11 Best Hotels in Versailles Kentucky

In the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, in Woodford County, sits the charming city of Versailles. Just like its namesake in Europe, this small city is famed for its rich heritage and stunning landscapes. Blending small-town charm with effortless elegance, Versailles is the ideal heritage tourism destination. Right from a historic district and a gorgeous castle to a racetrack and some of the state’s most renowned horse farms, this city has it all. So, there was no shortage of hotels in Versailles, Kentucky, when we went looking for them. While many of its best stays are focused on the historic downtown, it has hotels spread all over the neighborhoods. What’s more, they range from modern stays to inns and B&Bs sitting in beautifully preserved structures. Here’s a guide to staying in this must-visit of a delightful town in Kentucky.

Interestingly, Mammoth Cave, one of the USA’s biggest caves and one of the world’s biggest caves is just two hours southwest of Versailles.

The Manchester

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We begin with a stay that’s midway between Lexington and Versailles, The Manchester, which is also the largest stay on this list. Choose from a whopping 125 rooms and suites, all of which are decked out in opulent furnishings, statement headboards, and woody hues. While there are rooms perfect for two adults, there are even spacious rooms for families. The Quad suite, in particular, offers two sets of bunk beds, while the Penthouse Suite is great for romantic or honeymooning getawats, as it has a cocktail cabinet, Le Labo bath products, and a clawfoot bathtub!

“We loved our stay at the Manchester Hotel, as it allowed us to stay midway between both cities that we loved exploring!”

WOW Travel

The rest of the hotel is equally elegant and yet gives off a cozy vibe. For one, there’s the pineapple-scented rooftop bar, where we’d love to enjoy drinks in the evening. The lobby lounge was ideal for a nightcap, and the restaurant served lip-smacking farm-to-table Appalachian fare.

Bourbon Barrel Cottages and Tours

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Imagine a place where you can sip bourbon during the day and stay in a bourbon barrel cabin at at night! Behold the Bourbon Barrel Cottages and Tours, where the staying experience is anything like a hotel stay.

Located near some the Kentucky Bluegrass region’s best distilleries, this experience features stays across seven cottages and a main house. Staying in the cottages was a mind-blowing experience, as we had our own private drive, hot tub, girll, and fire pit. Additionally, every cottage came with a large covered front porch and Adirondack rocking chairs where we could soak in the gorgeous Kentucky sunrises and sunsets. On the inside, the cottages were all equipped with modern creature comforts, such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TVs with streaming services, dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, modern bathrooms, and even laundry machines.

Even the amenities at these cottages are unique. One of the absolute best include boarding one of their passenger vans or limos and touring the region with a friendly and knowledgable staff member.

The Woodford Inn

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Owned and run by Laura and Richard, the stunning Woodford Inn has had a long, long life. Originally built was a Women’s College at the end of the Civil War in 1865, it also lived a life as an all-female Orphan Home, eventually becoming the inn it now is. The inn sits in a 1926-built Dutch-Colonial Revival style structure, becoming the Woodford Inn and Restaurant in 2006. It’s exceptionally rated for its excellent service and warm and attentive staff.

We had the choice of eight unique rooms, all luxuriously appointed with mini-fridges, TVs, matching armoires, ornate queen size beds, and private bath with jetted spa tubs. Besides that, the bathrooms were also stocked with premium bath products from Terra Pure’s spa-inspired Green Tea collection, which is a cruelty, gluten, and paraben-free eco-conscious line.

The rest of the inn had a bunch of relaxing facilities too. After a lday of sightseeing, we could enjoy a drink at the bar or unwind on the terrace. There was even a hot tub for relaxation as well as on on-site restaurant that served delicious dinners.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Lexington W-Versailles by IHG

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Best chain hotel. If you’re looking for a chain hotel and don’t mind staying a bit outside Downtown Versailles, then Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Lexington W-Versailles by IHG is where you should be. As is the case with any Holiday Inn Express outpost, the accommodations here were extremely comfortable. Not only were they air-conditioned, but also they were spacious and came with free Wi-Fi, private luxe bathrooms, coffee/tea makers, work desks, flat-screen TVs, and plush beds. Despite being a budget hotel chain, this Holiday Inn Express came with a bunch of leisure amenities. The indoor pool was a fantastic place to unwind and relax after a long day of exploring the region. It even had a hot tub to the side, which was an added bonus. Besides this, the hotel also had an outdoor seating area, a fitness center, a business center, a mini market, and a lounge. Did we mention that they also had free parking right on the property? It was a blessing as we had a rental car with us.

Rabbit Creek Bed & Breakfast

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An esteemed member of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Kentucky, the lovely Rabbit Creek Bed & Breakfast is a mere five minutes from Downtown Versailles. 10,000 sq. ft. of verdant luxury surround this beautiful B&B, which is all about quiet, peace, and serenity. We had the choice of seven spacious bedrooms, each of which comes with a modern, private, ensuite bathroom. If you’re looking for something special, choose one of the four rooms that come with private balconies overlooking the lush, wooded area. Of course, we’d recommend the spacious Bridal Suite for honeymooning couples, which comes with a massive, solid wooden canopy bed!

One of the rarest and rather delightful amenities at this B&B was the seasonal outdoor swimming pool, which we’ve usually not seen in B&Bs. It’s surrounded by the wonderful gardens, where we’d enjoy long walks and lounge to our heart’s content. There was also a sun terrace, which is where we’d usually enjoy breakfasts when we weren’t eating in our room. Wrapping up the amenities are the outdoor seating area, the games room, and the lounge, besides free on-site parking, of course.

Rose Hill Inn

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Formerly known as the Rose Hill Estate and the Terrell House, the charming 1823-built Rose Hill Inn is where the current Rose Hill Avenue in historic downtown Versailles gets its name from. That’s because it was the very first structure to be built on that boulevard! Originally built in the Federal Style, the structure was later “Victorianized” in 1877. For instance, cornice heads replaced the Palladian windows and the fanned entrance, and even the roofline was raised to accommodate the bracketed gables. However, much of the interiors and the Flemish-bond brickwork were retained, and we could see them even today.

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The inn has five luxurious suites and a historic cottage, making it ideal for romantic getaways, family gatherings, and even weddings. What’s more, these bright and airy suites were all individually decked out with mod-cons such as smart TVs, Wi-Fi, living areas, and private bathrooms. They also had minifridges, microwaves, and coffee/tea-making equipment, with the romantic cottage even adding a proper, fully functioning kitchen. Did we mention the lovely garden views? Yep.

Despite being an inn, there were a ton of wonderful amenities here. These included free on-site parking, an outdoor seating area, and seamless arrival and departure. However, the standout was the included hearty breakfast that was served every morning, which featured fresh fruit, beverages, and hot, homemade dishes. In the evening, there would be homemade cookies awaiting us after a long day of exploring and sightseeing.

Montgomery Inn BnB

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Most historic. Since we love staying at historic places, we sought out the much-sought-after Montgomery Inn B&B. Occupying a 1911 clapboard house on a quiet residential street in southeastern Versailles, this old-world B&B beautifully melds remnants from the past with a slew of creature comforts and mod-cons.

Choose from 11 rooms and suites, all of which range from country-style and quaint to contemporary, but with antique furnishings and touches. Think four-poster beds, chintz textures on the comfy single sofas, and drop-dead gorgeous chandeliers everywhere, even in the bathrooms! Modern comforts included free Wi-Fi (everywhere in the house), cable TVs (some of which were even flat-screens), sitting areas, coffee/tea-making facilities, minifridges, and even wood-burning stoves/electric fireplaces. What’s more, they all had private bathrooms with updated furnishings. Some rooms, including ours, had verandahs and whirlpool tubs!

Our days at the B&B began with delicious hot breakfasts served in the vintage-style dining room. We’d like to start our mornings on the wrap-around couch, where we have wonderful views of the gardens and the surroundings. In fact, the property even had a tennis court and free parking, which was a blessing for us since we had a rental car. Rounding things up were amenities such as the cozy lounge, a library, and even a small wellness center on the property, which included an outdoor fireplace, a sauna, and a hot tub.

Charred Oaks Inn

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Most romantic. In the heart of Versailles, KY, right on Lexington Street, sits the utterly charming Charred Oaks Inn. Surrounded by lush gardens, this relaxing B&B sits in a restored colonial-style home and was perfect for our romantic getaway in the town.

We had the choice of just four rooms, making our stay as intimate and exclusive as it could get. That being said, they all were warmly decked out with four-poster beds, antique furnishings, coffee/tea makers, mini fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Additionally, they all came with en-suite bathrooms that were stocked with complimentary bath products. Our suite even had a wonderful fireplace and overlooked the manicured gardens.

Our days at the B&B began with hot, freshly prepared breakfasts, which were served in the bright dining room. If we didn’t feel like getting up in the morning, they would even bring breakfast right to our room. What could be better? Besides that, other complimentary amenities included evening refreshments as well as free parking. We especially loved the cozy lounge with the fireplace and the patio, which were perfect for lounging after a day of sightseeing. A homely and tranquil base, we’d highly recommend staying at this lovely B&B.

The Woodford Hotel

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If budget is not an issue, then we’d highly recommend the Woodford Hotel in the heart of Versailles, Kentucky’s buzzing historic Downtown. World-class service and celebrity treatment, and hospitality come to town at the Woodford, which offers a wide range of rooms and suites. We loved the five-star comfort with mod-cons such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, a coffeemaker, a microwave, and a fridge. The bathroom was as luxe as it was immaculate and came with complimentary bath products.

That’s not all. The hotel came with a host of amenities that made our stay all the more comfortable. Besides free Wi-Fi everywhere on the property, the hotel also offered free parking, and that too right in the middle of the town. So, that was an excellent perk to have. Aside from a kids’ playground, the hotel also had picnic spots, outdoor seating, yoga classes on offer, and even barbecue facilities.

A Storybook Inn Bed and Breakfast

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The last thing we expected in the world was to find a small, luxurious European inn in the heart of Kentucky’s Horse Country. Behold A Storybook Inn Bed and Breakfast, an 1830s-built inn and Central Kentucky’s oldest “Select Registry Inn.” In 2005, it became an award-winning inn, being chosen by multiple magazines and websites as one of the best places to stay on Kentucky’s bourbon trail and one of the best B&Bs in the country!

We felt like modern royalty at this elegant and yet unstuffy B&B, thanks to the wonderful decor and the gracious hospitality of our innkeeper, proprietor Elise Buckley. Every morning, she’d serve us a fantastic and delicious breakfast in the 50-ft-high, glorious glass conservatory, which is akin to an English Orangery. Breakfast was not only a lavish affair but also a healthy one, with everything being made from scratch in the kitchen. See more details here. Moreover, the conservatory is also where we gathered in the afternoon for nibbles and dessert, or just to relax.

The seven private suites are some of the region’s finest, with each telling its own story in tastefully appointed equine and classic movie themes. They all featured four-poster beds, sitting spaces, and ensuite bathrooms stocked with complimentary bath products. What more could we ask for?

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The Kentucky Castle

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Best overall. It might be surprising for you to see a European-type castle in the middle of Kentucky, but that’s exactly what The Kentucky Castle is. Today, the castle, with its 110-acre verdant property, brings a sense of royalty to the Bluegrass State. Also known as Versailles Castle (because, why not?), Martin Castle, or Castle Post, this hotel, spa, and event center effortlessly melds the luxury of a stately castle with a true-blue Bluegrass stay, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

With just 15 rooms, suites, and unique accommodations to choose from, staying here was as intimate as it was exclusive. We had the choice of rooms in the castle interior, suites in the towers, a cabin, a farmhouse, a glamping tent, and two tiny homes.

The Kentucky spirit is front and center of the drinking and dining experience, with the signature restaurant, Castle Farm, and bar offering a variety of dishes and drinks incorporating bourbon. Moreover, the restaurant’s produce stock is harvested directly from the property’s garden. We could also book spa appointments and ask the concierge to arrange for tickets to special events. These include farm enrichment tours like goat yoga, princess-themed tea parties, and wine-drinking and painting sessions.

Our Verdict!

While all of Versailles’ stays exceeded our expectations, here are a few specialized ones to help you make a choice.

• Best overall: The Kentucky Castle
• Most romantic: Charred Oaks Inn
• Most historic: Montgomery Inn BnB
• Best chain hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Lexington W-Versailles by IHG

Where to Stay in Versailles, Kentucky?

Versailles, Kentucky, is a very small city, or rather a town, compared to its other cities such as Lexington and Louisville. Nevertheless, it has a few neighborhoods, and you need to choose where you want to stay. Firstly, there’s the historic Downtown Versailles. This charming and walkable area allows the best local and authentic experience of the town. What’s more, it’s also home to many restaurants and local shops, and is a central point for all local attractions.

Secondly, there’s the stunning Kentucky Castle Area. This unique destination is not just historical but also a hospitality destination, since it’s also a hotel. Finally, there’s Horse Farm Country, which is the gateway to the Versailles region that’s known for its scenic horse farms and rolling hills.

What is Versailles, KY, known for?

Versailles in Kentucky is known as the heart of horse country and is home to multiple legendary Kentucky Derby winners.

What city is Versailles, KY, close to?

Lexington is the closest city to Versailles, KY. It lies some 20 minutes east of Versailles and is the largest city in the Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Can we stay in the castle in Versailles, Kentucky?

Absolutely, it’s a destination hotel and one of the most luxurious ones in the region.