Lagniappe's Grill At Oaklawn Racing & Gaming

It is fun, but take enough money to go full out! Get the valet parking and visit the high end restaurants there. Well in advance reservations for everything are must. We couldn't get into the spa because we didn't think ahead and tried to make reservations the day we got there, they seem to be very booked at all times. My advice, stick to the horse races. You don't have to spend a ton of money and the rewards can be high. The Casino is extremely crowded and is more stressful than enjoyable. When at the track, there are plenty of "street" foods to sample and beverages are aplenty. Don't bother to pay for seating at the race track when the weather is nice. We sat in our paid for seats for about 10 minutes and found that being outside next to the track was a much better experience. The staff are very accommodating and all the servers and bartenders are professional and pleasant even when dealing with the huge crowds. Definitely worth a visit and we are going back for more next year.

It is very clean and I love that smoking is not allowed in the casino... I do wish people didn't stand outside the doors and smoke, forcing nonsmokers to walk through their smoke, but that happens many places. I went twice within a week or so and made a snap but if money on the slots each time, playing for hours each time. I find it to be good entertainment. Unlike many other casinos I've visited, the cocktails are not complimentary, but are really no better than the free ones at other casinos... Which just means I will not be ordering anymore of them!

We had so much fun. 1st race post time was 1 pm, they opened the gates at 11. You have to order tickets online, you can't buy them at the track (but you can pick them up at will call. Will call is inside, so don't try before 11. Parking on site is $5 and you need cash, exact change. All of the betting only takes cash, but all the places to eat take cards. Every staff member we interacted with were VERY friendly. There were 9 races, from 1 pm til 510 pm. They had both 1 1/16 mile races and 6 furlong races. We had tickets in row L down near the glass (row c) and the seats were great! The first 4 races we watched from our seats because the free outside area was in full sun. Once the building was shaded we moved out to the rail. We tried watching from the infield but you can't see anything. Long story short--go. Bring cash. If you can afford it, buy tickets and sit inside for at least the hot parts of the day. Visit the paddock--you'll love seeing the horses. We WILL be back!!!

The casino was very spacious and modern. The machines had very large screens that made viewing easy and the volume was easy to hear. In order to play you need a personalized casino card that you get for free from one of the machines near the entrance. The alcohol is NOT free though which is surprising and disappointing givin the fact that you are spending money already. Most of the games are computer games and slot machines. I did notice a few tables for roulette and black jack. I do not recall smelling any smoke while I was there either so I'm not sure if smoking is allowed or not. Other than that, that was it. Overall decent casino, but not the best.

How was it Oakland for the first time in about five years and stayed in the hotel casino. The room was spacious and clean and though they didn’t provide maid service unless requested there were enough towels and amenities for the four nights stay at convention I was attending. It was a short walk from the casino to the Racing. The food at the convention was outstanding and the service by the people that waited on us in the conference room was exceptional. I’m looking forward to going back. My room was paid for by the convention as I was a speaker, So I don’t know about the relative value of the room. A second floor grill and other eating areas were competitively priced.

From helping with our luggage to walking us to our room, Josh, from valet was over the top. He treated us as if he has known us his whole life and was happy to see us. The hotel is really blessed to have such an employee as Josh. Our suite is beautiful and spacious. The views and atmosphere are relaxing. Hotel is about a 7 minute drive from downtown. However, with views like this, kinda don't want to leave the room. ...so pretty.