[nmnita]

I was under the impression there was to be a new hotel right at Oaklawn race track but I can't kind anything about this. Does anyone know the details and if it is true, any opening date.

[TRex2]

Well, two years ago, they had plans to.

https://www.oaklawn.com/news/2018/no...pansion-const/

The yet-to-be-named hotel will be seven stories with 200 rooms, including two presidential suites. Amenities will include an outdoor swimming pool, a luxury spa, fitness center and restaurant.

“The hotel will offer a unique vantage point for our patrons in that it will overlook the track. Imagine the spectacular view as the horses are heading down the stretch,” said Cella. “Our goal is to achieve 4-star status.”

Adjacent to the hotel will be a 14,000 square-foot multi-purpose events center that will accommodate up to 1,500 people for various events such as concerts, meetings, banquets and weddings.

The project also includes the addition of approximately 28,000 square feet of gaming space and significantly expanded parking.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said the Oaklawn expansion will be monumental.

“The state of Arkansas is grateful to Louis and his family for their commitment to growing their business right here at home,” said Gov. Hutchinson. “This project, which will be financed exclusively with private funds, not only represents one of, if not the largest, tourism related expansion projects in our history, it will also rank among the state’s largest economic development projects in 2019.”

21 Nov 2019 they thought it would be complete in two months.
https://www.kark.com/news/local-news...lus-expansion/

In just two months the newly 28,000 square feet of expanded casino space will be open to the public for more gaming and fun.

The $100 million expansion will include a high-rise hotel, an event center and expanded gaming area.

OOPs, that is just the expanded gaming area that opened.

[btoverdrive]

Originally Posted by nmnita

I was under the impression there was to be a new hotel right at Oaklawn race track but I can't kind anything about this. Does anyone know the details and if it is true, any opening date.

I was by there Sunday and it looks like it is almost finished.

https://www.oaklawn.com/construction-progress/

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by btoverdrive

I was by there Sunday and it looks like it is almost finished.

https://www.oaklawn.com/construction-progress/

That is what we are hoping for: our grand daughter who lives in Bentonville told us about this about 6 months ago and she thought it would be a fun place to spend a few days with her grand parents (us) She figured it would be finished by her grand dads 84th which is in Feb. In the mean while our Fl daughter wants to visit or get together somewhere, but she doesn't want to be with the entire family. The whole group of us drive her crazy and she is paranoid about COVID. We are thinking about meeting together after the track opens in Feb. She and hubby can isolate themselves in the room even though they love to bet the horses. The rest of us can do the races or the casino. i will have to do some more research.

[latunafish]

I did a windshield survey of the oaklawn area on Saturday.

It appears the resort part of the new addition is coming along nicely. But with horses showing up for training in November, I don’t expect a lot of noisy construction to continue until after the live racing season is over, this is just my personal expectations from decades of horse racing. But, you should look at the site mentioned above and call their 800 number and just tell them of your plans and get their response. I will be at the track in late October and will update you of my findings.

Also, I did notice a brand new “ microtel “ by Wyndham, that they are putting the finishing touches on, just across the street from the south parking lot of oaklawn. (Actually located on Higdon Ferry road) You might get some dates pinned down with your family and give then give them a call or online booking and set something up before the live racing season starts in January.

Of course, all this is subject to change, as live racing season approaches and covid ramps up or down. At the present time, I expect live racing to have spectators this season.

Hope this helps

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by latunafish

I did a windshield survey of the oaklawn area on Saturday.

It appears the resort part of the new addition is coming along nicely. But with horses showing up for training in November, I don’t expect a lot of noisy construction to continue until after the live racing season is over, this is just my personal expectations from decades of horse racing. But, you should look at the site mentioned above and call their 800 number and just tell them of your plans and get their response. I will be at the track in late October and will update you of my findings.

Also, I did notice a brand new “ microtel “ by Wyndham, that they are putting the finishing touches on, just across the street from the south parking lot of oaklawn. (Actually located on Higdon Ferry road) You might get some dates pinned down with your family and give then give them a call or online booking and set something up before the live racing season starts in January.

Of course, all this is subject to change, as live racing season approaches and covid ramps up or down. At the present time, I expect live racing to have spectators this season.

Hope this helps

Thanks so much for the update and yes, please keep me posted; I appreciate it.

[rodolfocostarica]

I was there in February past during racing and they were working on the hotel even with horses racing and doing workouts on the track. It would be great to be able to stay there during the races especially if you could get a room overlooking the track.

High floor with binocs would be great. I actually got some type of flu or lighter case covid while there and am almost sure it was caught at the track.

If I were to go back I would not hang out in the hallways or near people now. Not to be paranoid but the world has changed a bit since then.
Also my guess is that they will be charging a lot of money for the rooms unless you are high rollers. Other options around town and lots of airbnbs there too.


Maybe try to plan for weekdays Thursday or Friday. Have fun and best of luck.

[btoverdrive]

Originally Posted by rodolfocostarica

I was there in February past during racing and they were working on the hotel even with horses racing and doing workouts on the track. It would be great to be able to stay there during the races especially if you could get a room overlooking the track.

High floor with binocs would be great. I actually got some type of flu or lighter case covid while there and am almost sure it was caught at the track.

If I were to go back I would not hang out in the hallways or near people now. Not to be paranoid but the world has changed a bit since then.
Also my guess is that they will be charging a lot of money for the rooms unless you are high rollers. Other options around town and lots of airbnbs there too.


Maybe try to plan for weekdays Thursday or Friday. Have fun and best of luck.

The few times I go to the races I always go on Thursday or Friday. Much less crowded, good choices on $2.50 reserved seats and cheaper parking. I'm just not a big crowd guy anymore, even before covid.

[nmnita]

Thanks everyone for the help. Our granddaughter's imlaws live in Hot Springs, she thinks it will be more after the end of next years racing season before it will open. I will see her inlaws nex Sat as they will be up here to visit I will ask them for an update as well.