Dad Bought a Neglected 81-Room Hotel for $2.55M. Now He’s Giving It a $1.1M Makeover (Exclusive)

**Greg Clark: Turning a Derelict Hotel into a Dream Destination in Arkansas**

Greg Clark, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, is making waves in the hospitality industry with his ambitious project, Hotel Expedition, an 81-room hotel located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Clark is revitalising the property with a considerable budget of $1.1 million, aiming to create unique guest experiences that stand out in a crowded market. He has documented his journey on TikTok, inspiring many with his mantra: “If they can do it, I can do it.”

Clark’s journey began at the tender age of 19 when he faced significant financial challenges. After quitting his job, he was left with a mere £20 to his name. However, rather than succumbing to despair, he moved back in with his mother and embarked on a side business buying and selling used tyres via Craigslist. This initial venture flourished into a successful multi-state automotive business. However, the advent of the pandemic in 2020 prompted him to rethink his priorities and seek a new path that would provide a steadier income without the grueling 100-hour work weeks.

“I discovered real estate and quickly developed a passion for renovating old homes, which eventually drew me to the short-term rental market,” Clark explained. This newfound love for hospitality allowed him to merge his talent for creating beautiful spaces with an understanding of guest satisfaction. His interest soon evolved into managing larger hospitality projects, and in late 2025, he purchased his inaugural hotel near Yellowstone National Park, leading to an exhilarating yet financially challenging experience in the industry.

Despite the hotel not generating profit, Clark’s passion for hotel renovation intensified. “These projects have become mid-life crisis passion pursuits,” he remarked. “I want to challenge the norms in the hospitality sector and unleash my creativity on unique concepts for our guests.”

Now at the helm of a significant undertaking in Eureka Springs, Clark purchased the hotel for £2.55 million, with plans for extensive renovations to make it a distinctive destination. He is currently living on-site, overseeing the renovation and hoping to have the hotel ready for a grand opening by Christmas 2026. His vision is for Hotel Expedition to become part of a larger portfolio—aiming to establish a collection of 10 curated hotels over the next seven years.

Built in 1993, the property was originally a Holiday Inn Holidome, characterised by its pyramid-like structure centred around an indoor pool area. Clark was drawn to Eureka Springs due to its burgeoning growth and alluring attractions, such as historic landmarks and captivating natural landscapes. However, transforming the aging hotel into his envisioned sanctuary is proving to be a Herculean task, complete with numerous challenges.

The property’s condition has necessitated addressing various urgent issues, including closing a deteriorating pool and hot tub, repairing a damaged elevator, and replacing outdated HVAC systems. The scale of these renovations has introduced complications, such as discovering electrical wiring inconsistencies when they began refurbishing rooms.

“We faced several unexpected challenges,” Clark detailed. “One such instance involved removing vanity lights, only to find the electrical wiring was misaligned, resulting in costly change orders for adjustments.” Not only does this highlight the magnitude of the renovation, but it also underscores the importance of effective budgeting, as even minor expenses can quickly escalate when multiplied across 81 rooms.

In addition to the immediate repairs, Clark is also addressing neglected maintenance issues, including problems with the septic systems and roof. This means that tough choices must be made regarding the renovation budget to allocate funds strategically. Certain areas, like the atrium flooring and existing bathroom fixtures, will be preserved to ensure the overall aesthetic remains intact without incurring further unnecessary costs.

Clark’s ambition extends beyond just restoring the physical space; he aims to enrich the guest experience with amenities that transcend the ordinary. These include plans for a spa featuring in-house services, yoga sessions, craft workshops, and cozy nights spent around a fire pit. He wants guests to feel as though they are enjoying an upscale resort experience at a budget-friendly price point, with anticipated nightly rates ranging from approximately £110 to £380 during event weekends.

Equally important to Clark is understanding the needs of his target demographic. He frequently travels to observe successful hospitality models across the country and even internationally, paying close attention to how hotels engage with guests before, during, and after their stay.

“As I have learned, hotels thrive on interpersonal interactions,” he noted. “The first point of contact for guests can greatly influence the overall experience.”

As he navigates through the renovations, Clark has also turned to TikTok to document the process. Initially intended for personal reflection, his videos quickly gained traction, attracting millions of viewers and sparking widespread interest in his project. “The feedback has been nothing short of overwhelming,” he said, “and I hope others see that I’m just an ordinary person. If I can pursue this dream, then so can they.”

With another step forward in his journey, Clark maintains a one-day-at-a-time philosophy as he copes with the demands of hotel renovation while striving to complete the project on schedule. He envisions that Hotel Expedition will not only be a testament to his hard work but also serve as an inspiration to the next generation of hospitality owners, encouraging them to embrace creativity and focus on the guest experience.

“I hope that on opening day, everything we’ve invested in the project resonates with our visitors,” Clark expressed. “It’s about reflecting the effort, passion, and details we’ve poured into transforming this property into something extraordinary.”