Oaklawn hosted the Hall of Fame inductees on March 18th, 2023. We found the employees at Oaklawn to be very friendly and professional. If you are coming in from out of town, and budget allows - I highly recommend staying at The Reserve at Hot Springs, just. Those who patronize Oaklawn consider it just as exciting as the Kentucky Derby. I understand the Arkansas Derby is quite an event. They do have Stakes race/s on Saturdays, which brings in the crowd. The majority of the races have low purses, which doesn't bring in the better horses. Unless you have window seating, you really don't have a clear view of the last 2 furlongs of the race.

If the buffet is being served, you do not have the option to order off the menu. If they are expecting hundreds of seatings, they offer a buffet ($65.00 pp 2023), mandatory payment whether you eat at the buffet or not. This is a member's only club, but they do allow non-members to enter if they pay a $50.00 per person fee (2023). We were pleased that we were able to get seating in the OakLawn Jockey's Club. Can’t wait to find time to get back to Oaklawn!! Casino was super clean and even smelled good! No, we didn’t win any money but had a great time! Didn’t use the spa, but it’s on the list for next time. We had drinks and meals at the Oak Room, the Bugler, Al’s Diner plus drinks in the lobby bar….not one complaint about any of it. The service here was first rate! Everyone was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful….they all seemed genuinely eager to do their job. Rooms are clean and quiet with great beds and loved how they had comfortable chairs too. We were pleasantly surprised at every single aspect….rooms, food, service, casino games and bars. We and another couple made the trip from Texas for racing, gambling and relaxation. The hotel/casino is a fabulous addition to Oaklawn Race Track! Hot Springs has been in need of a really nice hotel for years and this is it! We are avid horse racing fans and have been to the track many times over the years and it never disappoints but adding the luxury casino/hotel makes for a truly wonderful long weekend.

Oaklawn casino sky view from central