First visit to Saratoga

[72BowersSt]

Hope its OK to post this here - going to Saratoga for opening weekend with husband and daughter (in wheelchair...& a race fan!). First time for us - any recs on accessible places to stay/go/see/eat at/or avoid?

Love this site and know that the folks here won't steer me wrong. THANK YOU!

[ninetoone]

I've been several years now and started out doing the motel/hotel/drive to the track in the AM thing. Last year graduated to vrbo/airbnb thing with a rental within walking distance to the track. As far as accommodations, I'll never go back! Doing it again this year. I'll defer to the others on all the rest...but there are several great restaurants in town and I highly recommend the backstretch tram tour. Have fun!

[saratogadew]

I work for Quantum Rehab> You want the best Power wheelchair for the weekend, let me know. Its yours for your whole time in Saratoga.

[saratogadew]

I also will say, Prices on opening weekend are crazy. If you want to stay in town, expect 400+ per night. I dont know what your plans are. Staying Friday and Saturday? Let me know what nights you are staying and I will steer you in proper direction

[jnunan4759]

I'd give customer service a call at NYRA a call before Belmont closes. Tell you what is available, make your visit better.

[jnunan4759]

Actually they call it Guest Services

[songbird]

Originally Posted by saratogadew

I also will say, Prices on opening weekend are crazy. If you want to stay in town, expect 400+ per night. I dont know what your plans are. Staying Friday and Saturday? Let me know what nights you are staying and I will steer you in proper direction

It has been a few years since i was in Saratoga, but when my husband and i went there for the Travers we stayed in Albany, which is 33 miles from Saratoga. The hotel rates are much more reasonable. It was only a half hour or so ride to Saratoga.

[72BowersSt]

Originally Posted by saratogadew

I also will say, Prices on opening weekend are crazy. If you want to stay in town, expect 400+ per night. I dont know what your plans are. Staying Friday and Saturday? Let me know what nights you are staying and I will steer you in proper direction

Thanks so much!! We are thinking of heading up from CT Fri afternoon and staying thru Sunday and yes prices are steep for us. Found the S.BroadwayInn/Spa with availability for $208...may jump on that but like the airbnb idea and need to check that out. TY for the WC offer, she's in a custom Zippy but we also thought it might be better to go in a manual chair - that way we can get up a couple of steps if needed. Is the barn tour doable for a chair?
Thanks again - Sue

[72BowersSt]

Originally Posted by songbird

It has been a few years since i was in Saratoga, but when my husband and i went there for the Travers we stayed in Albany, which is 33 miles from Saratoga. The hotel rates are much more reasonable. It was only a half hour or so ride to Saratoga.

We actually have a cousin in Ballston but really want to immerse in Saratoga for our first visit. TY for the tip tho!

[songbird]

Originally Posted by 72BowersSt

We actually have a cousin in Ballston but really want to immerse in Saratoga for our first visit. TY for the tip tho!

I don't blame you: Saratoga is awesome!!

[richard burch]

You will love it!

dress light...not too much AC there.

[jnunan4759]

Make sure you call them Wed or Thur. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know. Ask about parking, drop off, entrance, seating, areas, restaurants, walkways, etc. They can help you a lot.

[72BowersSt]

Don't hesitate to send any "must-see" "must do" and "must eats" as well
Is it worth it/possible to go early am and watch horses training? Where do we go to do that? Will it be too crowded to see anything in the paddock? We have the two days to poke around for ourselves but any advice is appreciated!

[jnunan4759]

They have breakfast at the track most everyday. There are horses working out. Can go right in, but must leave and come back through gates.

[tanner12oz]

restrictions on bringing stuff in are easy going so load up on beverages , food and such

[tanner12oz]

Originally Posted by 72BowersSt

Don't hesitate to send any "must-see" "must do" and "must eats" as well
Is it worth it/possible to go early am and watch horses training? Where do we go to do that? Will it be too crowded to see anything in the paddock? We have the two days to poke around for ourselves but any advice is appreciated!

i go for the travers and even than i dont feel like its crowded...the year pharoah was there it was kinda tight but for the most part ive never had any issues getting food, drink, taking a leak or walking around.

[mintjulep53]

My wife and I try to get up to Saratoga every year. The past couple of years my mother in law who lives with us now has gone along. She uses a wheelchair except @ home when she uses a walker. She doesn't have a power chair so we push her around the track & in town. Contact guest services about handicap seating in grandstand or clubhouse - there is some. We usually stay in the picnic grove. We find a spot in shade off one of paths, sometimes we're lucky and get a picnic table. Siro's is a great spot but with it's crowds we haven't gone there with mom. Breakfast at the track is a good way to see horses workout.

[72BowersSt]

Our trip was completely magical and we can't wait to go up again. Thank you for all the advice. Everyone there was so helpful and friendly - from morning riders and track staff to famous trainers, jockeys and radio show hosts. Just LOVED it!!

[TheSpyder]

As someone said go one morning around 7am. It's a must. You can also visit the Oklahoma training track accross the street. It's a must!