5 of the Best Hotels in Louisville Kentucky

Written By: author avatar Carli

Louisville has so much charm and history that it’s no wonder the hotels do as well.  Here are 5 of the best hotels in Louisville. 

view of historic main street in louisville, ky

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Best bed & breakfast in America

Louisville Bourbon Inn

Yes you read that correctly, Louisville is home to not only the top rated B&B in America as ranked by TripAdvisor, it’s also #6 in the world with the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.  The Louisville Bourbon Inn is a beautiful home located in historic Old Louisville, just off of Central Park, surrounded by mansions from the late 1800s.  You can’t be an award winning hotel in Louisville without also having award winning food. Their biscuits and gravy are also voted as the best in the city. 

Like many of the homes in the neighborhood, this one is said to have a ghost or two, including a ghost cat which is great for Allen, the owner, who happens to be allergic to cats. 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Louisville KY, put this B&B at the top of the list.  It’s also perfect for those looking to enjoy the annual summer Kentucky Shakespeare Festival

interior entry and stairway of the Louisville bourbon Inn, the best bed & breakfast in america
courtesy of Louisville Bourbon Inn Facebook page

Inn at Woodhaven

If you love the idea of a bed & breakfast, but can’t get into the Louisville Bourbon Inn, the Inn at Woodhaven is a fantastic alternative option.  This hotel features 8 impeccably designed rooms in the main house.  There is also a carriage house and more recent addition of the Rose Cottage.  This house is further outside of the city center, but if you love history, it is on the National Register for historic homes.

exterior of Inn at Woodhaven in Louisville KY
courtesy of Inn at Woodhaven Facebook page

Best hotels in Louisville for historic charm

The Seelbach Hilton

One of the oldest running luxury hotels in Louisville KY, the Seelbach Hilton has so much history, they even employ a master concierge and historian.  This 1905 hotel is in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is claimed to be the inspiration for “The Great Gatsby”, written by frequent visitor F. Scott Fitzegerald.  

interior lobby of Seebach Hilton in Louisville KY, one of the best hotels in louisville
courtesy of Seelbach Hilton Facebook page

The Brown Hotel

Another beautiful historic hotel is The Brown Hotel.  This 100 year old hotel joins the Seelbach on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.  The lobby might have the most beautiful ceilings in all of Louisville with the intricate and ornate details.  And a Louisville culinary staple, the “Hot Brown”, was invented at the hotel, another reason this is one of the best hotels in Louisville. 

view of brown hotel dining room from second floor balcony
courtesy of the Brown Hotel Facebook page

Most unique hotel in Louisville

21c Museum Hotel

This hotel is one of the best places to stay in Louisville KY for art lovers.  The 21c Museum Hotel is not only a favorite among guests, it’s one of the most interesting boutique hotels Louisville has to offer.  This hotel was started as a way to preserve part of this historic downtown area now known as “museum row”.  The owners are also art collectors, so there is a free art museum open 24 hours in the hotel which has permanent and rotating exhibits.  

The hotel is nearly impossible to miss with the giant gold plated replica of the statue of “David” as well as red penguins lining the roof. 

exterior of 21c hotel with gold david statue and red plastic penguins lining roof.

Best Hotels in Louisville KY FAQs

What is the best hotel in Louisville KY?

The best ranked hotel in Louisville is the Louisville Bourbon Inn bed & breakfast. 

Is it safe to stay in downtown Louisville?

Yes, downtown Louisville is very safe to stay and walk around day or night. 

Is Louisville Kentucky a good place to visit?

Yes, Louisville is a fantastic place to visit!  It has southern charm, history, fantastic food and great comfort food.

Are there 5 star hotels in Louisville KY?

There are no 5 star hotels in Louisville KY.  The closest 5 star hotel is located in Nashville, TN. 

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