While traveling across the country, we came upon the Shangri La through online research (primarly Tripadvisor) and are really happy to have found this spot.

We planned on staying only one night and were compelled to stay for a second as we felt so much at home and so rested among the tranquility of our lakeside cabin.

The room was huge with two queen beds, a flat screen TV, and large living area with two armchairs and a desk, as well as an outdoor patio with chairs that looked out onto the lake.

Hiking in this area is wonderful and we felt we could disappear here for many days and be completely at peace among the rustic surroundings.

The staff is friendly and hospitable and worked really hard at keeping up with the pace of a busy Tuesday night in the cafe. And the owner, Mrs. Carr, is a delight who has been overseeing the resort for 52 years, baking pies fresh every day.

We would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone who wants an escape from the hussle-bussle of everyday life and a few days to unwind.

My family has a boat on Lake Ouachita and we have spent several weekends in hotels in and around Mount Ida. Shangri La has them ALL beat, BUT you have to come in with reasonable expectations.

Shangri La is a WONDERFUL family owned property that has been around basically since the lake was built in the 1950's and it hasn't changed since. That is part of it's charm and what makes it so great. If you are expecting a weekend at the Ritz Carlton, you will be disappointed.

If you want a beautiful setting overlooking the lake with reasonable accomodations and great home cooked food, then you'll be delighted. We certainly have been. We have two more reservations booked this summer and were disappointed we couldn't get any additional weekends.

It is not a party atmosphere. Expect lots of families and fishermen. The Carr family that owns it comes in between 4-5am every morning to bake between 30-50 homeade pies that are absolutely delicious. Everything in their restaurant is made from scratch.

Over 80% of their business is returning families and they have folks that have been staying with them for 30 years. It is hard to get a reservation during the high season. We can't wait to go back.

Shangri La Resort is located on Lake Ouachita, and has been around forever. But perhaps it's time has come and passed. This summer, the hamburgers are dry and the service is terrible. Not only terrible, but RUDE. In response to - May I have a menu?", it was "I'll get to you when I have time!" with a snarl. If it had been the first time this waitress had been rude, I could have overlooked it, but she had been surly the last time we were there to several tables, which included our family and other families that we didn't know. So, we voted with our feet and left.

We've been spending our summer vacation week here for over twenty years,now it's our family reunion, too.Wonderful homemade food and hospitable owners.