Oaklawn's hotel and spa keep their Forbes recognition in 2026

What happened

Forbes Travel Guide's 2026 awards, announced in February, kept Oaklawn's Astral Spa at Four Stars for the third year in a row. It remains the only Forbes Four-Star spa in Arkansas. Forbes ratings come from anonymous, in-person inspections.

Oaklawn's hotel, which overlooks the racetrack, is also in the 2026 guide. Oaklawn has promoted the recognition through a sponsored travel feature carried on newspaper sites around the country.

What it means for rental hosts

National promotion of a Hot Springs resort brings more people to look at the city, and some of them will book a house instead. Groups and families often want bedrooms, a kitchen and parking that a hotel room does not offer.

• If you are close to Oaklawn, give the real driving or walking time in your listing.
• Guests who compare you with a resort will notice dated furniture, weak Wi-Fi and unclear check-in steps. Fix those before spending on decor.
• Spa visits are a common reason for a Hot Springs trip. Listing the bathhouses and spas near you, including Bathhouse Row, helps guests plan.
• Inside city limits, you need a Hot Springs short-term rental business license. The city's July 2025 update says new licenses in residential zones are not available, so check a property's status before buying it to rent.