Louisville hotels

Stepping into The Brown Hotel, you're greeted by an opulent two-story lobby. The hand-painted coffered ceiling draws your gaze upward, while the Botticino marble floor gleams underfoot. Richly carved mahogany furnishings and Palladian-style windows add to the atmosphere of refined elegance.

The century-old Brown Hotel is a Louisville icon and the birthplace of the city’s signature dish, the Hot Brown. When I wasn’t eating this broiled, open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon, tomato and cheese, I was sipping bourbon at the Lobby Bar. The bar was a founding member of the Urban Bourbon Trail and offers flights of bourbon to prove it. For me, the rich history and culinary legacy of Brown Hotel make this one of the best hotels in Louisville.

If you’re looking for a quirky spot that offers something a little different, I’ve got the place for you. The 21c Museum Hotel is a boutique hotel chain known for its brightly coloured, four-foot-tall penguin sculptures that can be found all over their properties. Guests and staff are encouraged to move the penguins around, so if you notice them in different spots, it’s not your imagination.

Besides taking selfies with the penguins, I loved the fact the hotel has a free art gallery. The curated contemporary artworks are constantly rotated between the hotels, so you can see new pieces every time you stay. My favourite part is that the gallery is always open, so if I wanted to look at the pieces at 3am, I could. There’s no doubt that 21c Museum Hotel is one of the best hotels in Louisville, especially for art lovers.

As one of the top-rated hotels in Louisville, the Grady is steeped in local history. Situated near the Muhammad Ali Center, this boutique property offers a unique experience with plenty of nods to the city’s heritage. The building dates back to 1883, when a local pharmacist commissioned it to be a medicinal bourbon apothecary.

Design details throughout the hotel honour Louisville's history, with butterflies and bees, horseshoes nodding to the Kentucky Derby, and shamrocks celebrating the Swann Hat Company. Luxurious bedrooms feature reclaimed wood ceilings and copper tones to create a warm atmosphere that extends to the communal spaces, like the library and central fireplace.

I loved slipping into the plush boxing robe in my room—another nod to Ali—after a day of exploring the city. It’s this attention to detail that makes the Grady one of the best hotels in Louisville.

The Seelbach Hilton Hotel, Louisville’s oldest hotel, has been a beacon of elegance since its opening in 1905. Frequented by F. Scott Fitzgerald during his time in the city, this historic gem is even mentioned in one of his greatest novels. The hotel’s grand lobby, with its marble columns, crystal chandeliers, and intricate woodwork, recalls the glamour of a bygone era.

My favourite part of staying at the Seelbach was exploring the subterranean Rathskeller Room. The tile-encrusted ballroom grotto was constructed with Rockwood Pottery in 1907, and legend has it that Al Capone used secret tunnels in the bar to aid in his crime organization. Recognized as one of the best hotels in Louisville, the Seelbach Hilton offers a blend of history and sophistication that leaves a lasting impression.

Hotel Genevieve blends Parisian elegance with Kentucky charm. Located in the lively NuLu district, this is one of the best hotels to stay in Louisville for foodies. Guests can choose between the hotel’s three distinct dining experiences—Rosettes, Lucky Penny and Bar Genevieve—all curated by a James Beard-nominated chef. Once you step outside the hotel, you’re smack-dab in the centre of one of the best food neighbourhoods in the United States.

Rooms are chicly minimal and smartly appointed, decked out in shades of mustard yellow, pale blue and coral, with crisp linens and large windows. One of my favourite aspects of Hotel Genevieve is its rooftop bar, which offers stunning views of the city and river.

During my stay, I was particularly impressed by the welcoming ambiance and meticulous attention to detail, deservedly earning the Genevieve a place on my list of the best hotels in Louisville.

The Myriad Hotel boasts one of the most fascinating histories among the hotels on this list. The building was once the world’s largest disco ball factory. Now the new Instagram-worthy hotel pays homage to its heritage with a lobby full of sparkling disco balls, retro 1970s vibes, and an elevator "party button" that activates strobe lights and funky music.

The two-story, 65-room hotel is undoubtedly one of the most unique hotels in Louisville. And while all the vintage vibes are super fun, it’s the location that sets this apart as one of the top hotels in Louisville.

The hotel is located within walking distance of the beautiful Cherokee Park, perfect for morning communes with nature, as well as local distilleries for an afternoon of bourbon tasting. For business travelers, it’s an easy five-minute drive from downtown.

I love historic properties, so there was no way I was leaving The Bellwether Hotel off my list. Located in Louisville’s historic Highlands neighbourhood, the Bellwether is a beautifully restored landmark that dates back to 1907. Before its recent transformation into a boutique hotel, the building served as the Highlands Police Station, the BellSouth Switching Station and the Louisville Ballet.

The atmosphere recalls the building’s original 1920s charm, with ornate Art Deco design, vaulted ceilings and stylish decor. Rooms range from suites and deluxe studios to the four-bed Highland Station, which features a fully equipped kitchen and spacious living area.

Ideally situated on Bardstown Road—known as Louisville’s greatest street—the hotel is within easy reach of an array of shops, bars, and restaurants. The prime location also places guests near the city’s iconic parks, including Cherokee Park, with its extensive biking and walking trails​.

The Louisville Bourbon Inn is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that dates back to the 1880s. Located in the heart of Old Louisville, this property is a prime example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, characterized by its intricate stonework.

During my stay, I was particularly impressed by the attention to detail in the room decor. Ornamental fireplaces, antique furnishings, and jetted tubs create an atmosphere of elegance and comfort. The Grand Derby Suite, with its private balcony overlooking Central Park, was a particular highlight.

I also loved all the bourbon-inspired touches. The Houston Library Bar offers a wonderful range of bourbons in a cozy, Victorian setting. The inn also provides a bourbon-inspired breakfast, served in a stylish dining room.

Built in 1860, the Hotel Distil occupies the original site of the J.T.S. Brown & Sons Bourbon Company. So, if you’re visiting Kentucky to indulge in a spot of bourbon tasting, this should be your go-to spot. Not only is the hotel located right on Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row, bourbon practically pours out of every corner here.

During prohibition, doctors had to write medical prescriptions for those who wanted to drink alcohol. As a throwback to that time, every guest receives a prescription card when they check in, inviting them to join the evening Repeal of Prohibition toast.

The hotel also has two bourbon ambassadors that can hand-craft a range of bourbon experiences. My favourite was a bourbon cart delivered straight to my room, offering a selection of spirits and cocktail experiences. It was like having a private bedside bourbon tasting.

The Omni Louisville Hotel is one of the best hotels in Louisville for families. To borrow a line from a famous Saturday Night Live character, this hotel has everything: a heated rooftop pool, a full-service spa, a Prohibition-style speakeasy, and even a bowling alley.

There are discounts for children at certain on-site restaurants and parents can keep kids entertained with trips to the Kentucky Derby, Main Street and Louisville Slugger Museum, all of which are located less than a mile away. The hotel is also a good option for business travellers, as it’s just one block away from the Kentucky International Convention Center.

But my favourite thing about the hotel has to be its Mokara Spa. I arrived early enough to sweat out the bourbon in the dry cedar sauna before having a relaxing massage and soaking up the zen vibes in the relaxation lounge.