The Best Hotels to Book Near Oaklawn Park Race Course, Arkansas

If the horses didn’t quite go your way don’t stress – you’re within a furlong of the entrance to Hot Springs National Park when you book into this hotel. It may be America’s second-smallest national park in terms of land area, but it packs in a lot of opportunities for relaxation – from waterfall hikes to secret caves and natural thermal springs. And this swish, modern hotel is at the heart of it – a safe bet for a relaxing break.

You can always count on the warm welcome cookie at a Doubletree, but if complimentary baked goods aren’t enough to sway it for you, then how about the postcard views over the Ouachita River, the huge lakeside pool, or the on-site restaurant with a full-service bar? And that’s before you get to the rooms, which are rendered in various shades of relaxing blue, reflecting the proximity to the water. As far as Hot Springs hotels go, this one takes the biscuit.

Our favorite thing about the Courtyard by Marriott Hot Springs? The outdoor courtyard, encircled by trees and with a flickering fire pit at the center – the kind of place we can see ourselves spending all evening chatting, cocktail in hand, while the stars come out overhead. We’re big fans of the guest rooms too, dressed in relaxing hues of lavenders and blues, and finished with sleek wooden fittings and plush fabrics.

A stay in Hot Springs should be relaxing and fuss-free, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at this hotel. Continental breakfast and parking are included, whilst there’s an indoor pool, gym, and mini-mart. The homely and comfortable rooms include free wifi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers.

There’s no horsing around with this place – the Best Western keeps things simple with motel-style, pet-friendly rooms, a generous outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast. The best thing about it? This place is right next door to the Oaklawn Racetrack and Casino. So when your chips are down, and you couldn’t get that winning bet across the line, at least you don’t have far to go for a good night’s sleep.

Not ready to race out of town just yet? Take things slow and extend your stay by checking into one of the self-catering suites here. The Candlewood keeps things classic with granite-top kitchenette counters, wood-paneled headboards and comfy chairs and sofas. For late arrivals, you can source a last-minute dinner from the Candlewood Cupboard, which sells snacks, sweets and ready meals. Gym bunnies will be more than happy to hop down to the well-equipped fitness center.

If you think the name of this hotel has a ring of romance, you’d be right. Each room in this pretty boutique is not only decorated in charming cottage style, with splashes of gingham, chintzy wallpaper and antique furniture, but they all overlook the property’s sparkling lake. You can borrow a kayak or paddleboards from its dock, whilst breakfast is either served in-room, down in the beautiful dining room, or, wait for it, next to a waterfall.

An imposing building dating from 1924, and the largest hotel in Arkansas, the Arlington is truly a wonder. It has everything you want from a historic hotel – a grand lobby, a fine dining restaurant in the form of the Venetian Dining room, a spa, a salon, two pools, and even a Starbucks. The traditionally furnished rooms range from suites to doubles, with one room featuring Hot Springs mineral water piped directly into a tub and a shower.