Belmont Stakes 2025 in Saratoga Springs: A Luxury 4-Day Itinerary

The 157th Belmont Stakes is coming to Saratoga Springs in June 2025 – a historic occasion relocating the final leg of the Triple Crown to Saratoga’s iconic race course. For the luxury traveler, this is more than a race; it’s a five-day festival of refined entertainment, exquisite dining, and indulgent leisure. Anchored at our boutique hotel in Saratoga Spring, NY, Saratoga Arms, our insider guide will help you savor a premium 3- to 4-day Belmont Stakes itinerary. From VIP suites at the track to world-class spas and restaurants, let us help you craft your perfect Belmont weekend in style.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 – Early Arrival & Belmont Festival Kickoff (Optional)

If your schedule allows, arriving on Wednesday is highly recommended to kick off Belmont week early and beat the crowds. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival begins on Wednesday, June 4th, with live racing in the afternoon and a special evening event:

• Check-In at Saratoga Arms: Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your luxurious accommodations at Saratoga Arms, your home away from home. This family-owned boutique hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY offers personalized service – our concierge is ready to handle every detail of your stay, from securing dinner reservations to arranging race packages. The boutique hotel’s prime location on Broadway (Saratoga’s main street) means you’re steps from all the action and attractions of downtown Saratoga Springs.
• Welcome Drinks on the Porch: Unwind from your travels with a craft cocktail and gourmet small plates on Saratoga Arms’ grand porch. This wrap-around veranda is a beloved spot for people-watching and relaxation. Enjoy a preview of Saratoga’s hospitality as you sip a seasonal drink – a perfect start to your getaway.
• “Belmont on Broadway” Concert: This evening, the Belmont Stakes Festival officially kicks off with Belmont on Broadway, a free open-air concert just outside Saratoga Arms on Broadway! From 6–10 PM, downtown Saratoga comes alive with live music (the street is closed to traffic for the celebration).

Insider Tip: The headlining act will be 90s alternative rockers, Gin Blossoms.  Enjoy the show from an exclusive vantage or mingle with fellow racing fans in the lively crowd. (In 2024, the concert featured Blues Traveler – expect equally exciting energy this year.)

• Dinner Before or After the Show: Plan for an early or late dinner around the concert. For a chic dining experience within a short stroll, reserve a table at 15 Church, one of Saratoga’s top-rated restaurants known for its innovative American cuisine and swanky ambiance. If you prefer Italian elegance, Chianti Il Ristorante offers authentic Northern Italian fare in an upscale setting just off Broadway. Both restaurants are popular, so have our concierge secure your reservations in advance. After dinner, you’ll be perfectly poised to enjoy the concert and toast the start of Belmont week in Saratoga!

Optional: If you’re eager to dip your toes into the racing action on Day 1, Saratoga Race Course has an opening day card this afternoon (including a unique steeplechase race to kick off the festival). It’s a relaxed preview of the excitement to come.

Thursday, June 5, 2025 – Saratoga Sojourn & VIP Preview at the Track

Welcome to the charming hustle of Saratoga Springs on Belmont Stakes week! Today is yours to explore Saratoga’s culture and indulge in some pampering before the racing crowds swell. We’ll also ease you into the track scene with VIP flair.

• Gourmet Breakfast at Saratoga Arms: Mornings at Saratoga Arms are a delight. Enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast in the dining room – think fresh pastries, local eggs made to order, seasonal fruit, and decadent specials prepared by the in-house chef. (Breakfast is served 7:30–10:30 AM on weekdays, with extended hours on the weekend.) Savor a cup of locally roasted coffee as you plan your day; you’ll need the energy for the adventures ahead!
• National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame: After breakfast, take a short walk (or a quick ride) to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. This modern, interactive museum is a must for any horse racing aficionado. Wander through exhibits of racing legends, stand in a replica starting gate, and even test your jockey skills on the racing simulators. It’s an enriching way to appreciate the sport’s history before witnessing its present. The museum opens by late morning and can be leisurely enjoyed in about an hour or so.
• Spa Time – Relaxation before the Races: For a touch of wellness, late morning is perfect for a spa session. Saratoga is famed for its spa culture (the town’s nickname is “Spa City”), and you have several luxurious spas to choose from. Sanctuary Spa, nestled downtown, offers a serene escape with massages and organic facials. Alternatively, Sacred Spa + Wellness provides holistic therapies (their aromatherapy massage is heavenly). If you crave a full-service day spa experience, Complexions Spa boasts a comprehensive menu from mineral baths to body treatments in a plush setting. Whichever you choose, let our concierge book your appointments – a rejuvenating massage or mineral soak will have you feeling your best for the excitement ahead.
• Light Lunch & Stroll on Broadway: After the spa, enjoy a light lunch at a café on Broadway. Stroll the boutique-lined streets of downtown Saratoga Springs – pop into art galleries, luxury shops, and maybe pick up a stylish hat or fascinator for Belmont Day at one of the upscale millinery boutiques. Saratoga’s downtown is compact and vibrant, perfect for leisurely exploration.
• Afternoon at Saratoga Race Course (VIP Preview): Head to Saratoga Race Course in the early afternoon to catch Day 2 of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Thursday’s race card features several stakes races. This is a great day to get acquainted with the track in a more relaxed atmosphere before the biggest crowds arrive.

Insider Tip:  Experience the races from a premium vantage point at Saratoga’s 1863 Club, a state-of-the-art facility on the clubhouse turn. We recommend The Rail, an upscale lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, private betting terminals, a gourmet buffet, reserved seating, open bar, and climate control. Sip champagne as the horses thunder by and place bets without the wait—an ideal VIP preview to help you plan for big race days.

• Dinner at Seneca: This evening, indulge in one of Saratoga’s newest culinary gems – Seneca. Located in a restored brick building downtown, Seneca is a modern American restaurant famed for its wood-fired grill and inventive use of local ingredients. The atmosphere is rustic-chic with exposed brick and barn wood, but the vibe is lively and upscale. Feast on dishes like wood-grilled hanger steak or fresh swordfish, and pair them with a selection from their extensive wine list, 8 wines on tap and countless by the bottle.

After dinner, take an evening stroll along Broadway. The city’s nightlife is humming by now – you’ll hear live music pouring from pubs and be able to dip into local shops still open. If you’re up for a nightcap, the Saratoga Arms front desk can recommend a cozy whiskey bar or arrange a quiet table at a craft cocktail place like Hamlet & Ghost. Otherwise, retire to your room at our boutique hotel in Saratoga Springs – tomorrow, the Belmont excitement really ramps up!

Friday, June 6, 2025 – Exclusive Trackside Thrills & Upscale Delights

As Belmont Stakes draws nearer, Friday offers a full day of top-tier racing and off-track luxuries. We’ve lined up a blend of VIP racing experiences and Saratoga indulgences to make this day unforgettable.

• Stylish Attire & Preparations: Late morning, take some time to dress for the occasion. Friday of Belmont week features multiple Grade I stakes (focused on elite fillies and mares), and attendees often step up their fashion game. Saratoga Springs has a stylish vibe, so don your track-day best: perhaps a seersucker suit or a bright sundress today (save your most elaborate hat for tomorrow’s Belmont). If you need any last-minute outfit touches, our concierge can point you to downtown boutiques for a chic tie, a statement hat, or that perfect pair of shoes. Feeling festive? Ladies might consider a visit  to a local milliner, such as Natalie from Saratoga Trunk,  for a bespoke fascinator.
• VIP Suite at Saratoga Race Course: This afternoon, immerse yourself in luxury at the races. You’ve reserved a private suite for your party at the Saratoga Race Course – the ultimate way to enjoy Friday’s stakes. Your suite (located on the 3rd floor of the 1863 Club or a similar elite area) offers a panoramic view of the track, a private balcony, and air-conditioned comfort. Gourmet catering and a full bar are included, so you can sip on fine wines or the signature Belmont Jewel cocktail without ever leaving your plush seat. A dedicated concierge (yes, a concierge within a concierge!) will be on hand in the suite to take care of betting or any special requests. This means you can place bets through a private teller or betting tablet in the suite, avoiding the crowds entirely

Insider Tip: Suites are limited and in high demand – Saratoga Arms can assist with securing one as part of a Belmont Stakes hospitality package. If a private suite is not already arranged, consider premium reserved tables at the Turf Terrace, The Porch or the Stretch , which also grant access to exclusive betting lounges and bar service. The key is booking VIP hospitality early for Belmont weekend, as they sell out quickly.​

• Afternoon of Racing Action: From your suite at our boutique hotel in Saratoga Springs, soak in the excitement of Friday’s races. This “Filly Friday” features prestigious races like the New York Stakes (on turf) and the Ogden Phipps. Between races, step down to the paddock area for a close-up look at the horses being saddled. There’s nothing quite like standing by the paddock rail as these sleek Thoroughbreds parade by – a perfect photo op! By day’s end, you may have a few winning tickets (fingers crossed!) and certainly a camera roll full of memorable moments.
• Cocktails & Celebration on Broadway: After the last race, head back to the hotel to refresh. Early evening, celebrate your wins (or simply the fantastic day) with cocktails. Saratoga Arms offers an evening cocktails in the parlor or porch, where guests often gather to recount the day’s excitement. Enjoy a glass of wine from their curated selection or let the bartender craft a classic Saratoga cocktail.
• Dinner at Salt & Char: For your Friday night dinner, treat yourself to the premier steakhouse in town, Salt & Char. Located at 353 Broadway, Salt & Char is a modern farm-to-table steakhouse renowned for its stylish sophistication. Slide into a leather banquette and peruse an award-winning wine list featuring rare vintages and champagnes – you may want to toast with bubbly to the day’s successes.Start with oysters or their decadent foie gras appetizer, then savor a perfectly aged New York strip or bone-in ribeye, cooked to perfection. Not in a steak mood? Salt & Char also offers superb seafood and inventive vegetarian dishes. It’s the ideal spot to dine lavishly and people-watch; you might even spot a famous jockey or two at a nearby table.

Insider Tip: Reserve a table on the front patio if the weather is pleasant – you’ll dine al fresco with a view of Broadway’s evening promenade.

• After-Dinner Entertainment: If you have any energy left after this full day, Saratoga’s downtown nightlife beckons. You could cap the night with live jazz at 9 Maple Avenue.   Tomorrow is Belmont Stakes Day – the pinnacle of the weekend – and you’ll want to be fully charged for it!

Saturday, June 7, 2025 – Belmont Stakes Day: The Grand Finale

This is the day everything builds up to – Belmont Stakes Day at Saratoga Race Course, a historic one-time event in the Spa City. The atmosphere is electric, the fashion is dazzling, and the races are the best of the best. Today’s itinerary ensures you experience Belmont Day with ultimate luxury and insider access, capped off with a celebratory Saratoga evening.

• A Leisurely Morning & Hearty Breakfast: After yesterday’s excitement, enjoy a slightly slower morning. Wake up at your own pace and indulge in Saratoga Arms’ gourmet breakfast once more. Use the morning to double-check you have everything for the day: your race tickets, betting vouchers (if any from packages), your fanciest hat or fascinator, sunscreen, and of course, your sense of adventure.
• Dress to Impress – Saratoga Style: Belmont Stakes Day is a see-and-be-seen affair. High-end travelers like yourself will feel right at home among the posh outfits and extravagant hats on display. Gentlemen, this is the day for a sharp summer suit or blazer (light-colored linens and seersuckers are popular in Saratoga’s June sun) and perhaps a panama hat. Ladies, don your most stylish dress and a headpiece that turns heads – Saratoga’s milliners have outdone themselves this year. (Don’t forget comfortable yet chic footwear; you may be on your feet cheering and walking around the track.) The Belmont Stakes traditionally has its own customs, so expect a festive crowd. You’ll fit right in with your ensemble worthy of the Winner’s Circle.
• Arrive in VIP Fashion: The first post today might be around 12:30 PM, but we recommend arriving at the race course by late morning to fully immerse yourself. Our concierge can arrange a private car to drop you at the Clubhouse entrance, where VIP guests arrive. No queuing with the masses – you’ll have fast-track entry to the grounds. Once inside, take a moment to soak in the day: the Saratoga track adorned in Belmont Stakes pageantry, the buzz of anticipation in the air for the $2 million Belmont Stakes this evening. This is a sold-out crowd of racing enthusiasts, celebrities, and dignitaries, and you’re right in the heart of it.
• The Races – World-Class Competition: Enjoy the stacked race card leading up to the Belmont. There are eight stakes races today, five of them Grade 1s, making it one of the richest days in racing​.  From the Met Mile to the Manhattan Stakes on turf, you’ll witness champions at every turn. But by late afternoon, all eyes turn to the big one – the 157th Belmont Stakes (approximately 6:45 PM post time). Perhaps venture down to the paddock once more to see the Belmont contenders being saddled – an unforgettable sight as crowds cheer on their favorites.
• Post-Race Celebrations: After the trophy is hoisted and the roar of the crowd subsides, take a moment to relish what you just experienced. This is a once-in-a-lifetime Belmont Stakes at Saratoga. The track will still have festivities – live music playing, interviews with winning owners, trainers and their jockey on the jumbotron – but you might choose to depart a bit early to beat the traffic (your driver can meet you at a designated exit). Head back to our boutique hotel in Saratoga Springs to freshen up and perhaps don something more casual for the evening. On the walk out, pick up a Belmont Stakes souvenir program or a commemorative cap to remember the day. You’ll notice Broadway already filling with fans and maybe a few impromptu street celebrations.
• Gourmet Dining & Nightlife to Close the Night: Tonight, dine wherever your heart desires – you’ve earned it. If you haven’t yet visited 15 Church or Chianti, now is the time (if you did those earlier, you might revisit your favorite or ask our concierge for a new choice). Many Belmont winners and dignitaries will be out on the town – the atmosphere is warm and celebratory. Whether you choose a quiet, intimate dinner or a festive nightcap, let the mood be your guide.
• Stroll Back to Saratoga Arms: As the night closes, take a slow walk back to the hotel (it’s likely just a few blocks from wherever you ventured). Back at Saratoga Arms, the night clerk will greet you with a smile – perhaps with freshly baked cookies or a cup of herbal tea to help wind down. Retreat to your room, sink into your luxurious bed, and reflect on the incredible day. This is Saratoga hospitality at its finest: exhilarating days and comforting nights.

Sunday, June 8, 2025 – Farewell Brunch & Relaxing Send-Off

After the excitement of Belmont Stakes Day, Sunday in Saratoga offers a chance to decompress and savor a gentle finish to your trip. Many racing fans will be departing, but there is still one more day of the festival (a quieter race day) if you wish to partake. Our suggestion: enjoy a leisurely Sunday focusing on wellness and local charm before you bid Saratoga goodbye.

• Lazy Morning & Brunch: There’s no need to rush today. Enjoy sleeping in – the blackout drapes and plush bedding at Saratoga Arms might tempt you to linger longer. When you’re ready, relish one final breakfast at Saratoga Arms – or since it’s Sunday, call it brunch. Take your time chatting with fellow guests; you’ll likely swap stories of yesterday’s races.
• Spa & Wellness Wind-Down: For the ultimate recovery, schedule a late-morning treatment at your spa of choice. Complexions Spa opens on Sundays and is perfect for a couples massage or a detoxifying body wrap to rejuvenate after days of excitement.
• Stroll Through Congress Park: Before leaving town, take a peaceful walk through Congress Park, just a block from Saratoga Arms. This historic park is an oasis of greenery, fountains, and even a quaint carousel. Stroll past the famous mineral springs (you can even sample a sip of the naturally effervescent water at the Saratoga Springs “Congress” spring – a true Saratoga tradition). The tranquil setting is ideal for reflecting on your weekend. If you’re a history buff, you might also peek into the Canfield Casino Museum on the park grounds, a beautifully preserved 19th-century casino that’s now a museum showcasing Saratoga’s Gilded Age.
• Checkout and Fond Farewells: As you pack up and prepare to depart, the team at our boutique hotel in Saratoga Springs will be at your service. Need a late checkout? We’ll do our best. Car service to the airport or train station? Consider it done. Luggage storage for a few extra hours? Absolutely. We want your departure to be as smooth and stress-free as your stay. Don’t be surprised if the owners or managers come by to personally thank you for visiting – that’s the kind of warm, familiar hospitality Saratoga Arms is known for. We love hearing your favorite moments from the weekend and sending you off with a sweet token (perhaps some locally made chocolates or Saratoga spring water for the road).
• Option: Final Afternoon at the Races: If you simply can’t get enough of the track, you do have the option to swing by the Race Course once more – Sunday’s card (the festival’s closing day) is more low-key, with a couple of stakes for three-year-old fillies. General Admission is easier today, and you could roam the grandstand, take photos at the rail, or even bring a blanket for a casual picnic on the lawn like the locals do. It’s a nice contrast to the VIP whirlwind of the past two days.

As Sunday wanes, bid farewell to Saratoga Springs – for now. In a span of a few days, you’ve experienced the thrill of world-class horse racing, indulged in the town’s finest food and spa services, and been enveloped in the gracious hospitality of Saratoga Arms. The 2025 Belmont Stakes in Saratoga will go down in history, and you were an insider to it all.

Next Steps: Your Belmont Stakes weekend in Saratoga Springs can be a bucket list weekend experience. With this itinerary, you’ve balanced the thrill of horseracing with the finer things – decadent meals, spa serenity, cultural strolls, and the attentive care of Saratoga Arms as your host. Saratoga Springs is a unique city: it’s simultaneously historic and lively, sophisticated and welcoming. But remember: a legendary experience begins with securing the perfect accommodations. Rooms at at our boutique hotel in Saratoga Springs fill quickly for an event of this caliber, so don’t wait. Book now and take the first step toward your unforgettable Belmont Stakes weekend at Saratoga Arms.

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