Oct 23, 2023

THE JOURNAL

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Travel Inspiration

Fora’s Guide to Hotels in Louisville, KY: 3 Great Options

Fora Author Fora

The Modern Travel Agency

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Whether you’re traveling on business, catching a Cardinals game or simply admiring one of the oldest cities west of the Appalachians, you need a place to stay, right? We’ve got your back with three great hotels in Louisville, KY.

Ready to jet off to “Bourbon City?” Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay. We’ll handle all the hassles of booking while supplying you with insider intel on Louisville’s coolest hidden gems and more — all in the name of making your trip as great as can be.

What’s the most popular area in Louisville to stay in?

Most travelers stay in Downtown Louisville, with its contemporary comforts, neat museums, bourbon tastings and nightlife. Likewise, most of the best hotels in Louisville, KY (including all of the options below) are found here. 

However, if you’re looking for an intimate stay in a more residential part of the city, the historic district of Old Louisville may be your vibe. Old Victorian architecture, casual eateries and craft breweries all call this area home. We’re not focusing on any hotels in Old Louisville, but if you plan your trip with Fora, we can offer tailored recs that fit your style and budget (though we should note that options here are very limited).

(Need ideas for things to do in Louisville? Check out our 3-day Louisville, KY itinerary.)

The 3 best hotels in Louisville, KY

Read on for a quick breakdown of three of the best hotels in Louisville, KY.

1. 21c Museum Hotel Louisville: an excellent & unique choice for art junkies 

Image courtesy of 21c Museum Hotel Louisville

Just across the street from the KMAC Contemporary Art Museum and the (more kid-friendly) Kentucky Science Center, 21c Museum Hotel Louisville offers luxe boutique-style accommodations and a contemporary art gallery of its own. 

Easily one of the most unique hotels in Louisville, the look and feel of its common spaces fall somewhere between vintage sophistication and chic whimsy, with elaborate, thought-provoking displays and high-end amenities. The decor in the rooms — with a few notable exceptions — is a bit more subtle, however, yet certainly luxurious. 

Overall, 21c Museum Hotel is an excellent choice whether you’re throwing a classy Louisville bachelor party or looking for a cool place for a workcation. 

Fora perks at 21c Museum Hotel Louisville:

  • Hotel / resort credit.

  • Welcome amenity.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

2. The Brown Hotel: one of the most elegant hotels in Louisville, Kentucky

With an opulent, even grandiose decor style befitting even the ritziest Churchill Downs attendee, The Brown Hotel is without a doubt the most elegant hotel in Louisville. In fact, if you’re looking for subtlety, this probably isn’t the hotel for you. Otherwise, get ready to rest in gorgeous, uncompromising luxury.

Keeping with the Old-World theme, all rooms feature vintage furnishings and decor, along with modern amenities. And if you’re looking for a place to unwind, The Club Lounge offers hors-d'oeuvres and cocktails at night and breakfast in the morning. (Note: unfortunately, The Club Lounge is currently closed.)

The Brown Hotel is located in the heart of town, too, near notable attractions like The Brown Theatre and the Louisville Palace. 

Want to learn more? Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay at The Brown Hotel.

(Wondering what to do in Bourbon City? See our guide to Louisville, KY.)

3. Omni Louisville Hotel: a stylish hotel in Downtown

Whereas The Brown Hotel leans heavily on Louisville's past, Omni Louisville Hotel goes in the other direction. There are still low-key homages to the city’s past, but otherwise, Omni Louisville Hotel boasts a sleek and stylish contemporary design that has made it a favorite hotel among discerning travelers. 

All of the hotel’s spacious rooms and suites offer views of the city and posh, ultra-modern decor. And the hotel’s amenities are top notch, too. There’s a full-service spa, rooftop pool and bar, multiple fine dining options and even a mini-bowling-alley-slash-super-cool-speakeasy that specializes in bourbon cocktails.

Need more recs for hotels in Louisville, KY? Connect with Fora

Want personalized recommendations for hotels in Louisville, KY instead? Book and plan your stay with Fora. We’ll help you find the best option that meets your travel preferences and budget, plus hook you up with expert travel suggestions and more to level up your trip.

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out these cool hotel guides, as well:

This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Samantha Lamb, an expert on Louisville.

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