Convenient Hotels Near Saratoga Casino and Raceway
Discover hotels close to Saratoga Casino and Raceway, providing easy access to racing events, gaming, and nearby attractions. Perfect for travelers looking for comfort and entertainment in Saratoga Springs, NY.
I secured a room there last Tuesday after a $1,200 win on a 50-line 900x slot at 4 a.m. The hotel isn’t extravagant—no valet service or complimentary drinks—but the bed is comfortable, the air conditioning is effective, and it’s just a 12-minute walk to the gates. That’s a win for me.
They don’t promote their location with any signage. Parking is complimentary, and the front desk staff directed me to a route avoiding the 8 p.m. traffic congestion. He even gave me a coupon for 15% off my next stay, which I gladly accepted.
I returned the next night to try my luck at a 100x multiplier slot and struck gold with three Scatters in just 20 spins, triggering the maximum win of $1,200. The room cost? $119—not just a deal, but a fantastic investment.
While there’s no pool or gym, the Wi-Fi is fast enough for streaming Twitch after a session. Plus, the staff doesn’t inquire about your bankroll; they simply wish you good luck. That’s all the support I need.
If you’re looking for a spot to rest without incurring hotel taxes while grinding at the slots, this is the place. No frills, no fuss—just a quiet room, functional outlets, and a 20-minute walk to the machine that gave me that 900x payout.
Top 5 Hotels to Stay After a Night at the Track
I hit the track at 9 PM and left at 3 AM, still having energy to walk into the lobby of Best Western Plus Saratoga Springs. No regrets—just a full wallet and a sore neck. Here are my recommended stays when I’m in the zone.
1. The Inn at Saratoga – 8-minute drive, 200-yard walk from the garage
This place has a classic vibe. The carpet is worn, and the lobby has a distinct aroma of coffee and past disappointments. However, the room? Reliable. My king room overlooked the back lot—peaceful, without external light disruption. The complimentary breakfast was basic: stale muffins, weak coffee, and a solitary scrambled egg that seemed battle-worn. But it’s better than a 20-minute drive back to Albany.
2. Courtyard by Marriott – 7 minutes, 1.5 miles via Route 50
It carries that chain feel—clean and quiet but predictable. I stayed here after a $500 loss. The mattress supported me well enough to keep me upright during my post-loss spiral. Free Wi-Fi? Yes. Free parking? Yes. Free breakfast? Not exactly—just a $10 voucher. I applied it to a $50 slot which I lost in 12 spins. (Worth it? Probably not. But that’s not why I’m here.)
3. Hampton Inn – 9 minutes, 2.3 miles, but front desk remembers your name
They don’t treat you differently for being a regular; they simply remember your room number. I requested a quiet room—no AC, no fan, no noise. Got placed on the third floor, away from the elevators. I hit the 200x multiplier slot in the lobby and got three scatters. Max Win: $1,200, which I left behind. (Not that lucky.)
4. Best Western Plus – 10 minutes, 2.8 miles, and the bar stays open until 5 AM
This isn’t just a hotel; it’s a retreat. The bar is the main attraction. I ordered a bourbon, counting down the minutes. The adjacent slot machine boasted a 96.7% RTP. I played for 45 minutes—22 dead spins followed by a 50x win. I cashed out wisely. (No, I didn’t risk everything this time.)
5. Holiday Inn Express – 6 minutes, 1.9 miles, though parking can be complex
The layout isn’t clearly advertised. You park and navigate a tunnel under the highway. I lost my way the first time and stumbled upon a back exit leading to a gas station, where I picked up a protein bar and ended up eating it at 2 AM. The room? Cozy, with a firm bed and cable TV. I watched a replay of a horse race I had bet on earlier and lost. (No shame, just the ongoing pain.)
Bottom line: You don’t need luxury; you need a hotel that isn’t judgmental about your finances or condition—sober or tipsy. These five places? They’ve seen it all and welcome you anyway.
Choosing the Right Hotel Based on Race Day Schedules and Parking
Check the start time for the first race—don’t assume it’s at 1:00 PM; it can be as early as 11:30 AM. I arrived at 12:45 last time, missed the early races, and waited two hours for the next one. That’s a full hour of empty spins at the slot machines while the real excitement was happening.
Look for hotels that offer free parking with reservations. I’ve encountered places that claim “free” but charge $25 at check-in. It’s not worth it. Instead, I secured a guaranteed parking spot—no shuttle, no trudging 500 yards through rain. Just a straightforward walk from the lot to the entrance.
Inquire about shuttle schedules. If they say “shuttles every 15 minutes,” confirm whether they run during rush times or slow down by 2:00 PM. I once waited 40 minutes for a shuttle while the races were live; my bankroll had already taken a hit by 30%. Not ideal.
Check the check-in times. If it’s at 3:00 PM and you arrive at 1:00 PM, you’re out of luck. I’ve had to wait, suitcase in hand, outside my room. One hotel allowed early check-in at 10:00 AM, which is exactly the kind of flexibility you need if you’re chasing an 11:30 AM race.
Pro Tip: Steer clear of hotels with single-access parking
One hotel I stayed at had only one lane leading to the parking lot, which got congested by 9:00 AM on race days. I was stuck in traffic for 22 minutes, missing the start of the race at 11:30. (And the staff? They didn’t care.)
Always confirm that parking access is around the clock—no exceptions. If it closes after 10:00 PM, you may face a $60 cab fare just to get back to the track. Definitely not worth it.
Final note: if a hotel doesn’t list its parking hours for race days, don’t make a reservation. (And don’t buy into the “we’ll figure it out” promise—the reality is they won’t.)
FAQs:
How far are the hotels from Saratoga Casino and Raceway?
The nearest hotels are usually within a 5 to 10-minute walk from the casino and raceway entrance, making access easy for guests arriving on foot or by car. If you’re considering a stay during race days, being within half a mile ensures you won’t run into traffic or parking problems. Some options are also a quick drive away, typically less than 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Are there pet-friendly hotels near Saratoga Casino and Raceway?
Yes, a number of hotels in the area are pet-friendly and don’t charge extra fees. These places often provide pet amenities like beds and bowls, with nearby areas for walking. It’s wise to check pet policies directly with the hotel before booking, especially during peak seasons or major events, as there may be restrictions on size or breed.
Do any of the nearby hotels offer free parking?
Many hotels close to Saratoga Casino and Raceway provide free parking for guests, which is particularly valuable during race weekends when public lots fill up quickly. The casino has a large capacity parking lot, but it can be crowded and expensive. Staying at a hotel with free parking helps save money and avoids the stress of finding a spot.
What time do hotels near Saratoga Casino and Raceway allow check-in and check-out?
Most local hotels have a standard check-in time around 3:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Some may offer early check-in or late check-out depending on availability, particularly during busy race days or holidays. It’s advisable to call ahead if you plan to arrive before 3 PM or need to stay later than 11 AM.
Are there hotels near Saratoga Casino and Raceway that offer shuttle service?
Yes, several hotels in the vicinity have shuttle services to and from Saratoga Casino and Raceway, usually running on a regular schedule during race days and special events, often every 30 to 60 minutes. This service is commonly free for guests and includes stops near the casino entrance. Some hotels may also have shuttles to local dining and shopping, which is convenient for those preferring not to drive. It’s best to check shuttle schedules and routes with the hotel before your arrival.
How far are the hotels near Saratoga Casino and Raceway from the main entrance?
The distance from most hotels compared to Saratoga Casino and Raceway varies, but generally, the closest are within a 5- to 10-minute walk (about 0.3 to 0.5 miles). Some properties on Route 50 or near Broadway and Route 50 are only 2 to 3 minutes away by car. Hotels located farther from the main road can take 10 to 15 minutes to reach, particularly during peak traffic times. Many nearby hotels offer shuttle services during race events, making access more manageable without the need for your vehicle.
