The Best Hotels to Book Near Belmont Park Racetrack, New York

Almost every major champion in the past century of racing history has competed at Belmont Park | © jentzphoto / Alamy Stock Photo

Matt Charlton

6 October 2021

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Slightly east of New York City limits, you’ll find this historic racecourse, opened in 1905 – stay close to the racing action and book a hotel near Belmont Park on Culture Trip.

Situated in Elmont, Belmont is sometimes known as the Championship Track, since almost every major champion in the past century of racing history has competed here. But you’re in proximity to NYC, so there’s plenty more to do aside from the ponies in this buzzy area. If only you had somewhere great to stay…

Garden City Hotel

Courtesy of Garden City Hotel / Expedia

This grande old dame of a hotel – built in 1874 – is a one-minute walk from the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and 19mi (30km) from Manhattan. The accommodation lives up to the magnificent edifice, with muted tones and luxury touches – including a connectivity station for all your entertainment needs and tasteful Italian furnishings. Downstairs, you’ll find an inviting indoor pool, a spa and sauna, a gym, an upscale steakhouse and a patio bar set amongst lush greenery.

Viana Hotel and Spa

Room at Viana Hotel with a double bed, a large beige headboard, beige carpets and beige wallpaper

Courtesy of Viana Hotel / Expedia

This place is pretty special and will leave you with a real sense of zen – from the ground up, literally. It’s built with recycled materials – which means there’s technically a bit of karma in there, too. The plush rooms are feng-shui inspired, which should balance your energy nicely, and feature marble bathrooms – some with whirlpool tubs – plus a mini-fridge and a flat-screen TV. There’s a spa, steam room, indoor pool and a very good fusion restaurant here, too.

Five Towns Inn

Courtesy of Five Towns Inn / Expedia

Located in Lawrence on Long Island’s south shore – and only 10 minutes away from John F. Kennedy Airport and a half-hour away from LaGuardia Airport – this comfortable, traditional and welcoming motel will give you everything you need for a relaxing stay. There’s a free continental breakfast – and just in case that doesn’t fill you up, there’s complimentary coffee and cake in the lobby served all day. You’ll also get a pass to the local gym.

The Collective Paper Factory

Courtesy of the Collective Paper Factory / Expedia

It might sound like an underground indie band – maybe it is – but the Collective Paper Factory is also an incredibly chic hotel with an industrial vibe, set in an old – wait for it – paper factory. The industrial dimensions mean the boujee rooms have 12ft (3.7m) ceilings, under which you’ll find reclaimed furniture, eye-catching canvases, Marshall mini-fridges and rejuvenating rain showers. There’s a courtyard bar, a games room, a co-working space and a restaurant to enjoy here, too.

The Local

Courtesy of the Local / Hotels.com

This New York loft-style accommodation offers a range of dorms and private bedrooms and will feel like a home away from home. A relative newcomer to the edgy and hip LIC neighborhood in Queens, the skyline views are fantastic – and it’s just a couple of subway stops from Manhattan and Brooklyn. Housing a popular industrial-chic bar and café, staff are always able to give you the lowdown on all the happenings in this very happening corner of the city.

Hampton Inn and Suites Rockville Centre

Chain Hotel

Courtesy of Hampton Inn and Suites Rockville Centre / Expedia

The ever-reliable Hampton Inn brand from Hilton is here to cover all your needs and ensure a relaxing stay. The accommodation is comfortable, airy and modern – finished with custom-designed beds, flat-screen TV and coffee maker. There’s a generous hot breakfast included, along with a decent fitness center. It’s also conveniently located – 10mi (16km) from JFK Airport and less than a mile (1.6km) from the LIRR – and close to many restaurants within a few blocks of the hotel.

Floral Park Motor Lodge

Courtesy of Floral Park Motor Lodge / Expedia

This is an old-school all-American motel, with all the modern comforts you would expect. Simply furnished – though entirely comfortable – rooms feature free wifi and cable TV. Amenities include a fitness room, with a sauna in a separate area. It’s also in a great location: a short drive from JFK Airport, a nine-minute walk from the subway station and close to several dining options.

The Andrew Hotel

Courtesy of the Andrew Hotel / Expedia

A wonderfully upscale offering to finish off our list, the Andrew is surrounded by the downtown shops, acclaimed restaurants and small-town charm of Great Neck. Each beautifully appointed room – all dark woods, light walls and pops of purple – has oak furniture, plush pillow-top beds, marble countertops, morning papers and upscale facilities. There’s an on-site Mediterranean restaurant and bar – plus access to the fitness center next door, a 24hr concierge and a complimentary continental breakfast.

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