From tired motel to boutique hotel? Now that's a transformation. Los Angeles-based real estate development firm Dwellest, co-led by an Arkansas native, is bringing a new boutique hotel to Midtown Fayetteville in February 2027. What was most recently a Motel 6 will now be The Overland, an 85-room upscale property with a restaurant and bar, pool, fitness center, event space, and large outdoor courtyard.
Located at 2980 N. College Ave., The Overland is near the Razorback Greenway and about 10 minutes from the University of Arkansas and downtown Fayetteville. The hotel takes its name from the historic Butterfield Overland Mail route that passed through the area from 1858 to 1861.
The Courtyard
The courtyard will be a focal point at The Overland, with outdoor seating for the Oxbow restaurant and bar, a pool, grills, an amphitheater and terraced stone seating.
The amphitheater will have electrical hookups for live music, and the courtyard will be used for activities and events throughout the year. Plans include live music, group fitness classes, and other events that will be open to the Fayetteville community.
The courtyard can also be reserved for private events such as rehearsal dinners and cocktail receptions.
Oxbow Restaurant & Bar
The hotel's restaurant and bar, Oxbow, chosen after the nickname for the Butterfield Route, “The Oxbow Route”, will open with the hotel and offer more than just drinks and small bites.
Oxbow will have indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area opening onto the courtyard. The restaurant and bar will also be available for private events.
A Place for Cyclists and Dogs
The Overland is located near the Razorback Greenway, and cyclists that have a full day of riding will have a few extra amenities on site. A bike wash and repair station will be available for guests, along with enclosed bike storage.
The entire hotel will be pet friendly, and a dog park on the south side of the property will be open to hotel guests as well as the community.
Fitness Space That Opens to the Courtyard
The fitness center will be a large room with roll-up garage doors that open onto the courtyard.
The space can be used for regular workouts as well as yoga and other fitness classes. When the weather is nice, the doors can open up to connect the fitness room with the outdoor space.
Suites for Longer Stays
The Overland will have 85 rooms, including 14 suites with kitchenettes. The suites will give larger groups and guests staying for several days more room to spread out, making them an option for extended stays, wedding parties and other groups.
The rooms will feature custom-designed furniture and decor from local artists. Throughout the hotel, natural stone and earth tones will give the spaces a warm, natural feel with a look that fits the Ozarks.
The hotel also expects to welcome medical travelers visiting nearby hospitals. The property is designed to accommodate a mix of travelers, including cyclists, motorcycle groups, bus groups, families, and guests traveling with pets.
A New Hotel in Midtown
With its restaurant, courtyard, pool, fitness center and event spaces, The Overland will give visitors a place to stay in Fayetteville's Midtown district.
And there’s plenty to do around it. Midtown is home to a mix of locally loved restaurants, bars and cafés, from Italian and Indian food to BBQ, burgers, coffee and cocktails. Holdin’ It Down in Midtown: Restaurants, Bars & Cafés is a good place to start when you’re deciding where to eat, grab a drink or get your morning coffee.
The property will also welcome people who aren't staying overnight. Stop by Oxbow for a meal or drink, bring your dog to the community dog park, join a fitness class or check out a live music event in the courtyard.
The Overland is scheduled to open in February 2027, bringing a new boutique hotel to Midtown and a new place for locals to gather, eat, drink, and spend some downtime.
Visit The Overland's website for updates as the opening gets closer.
