer for mountain bikers visiting the area.
The Bike Inn Bentonville: A Rider-Centric Stay
The Bike Inn Bentonville isn’t just another hotel; it’s a concept born from a deep understanding of what mountain bikers need when they travel. Jeremy’s vision was to create a space that caters specifically to the demands of our sport, and he’s succeeded admirably. Renovating the old Pines Inn Motel, he infused it with a modern, biker-friendly vibe while ensuring all the essential amenities were in place.
From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that The Bike Inn Bentonville is designed with riders in mind. Forget the hassle of lugging bikes up stairs or worrying about secure storage. Here, convenience and functionality for mountain bikers are paramount. Key features include:
- Secure Bike Storage: Each room is equipped with a hanging bike rack, ensuring your valuable ride is safe and sound.
- Bike Wash Station: Keep your bike clean and performing optimally with the on-site bike wash station.
- Bike Tool Station: Minor repairs and adjustments are easy with the provided tool stations.
- Bike Supply Vending Machine: Forgot chain lube or chamois cream? No problem, The Bike Inn Bentonville has you covered.
These thoughtful touches make The Bike Inn Bentonville a truly unique and welcoming place for mountain bikers.
Accommodation Options at The Bike Inn
One of the appealing aspects of The Bike Inn Bentonville is the variety of accommodation options available. It’s not just a standard hotel; it offers a range of choices to suit different travel styles and budgets. Whether you’re a solo rider, a couple, a group of friends, or even traveling in a van, there’s a space for you here.
Hotel Rooms: Comfort and Style
The hotel rooms at The Bike Inn Bentonville are a testament to thoughtful design and comfort. During my stay in the “Boujee Bike Suite,” I was particularly impressed with the modern and chic aesthetic. The rooms are tastefully decorated with bike-themed art and repurposed bike parts, creating a cool and relevant atmosphere. Beyond aesthetics, practicalities are well-considered: excellent AC and reliable wifi are standard in every room.
Hotel bedroom suite at the Bike Inn Bentonville in Arkansas
Room Details I Appreciated:
- Foreverbed Mattresses: After a long day on the trails, a comfortable bed is essential. The Foreverbed mattresses deliver on this promise, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
- PutUp Bike Racks: Proudly made in Bentonville, the PutUp Bike racks in each room are a practical and stylish way to store your bike indoors.
- Eco-Conscious Bathroom Amenities: The Bike Inn Bentonville has moved away from single-use plastic toiletries, opting for wall-mounted dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash – a welcome eco-friendly touch.
- Excellent Shower Pressure: A small detail, but much appreciated after a dusty ride!
- Keurig Coffee Maker: While the Keurig is a nice touch, the single-use cups are a slight drawback in terms of sustainability.
- Ground Level Rooms: The convenience of having all rooms on the ground level cannot be overstated, especially when you’re traveling with bikes. No stairs to navigate!
Mountain bike hanging on wooden vertical bike rack at the Bike Inn in Bentonville
The room options include:
- 5 Double Rooms: Featuring two separate rooms each with queen beds, ideal for small groups or families.
- 5 Single Rooms: Equipped with a queen bed, perfect for solo riders or couples.
- 1 Suite: The “Boujee Bike Suite” I stayed in, complete with a queen bed, living space, and kitchen for added comfort and convenience.
Glamping Pods: Cute and Cozy
For a more unique and budget-friendly option, The Bike Inn Bentonville offers four adorable glamping pods. These are a recent addition and provide a fun alternative to traditional hotel rooms. While compact, they offer all the essentials for a comfortable night after a day of riding.
Wood paneled glamping pod with double bed and chair at the Bike Inn Bentonville
Glamping Pod Features:
- Double Bed: A cozy double bed inside each pod.
- AC: Stay cool and comfortable even on warmer days.
- Outdoor Deck with Chairs: Relax and enjoy the outdoors on your private deck.
- Shared Bathhouse: Conveniently located nearby, a dedicated bathhouse provides indoor showers and bathrooms for glamping pod and van camping guests.
Van Camping: Road Trip Ready
The Bike Inn Bentonville also caters to van life enthusiasts with 2-3 van camping spots. These spots are designed to accommodate rigs up to 25 feet in length and offer electrical hookups. Water is also available on-site for filling tanks. Van campers also have access to the indoor bathhouse and an outdoor shower. It’s important to note that there is no dump station and tents are not permitted in the van camping area.
Two camper vans parked in gravel pads at the Bike in Bentonville
The Cottage: Group Getaways
For larger groups or families, The Bike Inn Bentonville offers a stand-alone cottage. This spacious option includes two queen beds, a bunk bed, and a kitchen, making it ideal for groups wanting to stay together and enjoy self-catering facilities.
Amenities That Set The Bike Inn Apart
Beyond the comfortable rooms and unique accommodation options, the amenities at The Bike Inn Bentonville truly elevate the experience for mountain bikers. These features demonstrate a deep understanding of riders’ needs and contribute significantly to a hassle-free and enjoyable stay.
- Muc-Off Bike Wash Station: Keep your bike sparkling clean after every ride with the complimentary Muc-Off bike wash station. This is a game-changer for maintaining your bike’s performance and preventing trail debris from ending up in your room.
- Bike Repair Stations with Park Tools: Two well-equipped bike repair stations, stocked with an assortment of Park Tools, are available for guests to perform maintenance or tackle minor repairs. This is incredibly convenient for those who prefer to handle their own bike maintenance.
- Outdoor Backyard Hangout Area: The expansive backyard is a social hub and relaxation zone. Featuring hammocks, a fire pit, a grill, lawn games, and picnic tables, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a ride, socialize with other guests, and enjoy the Bentonville evenings.
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The Bike Inn Bentonville3
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- Sauna, Hot Tub, and Cold Plunge: Soothe tired muscles after a long day on the trails with the on-site sauna and hot tub. For the brave, a cold plunge is also available for recovery.
- Indoor Kitchen and Guest Lounge: Guests staying in the glamping pods or van camping can take advantage of an indoor kitchen and small lounge area, providing a communal space to prepare food and relax.
- Coin-Operated Laundry: Keep your riding gear fresh with the coin-operated laundry facilities available for guests.
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Location of The Bike Inn Bentonville: Convenience vs. Connectivity
The Bike Inn Bentonville is situated directly off Walton Boulevard, approximately 2.5 miles south of downtown Bentonville. While the location offers easy access from the main road, it’s worth considering its proximity to trails and other Bentonville highlights.
To be frank, the location isn’t the absolute prime spot in Bentonville. It’s not within walking distance of the bustling downtown square or attractions like the Crystal Bridges Museum. Reaching the trails also requires a bit of a ride. Furthermore, being located directly on Walton Boulevard means there can be some traffic noise.
However, while not perfectly central, the location of The Bike Inn Bentonville is not a major drawback. Bentonville is easily navigable, and most destinations are a short drive away.
Bike Inn Bentonville – Distances to Key Locations:
- Coler Preserve: 3.7 miles
- Slaughter Pen Trails: 1.8 miles
- Bella Vista (Little Sugar, Blowing Springs, Back 40 trails): 11 miles
- Downtown Bentonville: 2.5 miles
For most visitors, driving to trailheads, restaurants, and bike shops will likely be the norm, regardless of where you stay in Bentonville. Consider the slight distance from the main attractions a trade-off for the biker-centric amenities and potentially quieter environment compared to staying directly downtown.
Minor Drawbacks: Kitchen Functionality
During my stay in the “Boujee Bike Suite,” the cleanliness was impeccable, as expected. However, I did notice that the kitchen organization was a little haphazard. Drawers and cabinets contained a somewhat random assortment of cups, plates, and utensils.
While the Suite and Cottage kitchens are equipped with portable gas stoves and some basic cookware, preparing elaborate meals might be challenging. They are perfectly adequate for simple cooking like pasta or scrambled eggs, but don’t expect to whip up a gourmet feast. This is a very minor point and likely only relevant if you are heavily reliant on self-catering.
Good to Know Before You Book
Before booking your stay at The Bike Inn Bentonville, here are a few helpful points to keep in mind:
- Pet Policy: Pets are not permitted in the hotel rooms but are welcome in vans, glamping pods, and the stand-alone cottage.
- Discounts: Take advantage of a 15% weekly discount or a significant 30% monthly discount for extended stays.
- No Tents: Due to local zoning regulations, tents are not allowed on the property.
- No Smoking: Smoking of any kind is strictly prohibited indoors.
- “Don’t Be A Dick” Policy: This lighthearted but clear message is displayed throughout The Bike Inn Bentonville, promoting a respectful and positive atmosphere for all guests.
- Check-in/Check-out: Check-in time is 4 pm, and check-out is at 10 am.
My Overall Take
I was genuinely impressed with The Bike Inn Bentonville. It’s a fantastic accommodation option that I would wholeheartedly recommend to any mountain biker visiting Bentonville. I will certainly be staying there again on future trips.
Jeremy and his wife have done an exceptional job transforming the old motel into a modern, comfortable, and incredibly bike-friendly hotel. They have truly considered all the essential needs of mountain bikers, from the bike wash and repair stations to the comfortable beds and secure storage.
While the location is slightly outside the downtown core, it’s a minor compromise for the overall value and biker-focused experience. Bentonville is compact enough that getting to trails and downtown is still convenient.
The Bike Inn Bentonville, having opened in September 2021, is still relatively new. I’m excited to see how it evolves and further cements its place as the go-to accommodation for mountain bikers in Bentonville.
Plate of hummus, vegges, and cheese and glass of white wine on table in backyard of the Bike Inn Bentonville
Have you stayed at The Bike Inn Bentonville? Share your experiences in the comments below!
