Located in Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort recently opened its new boutique hotel, luxurious spa and event center. The more than $100 million expansion project began in 2019 with the goal of elevating Oaklawn and Hot Springs as a tourism and recreation destination.
“Oaklawn has been owned and operated by the Cella family since our founding in 1904,” said Wayne Smith, general manager at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. “We began as a thoroughbred racetrack and developed into one of the top tracks in the country, best known as the home of the $1 million Arkansas Derby.”
Oaklawn’s recent expansion includes an expanded gaming area; a luxury hotel, The Hotel at Oaklawn; a world-class spa, The Astral Spa; a multi-purpose event center; additional food and beverage offerings; and additional on-site parking.
The eight-story Hotel at Oaklawn features 198 rooms including two presidential suites. The hotel’s location adjacent to the racetrack allows patrons to watch thoroughbred racing from the comfort of their rooms while also taking in unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains. Other amenities include fine linens and large-screen televisions.
The on-site Astral Spa has unique offerings such as a needle shower, representative of the iconic Bathhouse Row at Hot Springs National Park; an infrared sauna; and a Himalayan Salt wall, seen nowhere else in Arkansas.
The 15,000-square-foot event center can seat up to 1,500 people for concerts, conferences and banquets. In addition, four meeting rooms are available for smaller gatherings or for breakout sessions.
Credit: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
An expanded gaming center created space for more than 1,500 slot machines and 33 gaming tables. Guests can explore the new High Limits area with more than 80 slot machines, three high-limit blackjack tables and a private outdoor patio.
Several new food and beverage venues have also been opened including The Bugler, which is a signature fine dining restaurant overlooking the Oaklawn racetrack and infield; the First Turn Bar (also overlooking the track); and a Food Court.
CreditL Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Groups visiting Oaklawn will find amenities such as readily available bus parking, a variety of food and beverage outlets and deluxe accommodations.
“The Guest Services team is ready to assist guests with all of the wonderful recreational, historical and local attractions here in Hot Springs National Park,” Smith said. “Groups will find impeccable service and clean, safe and comfortable surroundings where they can relax, have fun and have the opportunity to see the sights that are in close proximity to our resort.”
For more information, call 501-623-4411 or visit oaklawn.com.
