Looking for some advise re: Hot Springs NP. I'm considering a 1 - 2 day trip in October or November. The Hotel Hale looked nice and convenient. Not sure about the possible activities in the park or the town of Hot Springs.

We stayed 2 days in hot springs on our way up to the smokies. Small park but has few nice hiking trails. We stopped at an overlook for lunch while hiking and saw a golden eagle flying around. The superior bathhouse brewery has nice setup in old bathhouse and great beer brewed from the hot spring water. The garvan woodland gardens has some nice trails and a neat treehouse that supposedly cost 1 million to build. Kids really enjoyed the science museum and still talk about going back. We stayed at the KOA in our camper so can't help you with hotels.

We stayed at the Hale and really liked it. We were actually at the Arlington for a night and disliked it so much that we moved hotels. The Hale is updated, cleaner, friendlier, and has a good restaurant. This was in 2020 so maybe the Arlington has changed a bit, but I would recommend the Hale over it anyways. Plus, the bath water is actually from the hot springs from what I remember (and that was "the coolest thing ever" according to my young son).

Family or couple ?

If you like golf the weather at that time is awesome

Check out the bathhouses on Central Ave (many turned into Breweries)

I am not a big fan of HSNP as a NP at all but my parents retired to the Village there

Can be a good weekend to try some things but honestly the state parks further north and west of HS are much better that time of year....fall foilage can be beautiful in some of those state parks if you hit during a good three week window which sounds like you might be there at that time

WGA - A couple. I'm not a golfer, but I was thinking about using a long weekend just to check it out. Maybe a few hikes or rent some bikes.
Got any restaurant recommendations ?

I really like NW Arkansas as a whole, but the town of Hot Springs is pretty underwhelming. It is neat to walk through one day and learn the history and stuff. The overlook is a great view, and it's fun to get water from the public fountains around town.

The NP portion of Not Springs to me is the worst in the US but there are things to do. I would spend a day and then venture toward the NW Arkansas

Hawksbill Crag going toward Fayetteville area is majestic area for photo ops and not a large hike

Buffalo River during fall foilage time is great if you are outdoor oriented and like to kayak etc

As for food it changes for me but the Ohio Club is a decent bar with history and has some good burgers

Diablos on Central Ave has some taco plates that are pretty nice as well

But the ones that are most often discussed by tourists are the Pancake Shop and Luna Bella

Both to me are nice and a good option but i dont think either are things that will be memorable in terms of food

I and my kids like Kilwins Ice Cream on Central also

It is a good weekend trip and fail foilage is really nice but to me you have to venture away from Hot Springs

As someone said Galvan Woodlands Gardens is top notch and if you go it late November the Xmas lights are done really well....think Santa Wonderland's walking tour with style and grace and cheap

Edit spelling issues but left the Not Springs alone