TEXARKANA -- Those hoping Monday's total solar eclipse would be a boon to local hotels seem to have reason to celebrate.
Five local hotels contacted Monday morning reported they were full or almost full, and none noticed significant numbers of cancellations, despite a disappointing local weather forecast.
While the Texas side's Residence Inn by Marriott booked fewer rooms than expected, business still boomed.
"We came close to selling out last night. But we had quite a few rooms, and we did tonight, as well. So we're actually lowering our rate tonight a little bit," said Amy Huddleston, the hotel's director of sales.
The story was much the same for Hilton Garden Inn on the Texas side. While there was some availability, most rooms were occupied Sunday night, sales coordinator Kristie Bradshaw said.
Occupancy at Country Inn and Suites on the Texas side was up to expectations.
"Everybody came in like they were supposed to, a full house," a spokesperson said, adding that there had been no cancellations Sunday.
"A large, large influx of people" filled Holiday Inn Convention Center on the Arkansas side, according to a spokesperson. And the Texas side's Hampton Inn and Suites also reported a sellout.
"We've been pretty much full since Friday," Hampton Inn and Suites sales manager Amy Griffith said as she pitched in to work at the hotel's front desk.
"We had a full house for breakfast this morning," she said. "But it's kind of clearing out, and now everyone's making their plans of where they're going to watch the eclipse."