Louisville is known for the Kentucky Derby horse racing held three times a year, each in spring, fall, and September. Hence, many people come to watch the race and enjoy the clear blue sky and radiant sun. As a result, you’ll find plenty of accommodation throughout the city. If you’re looking for the best boutique hotels in Louisville KY, you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to help give you an idea of where to stay, including some of the best areas in the city.
Table of contents
- Aloft Louisville East
- Vu Guesthouse
- The Brown Hotel
- Galt House Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel
- Moxy Louisville Downtown
- Omni Louisville Hotel
- 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
- The Grady Hotel
- Louisville Marriott Downtown
- Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection
- The Seelbach Hilton Louisville
- Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Louisville
- Recommended Things To Do in Louisville
- Where To Stay in Louisville
Aloft Louisville East
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Among all boutique hotels in Louisville Kentucky, Aloft Louisville Hotel is one of the few pet-friendly. Bring your pet along to this lively city and get ready to have a fun time. By staying in this Freys Hill hotel, you’ll be able to easily walk to E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park. It’s a huge park where you can chill, swim, and bring your dog for a fun walk.
The room in this property isn’t lacking anything. You’ll find a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and big windows that let you enjoy the neighborhood’s calming views. Among all the rooms, we highly recommend choosing the suite, especially if you’re traveling with your significant other. You’ll have more than enough space for two, and the kitchen comes in handy when you want to have a simple dinner in the room.
Although the neighborhood isn’t the best to enjoy the nightlife, you can visit the vibrant on-site bar. There, you can unwind and have some drinks while enjoying the live music performance. Other facilities you can find are an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym, and a convenience store.
Vu Guesthouse
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Vu Guesthouse is one of the gay-friendly boutique hotels in Louisville KY. It has been largely responsible for revitalizing the Smoketown neighborhood. The 34-room boutique guesthouse is set in a former tobacco warehouse, but its new life now could very well be the setting for the next Liberace biopic.
Think polished chrome fixtures, ornate headboards, studded wingback chairs, and tangerine and hot pink accents everywhere. What travelers will like all the more is the array of quirky rooms and suites with flashy floorplans and walkthrough showers. Whatever bourbon-infused mischief you have in mind, Vu and its digs are ready for it.
Vu is run by prolific LGBTQ activist and local businessman George Stinson and his partner Ed Lewis, who are also responsible for debuting Louisville’s first gay club way back in 1970! No surprise that this hotel is also one of the best gay-friendly hotels in Louisville.
The hotel is part of The Village Louisville complex, which is also home to the three-storeyed gay men’s spa and sauna, Vapor. The orange and magenta entrance with twin lions at the hotel makes it feel like a 1930s Shanghai or Berlin speakeasy. The same devil-may-care decor continues in the restaurant, bar, and sleek lounge.
The Brown Hotel
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The Brown Hotel is one of the most popular boutique hotels in Louisville KY, especially among celebrities to stay during the Derby seasons of yore. It offers 293 elegant and glamorous rooms and suites. Feel dazzling and Hollywood-like while you’re entering its ornate lobby. This sophisticated hotel is adjacent to the Brown Theatre and a 2-minute walk from the Louisville Palace. Besides, it’s only six miles from Louisville International Airport. For more options, check out our list of the best hotels near Louisville Airport next.
Each elegant room and suite boasts a bed with top-mattress, goose-down duvet, marble floor bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a flat-screen TV. And you’ll have a separate living room and wet bars at the suites. Also, several suites offer a whirlpool tub. Guests can enjoy club rooms that include access to a private lounge. It serves complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres for guests.
Additional amenities include a free 24-hour airport shuttle, meeting rooms, two restaurants, a fitness center, and a lobby bar. The Brown Hotel is also known for its signature and legendary sandwich, Hot Brown. Guests can sample the turkey-and-bacon sandwich with Mornay sauce spread at its English Grill restaurant.
Galt House Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel
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Galt House Hotel is located in the heart of downtown overlooking the waterfront, making it one of the best boutique hotels in Louisville Kentucky. As a guest, you can come to experience and immerse the delight of Louisville’s spirit. This lifestyle hotel is near Louisville Arena, Urban Bourbon Trail, and cultural center. What’s more, you’ll find a covered walkway from the hotel to the KFC Yum! Center.
Established in 1972, this 25-story hotel has 1.310 rooms and suites, making it the largest hotel and one of the best hotels in Louisville. Whether you’re coming for work or leisure, you can enjoy plenty of amenities and facilities in this only waterfront hotel in Kentucky. For delicious dining and cocktails, guests can enjoy meals in its seven restaurants and lounges.
Each spacious modern room is furnished with a coffee maker, cable TV, and work desk. After full-day activities, guests can work out in the rooftop gym, take a dip in the pool, or get refreshed in the spa on the 17th floor. A business center, UPS stores, ATM, and shop are also available for your convenience. Also, it’s a pet-friendly hotel.
Moxy Louisville Downtown
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In Moxy Louisville Downtown, guests can have the great vibe of fun meets Southern hospitality. The hotel is located on historic Whiskey Row, so you’ll be only a few minutes of walk from late-night hot spots and world-famous distilleries. Besides, museums, KFC Yum! Center, Churchill Downs, and other popular destinations are only within walking distance.
Featuring modern rooms with great amenities, some rooms offer Ohio River or Downtown Louisville views. You can enjoy in-room facilities, from 55-inch flat-screen televisions full HD, high-quality sound system, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi to built-in USB ports. Enjoy the full-height art image while you’re sitting on a comfortable leather lounge chair in the room. A 24-hour gym and game room are also available on the property.
Pets are welcome, making it one of the best boutique hotels in Louisville Kentucky, for families. For a dining experience, Moxy Louisville Downtown offers Zombie Taco, a casual Mexican restaurant. There’s also Bar Moxy, where guests can start the night by playing games and sipping tasty cocktails. With all these convenience, amenities, and facilities, we definitely recommend it!
Omni Louisville Hotel
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Looking for boutique hotels in Louisville KY where you can easily indulge the bourbon culture and reach Main Street? Omni Louisville Hotel can be your perfect choice. The property blends the historical surrounding, so you can enjoy the city’s essence and make your stay unforgettable. Omni Louisville Hotel is only a minute walk from KFC Yum! Center and Kentucky International Convention Center.
This sleek modern hotel has 612 polished rooms and suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with city views. You probably think that many rooms mean this hotel is not really a boutique hotel. But we can assure you, that doesn’t represent the quality of service the hotel offers.
Room amenities include bourbon bars, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access, plus local art. You’ll find living rooms and soaking tubs in the suite rooms. Enjoy the entertainment for your elegant retreat, such as dining and nightlife options range. They include a stylish lounge and hip bar with a terrace.
You can have fun with friends or family in the bowling alley or rooftop pool café with fire pits. There are also a high-end spa, art gallery, and vibrant market for your needs. Don’t want to miss your daily exercise? Then you can make use of the 24 hours fitness center or in-room fitness kits.
21c Museum Hotel Louisville
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Experience award-winning hospitality by staying at 21c Museum Hotel Louisville, one of the top boutique hotels in Louisville Kentucky. The hotel is famous for its world’s best contemporary art collections, engaging visitors and locals for more than a decade. This boutique hotel and contemporary art museum is only a 3- minute walk from the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Located on historic West Main Street in downtown Louisville, it offers 91 rooms. It’s also a home to an acclaimed award-winning restaurant and bar, Proof on Main.
As the first museum hotel, it offers lavish guest rooms with plenty of amenities. These include minibars, iPod docking stations, desks, 42-inch flat-screen cable TVs, and laptop safes. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas. You can also make use of the sauna and steam room, gym, and bike rentals.
Staying on holiday with family? Book for Luxury Double Room that fits for 4 people. If you’re staying with your fur family, there are pet-friendly rooms you can choose from. Some suites and a penthouse offer 2000 square feet (610-meter square) terraces. Other amenities include laundry service, a business center to do some work, a shop, and a 24-hour valet service.
The Grady Hotel
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The Grady Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Louisville Kentucky, in a convenient location. Whether you’re searching for historical museums, whiskey tastings, or lively concerts, excitement awaits you to have the Bourbon experiences.
As a guest, you can expect elegance during their stay in this hotel. You’ll find the tradition meets sophisticated charm and modernity at The Grady Hotel. They offer you a restful retreat in one of 51 rooms with lavish furnishing and very comfortable beds. Each room features wood ceilings and locally inspired artwork. Besides, rooms are fully equipped with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and minibars.
Indulge yourself and book a room with river views or Main Street with floor-to-ceiling windows. Don’t miss to experience the heritage of food and drinks in their upscale restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included in room rates, and you can choose for traditional or European they offered.
Louisville Marriott Downtown
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Next on our list of boutique hotels in Louisville KY is Louisville Marriott Downtown. It’s located in the heart of Bourbon City and connected to the Kentucky International Convention Center via skywalk. Get an authentic experience at Louisville’s distilleries and hip cocktail bars, take a walk to 4th Street Live! Entertainment District or visit the Louisville Slugger Museum are some of the activities you can do.
Discover sophisticated amenities while you’re staying here. Their spacious rooms and suites feature modern furnishing, including plush bedding for you to rest and relax after a day on the town. Each room also has 55-inch flat-screen TV, coffeemakers, and minifridges. Paid Wi-Fi in rooms is available.
For your needs, the property has a 24-hour fitness center stocked with free weights and cardio equipment. Hence, you’re not missing your daily exercise when in town. Some rooms include access to the club lounge, plus complimentary continental breakfast and evening appetizers. If you prefer accommodation with separate living area and whirlpool tubs, you can book one of their suites.
Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection
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Live like a local and book one of the rooms in one of the top boutique hotels in Louisville KY: Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection. This authentic hotel in a historic building is located on Whiskey Row, home of the bourbon industry in Louisville. It’s only a minute’s walk from the Ohio River, KFC Yum! Center, Louisville Galleria Shopping Center, and more.
Accommodations in Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection feature city or Ohio River views. You’ll find the polished rooms are provided with modern facilities and amenities. Each room has a smart TV, coffeemaker, complimentary high-speed wireless access, and bathroom amenities. The suites even feature separate living rooms.
Amenities in the property include a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking, and event space. Enjoy the afternoon by relaxing in its rooftop bar with a glass roof. For those coming with pets, Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection offers a dog-friendly program. It features a custom-tailored PupJoy Box, a Hotel Distil branded chew toy, and a handmade bourbon barrel dog bed.
The Seelbach Hilton Louisville
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Enjoy and experience lavishness by staying at The Seelbach Hilton. The grand property was built in 1905, where guests can enjoy modern amenities while wrapped in a storied past. Used as the backdrop of a wedding scene in The Great Gatsby movie, famous guests had booked the room for over the last 115 years. They include ten presidents, Al Capone, and the Rolling Stones. It should come as no surprise that this hotel is also one of the best luxury hotels in Louisville.
The Seelbach Hilton Louisville offers 321 upscale rooms and suites. Each room and suite is equipped with a custom-designed bed, marble bathroom, Wi-Fi, and 37-inch flat-screen TV. You’ll find other facilities in the property, including a 1920s-inspired eatery and bar, a 24/7 fitness center, meeting space, and a business center. For your convenience, the hotel offers a free airport shuttle.
Known as a landmark to the Golden Era, The Seelbach Hilton Louisville is also home to The Oakroom, The Rathskeller, and The Old Seelbach Bar. They’re the only surviving places made of Rookwood Pottery in the world now. Located in the heart of downtown Louisville, this giant among other boutique hotels in Louisville KY is only minutes of walking distance to some renowned cultural attractions. Churchill Downs, Louisville Palace, Kentucky Center for the Arts, and Kentucky International Convention Center are among them.
Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Louisville
- Hometown Pizza – To us, this is definitely one of the most underrated restaurants that serve Italian dishes in the city. All pizzas are served on your choice of the restaurant’s very own traditional thin or authentic thick crust.
- Louisville: Bourbon and Cocktail Bar Tour – Hop on a tuk-tuk and discover the best bourbon as well as cocktail bars of Louisville. Drink the best that this city provides and have fun exploring the nightlife hotspots.
- Proof on Main – Experience the fine dining at Proof of Main while you’re staying in Louisville, Kentucky. Taste the fresh, regional, and seasonal ingredients, such as their famous Proof Bison Burger and finish with the Chef’s Apple Cider Vinegar Pie Recipe. After your meals, enjoy the exhibitions of contemporary art and site-specific installations from the adjoining famed 21C Hotel.
Recommended Things To Do in Louisville
- Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – Take the tour to Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to find out more about the story of Louisville Slugger baseball bats in American baseball history. You can enjoy fun interactive exhibits, fantastic baseball memorabilia, and shop for personalized Bionic Gloves, bats, and mini-bats.
- Louisville: Frazier Kentucky History Museum – Entry Ticket – Explore the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in downtown Louisville. Learn about Kentucky’s history and enjoy some live performances, films, and exhibits.
- Louisville Pride Festival: 2021 sees the sixth edition of Lousiville Pride taking place at Bardstown Road in the Highlands. Besides a wonderfully vibrant parade, there are also healthcare screenings, crafts and arts, local music and talent, and lots of performing artists.
Where To Stay in Louisville
If you’re staying in Louisville for the first time, we recommend choosing the Downtown area. It’s the best place to stay for families and first-timer. This area offers abundant attractions and activities, enough to keep the whole family busy. Also, it’s the most convenient area to stay in because of its transport links. You’ll find so many great restaurants with a variety of Southern foods. It’s also known for its cultural attractions and museums. Don’t miss to experience Fourth Street Live!
Another area you may want to consider is Historic Old Louisville. Located near Downtown, it’s known for its charming restored Victorian mansions. Streets in this area are lined with upscale restaurants, from casual barbeque to craft breweries.
If you’re foodie lovers, the hip East Market District can be your top choice. Also known as NuLu, this area is a dining hub with eateries. Visitors can enjoy upscale New American cuisine, and stylish bars serve bourbon and craft beer. You can also experience live music, art shows, shopping, and street food.
