For several years, Greenwood Racing Inc., the parent company of Parx Casino, has been exploring the addition of a hotel to the Parx complex. It recently surprised people by acquiring the luxury boutique Inn at Fox Chase. The Inn is only an 11-minute walk to the front doors of the casino. Its latest acquisition means it won’t have to wait long to have a hotel. The Inn is a well-known landmark in the area with elegant rooms and lovely gardens.
A hold on existing hotel plans
In December 2022, Parx Casino received zoning approval from the Bensalem Township to build a 13-story hotel with 300 rooms. The plans included a banquet hall, a day spa, and a rooftop restaurant. A walkway would connect the hotel to the existing casino. These plans are now on hold. The reason for this appears to be due to uncertainties that surround Pennsylvania’s regulation of skill games in non-casino environments. Casino operators argue that the machines siphon revenue from casinos. Greenwood Racing waits for more legal clarity before proceeding with this large investment. The company also runs Parx’s online casino which pulls in significant revenue.
The Inn at Fox Chase
The acquisition price for the purchase of the Inn at Fox Chase was not disclosed. The last sale took place in June 2023 when IHM Bensalem paid $13.75 million for the property.The Inn was built in 1988 and a multimillion-dollar renovation of the 167-room venue will take place over the next six to twelve months. This will include public spaces, guest rooms, and the conversion of the top floor into 16 luxury suites. The updates will also include landscaping, amenities, and a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
Operations will continue while renovations take place
The Inn features an outdoor pool, fitness center, meeting space, and the Fox Chase Bar and Grille. Greenwood Racing hopes to preserve the historic charm of the Inn and maintain its exceptional level of service.
The Inn will still be operating while the renovations take place. Greenwood will honor all the current reservations and group bookings.
Current employees who wish to stay on will be welcomed to the Parx family and have continued employment after the hotel’s rebranding. Greenwood is likely to come up with some effective marketing ideas to rebrand the hotel after renovating it. A new name hasn’t been decided on yet.
What adding a hotel will do for Parx
Parx Casino is already the largest casino in Pennsylvania. It features more than 180,000 square feet of gaming and sports wagering space. The casino could generate a state-high of $588.2 million in slot and table game revenue in 2023. It has kept this up in 2024, generating $242.4 millionthrough May.
With the current hotel industry growth, offering lodging options for patrons is a logical step for Parx Casino. The new hotel will help to keep more customers on the premises. Many casinos in the state have benefitted from opening luxury hotels. A hotel at Parx Casino will make it an even more attractive destination than ever before. It will create a first-class leisure experience for guests when it opens.
Greenwood Racing Inc. has a long-term commitment to the area and is eager to collaborate closely with the local community, guests, and staff to make the transition a smooth one. It hopes to provide guests with a unique experience that goes beyond the traditional casino hotel model. The Inn is likely to become a desirable destination for those looking for a sanctuary in the heart of Bucks County.
