Last Updated on September 20, 2024 by Katrina
It’s famous as the hometown of spring’s Kentucky Derby, but Louisville makes a delightful getaway year-round, too. Taste your way along Whiskey Row’s downtown distilleries. Explore the Muhammad Ali Center. Or dive into the other cool museums, such the giant 120-foot-tall Louisville Slugger museum and factory, with its giant bat replica outside. Given the rich history and culture the city right off the Ohio River, there is no shortage of plush places to stay. Here are five luxury hotels in Louisville that will take your trip to the next level.
21c Museum Hotel Louisville (700 W Main St.; 502-217-6300) Downtown
This 91-room hotel on the city’s Museum Row is the flagship of the 21c brand of hotels, known for their upscale accommodations combined with contemporary art exhibits. Condé Nast Traveler writes that it’s “like stepping into an artistic playground … The museum is open 24/7, so there is plenty of opportunity to spend the day and night marveling at 21st-century art.” One Google reviewer likes the location—“less than five minutes’ walk to the Ali Center, Derby City and lots of restaurants,” while another raves about the bedding. “The bath linens and bedding were so comfortable that I checked the tags to see where I could buy them. The hotel is a unique gem.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Grady (601 W Main St.; 502-434-3700) Downtown
Southern Living likes the “soaring ceilings, the luxe-library vibe, and a cozy fireplace in the lobby” at this 51-room hotel housed in a former apothecary building. The hotel is also near distilleries, the KMAC Contemporary Art Museum, and the Louisville Slugger museum. One Google reviewer likes the “high ceilings in the room. Great architecture with modern and thoughtful design,” while another user appreciates that “there was so much parking nearby and it was walking distance to a lot of nice spots.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Seelbach Hilton Louisville (500 S 4th St.; 502-585-3200) Downtown
Afar writes that this 150-room hotel has “been a mainstay in Louisville for more than 115 years, with a history that’s told through its vintage decor and legendary Oak Room.” Famous guests have included presidents, Al Capone and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and you can still dine at The Rathskellar, the famed basement restaurant lined in Rookwood pottery. Now part of the Hilton family, the hotel is also home to the Old Seelbach Bar, with more than 240 bourbons. “The building is old, but well kept,” writes a Google reviewer. “The room I stayed in [had] no fridge, and the room felt small. But it had a historic feel plus the architecture is beautiful.” >> Book this hotel for less
Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection (101 W Main St.; 502-785-0185) Downtown
“The moment we walked in, we were greeted with the amazing smell of smoky wood that set the mood for the entire stay,” writes a Google reviewer about this 205-room hotel, housed behind the original façade of a barreling warehouse. “The location on Whiskey Row was central to so many great bars and places to eat.” The Marriott family hotel also offers fun bourbon-themed upgrades such as a Bourbon Cart in your room or a pet bed made from a whiskey barrel. “Our corner river view room was spacious and well appointed, with a beautiful view,” writes a Tripadvisor user. “And the nightly celebration of the Repeal of Prohibition at ‘19:33’ is always a festive event.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Brown Hotel (335 W Broadway; 888-888-5252) Downtown
This 1923 hotel used to attract movie stars for the Kentucky Derby, writes US News & World Report, and there’s still “something about the ornate lobby and elegant rooms that feels glamorous and Hollywood-like.” Today, the 294-room hotel offers marble bathrooms and pillow-top mattresses but also throwback delights like the legendary Hot Brown sandwich, served at the hotel’s Lobby Bar and Grill. On Tripadvisor, most reviewers say that the hotel has stood the test of time. “Historic charm at its best,” writes one. “Rich woods and tasteful decor in the common areas and the rooms. My room was spacious and comfortable with a walk-in shower.” >> Book this hotel for less
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