15 Best Resorts in Kentucky - The Crazy Tourist

Kentucky is the perfect place to get away from it all. From the gorgeous horse and farmland, to the Derby and the Bourbon Trail, southern charm is at its peak here! So come for the college basketball scene or the farm-to-table dining everywhere you look, and make sure you even take a moment to stop off at a few of the little urban centers so you don’t feel too out of the loop.

But where to stay when you’re in the Bluegrass State? There are lots of options to choose from, but you’ll want to pick a resort that can meet all your expectations and give you exactly what you’re looking for.

Here are the best resorts in Kentucky:

1. Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa

This resort truly is an urban getaway, located right in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, but far enough away from the hubbub of a major metropolis that you can really let go and feel at ease, while also having everything you want and need nearby.

You’ll find that you’re close to a variety of local attractions, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Race Track, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

There are several great restaurants and they even have a Ree Jones-designed golf course that was recently renovated.

Enjoy the spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and fitness center as well.

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lexky-griffin-gate-marriott-resort-and-spa/

2. The Galt House

In Kentucky’s largest city of Louisville, the Galt House offers the only river-view accommodations. With unique and truly Southern experiences, you’ll enjoy views of the Ohio River as you sip on a Kentucky bourbon cocktail or just relax after a day of exploring the area.

You’re right near Whiskey Row, as well as Museum Row, featuring notable names like Muhammad Ali and the Louisville Slugger. The property certainly has its own history — it was originally a residence in the early 1800s.

A hotel, the original Galt House, opened up across the street with 60 guest rooms in 1835. (Now, the two sides are connected as one). This hotel burnt down in a fire in 1864, but famous architect R. Whitestone began rebuilding it, and it reopened in 1869, operating until 1919. It was torn down, and rebuilt in the 1970s, and has expanded ever since.

Website: https://www.galthouse.com

3. 21c Museum Hotel Louisville

The founding flagship location of the quickly growing 21c Museum Hotel chain, this boutique, 91-room hotel has been winning awards since its opening. It’s home to a great award-winning restaurant and bar as well, Proof on Main.

In addition to the guest rooms and dining, though, there’s also more than 9,000 square feet of exhibition space for art exhibits, as well as a spa, fitness center, and shopping. You’d never believe that so much can fit into such a small property!

Website: https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/louisville/

4. The Seelbach

This property has more than a century of history and a great location close to all the stops you’ll want to make in Louisville — Churchill Downs, the Yum Center, the Kentucky Center for the Arts, Louisville Palace, and more. There are four on-site restaurants, a ton of convention space, the only AAA Five-Diamond Restaurant in the entire state, and more.

Additionally, Business Insider has named it as a “best hotel”, and Thrillest has named it as a Best Bar. Want more? The hotel is the backdrop for the wedding scene in the iconic novel “The Great Gatsby.” Yep, this is that hotel. Additionally, the hotel has hosted an array of famous celebrities, including one duchess, nine presidents, and 14 award-winning musicians and bands. It’s so good, even if you don’t stay here, travelers recommend that you stop by anyway, even if it’s just for a drink at the bar.

Website: http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/kentucky/the-seelbach-hilton-louisville-SDFSHHF/index.html

5. The Brown

Yes, it does certainly seem like all of these historic Louisville properties are vying for the top spot as the city’s best and most historic legendary property. You’ll have to judge for yourself, though. The Brown is all about opulence and it can be seen in its Georgian-Revival elegance, for sure.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers tons of access to top spots, particularly theaters. It has an AAA Four-Diamond rating, and just recently underwent a $12 million renovation, that just upped the ante, rather than removing any of the southern charm.

You’ll love the little touches throughout, such as the handwoven blankets in the bedroom. Also, you can’t leave without trying out the Kentucky classic dish of a Hot Brown.

Website: http://www.brownhotel.com

6. The Campbell House

Of course, if you depart out of Louisville and head to Lexington, there are more options there as well. The Campbell House is one such option, and it was recently incorporated into the Curio Collection by Hilton. Filled with classic Kentucky charm and lots of luxury, you’ll feel right at home in this 1951 property.

Award-winning dining is on-site, and if you want a real home away from home, you can book the King Deluxe Suite, with a gorgeous fireplace and its own wet bar. A salon is on site, and the golf course is right next door, the Gay Brewer Jr Course at Picador to be exact. You’ll additionally find yourself close to several Lexington attractions, such as Commonwealth Stadium, and there is a complimentary shuttle upon request.

Website: http://curiocollection3.hilton.com/en/hotels/kentucky/the-campbell-house-lexington-curio-collection-by-hilton-LEXQQQQ/index.html

7. The Sire Hotel Lexington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

If you really want something that’s more quaint and quintessential, the Sire Hotel Lexington may be more your speed. Located in Lexington, this area has been rated a Reader’s Choice property for years on end. The first floor is decorated with modern decor touched with old Italian influences and each room boasts a modern marble bathroom that’s simply a must-have, with showers big enough for two.

Beyond the great guest rooms, you’ll also find many of the special touches found throughout as you dine at the Mad Horseman and enjoy a drink in the lush courtyard. You can also get access to the guest experience coordinator, so get a tailor-made experience during your stay.

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lexgpup-the-sire-hotel-lexington/

8. Springhill Winery Plantation

This small property is set on a historic plantation from the mid-1800s. The architecture is inspired by Federal and Victorian styles, and the historic structure boasts its own Civil War past. The guest suites are the perfect spots to enjoy wine straight from the vineyard, where you’ll find locally produced Cabernet Franc, Savignon, Cambourcin, and Chardonnay.

There’s a gift shop so you can take a few of your favorites home with you. Additionally, there are always a ton of fun events going on at the property that you can take advantage of, such as murder mystery parties.

Website: http://www.springhillwinery.com

9. Bourbon Manor

This small property is completely themed around the spirit that Kentucky is known best for — bourbon! Don’t want to stay in your room all day? No problem, explore the bourbon lounge, or head to the day spa.

The property also includes two pre-Civil War plantation homes (a Federal Home from 1810 and a Greek Revival mansion from 1830). There’s also an original smokehouse on the grounds. Additionally, you’re right within walking distance of some of the quaint attractions in Bardstown, Kentucky, which has been named the Most Beautiful Small Town in America.

Website: https://www.bourbonmanor.com

10. Maple Hill Manor

Yet another manor set within horse country, this is a beautiful little spot with almost too much Southern charm to handle. In fact, this is one of the most award-winning and nationally recognized properties in the state (of its size). Right within bourbon country, horse country, and Civil War history, you really can have it all while getting away from it all.

In addition to acquiring quite a lot of history since the property’s origination in 1851, it also has one other special fact — there’s an operating alpaca and llama farm on site!

Website: https://maplehillmanor.com

11. 21c Museum Hotel Lexington

Not long after the hotel by the same name opened up in Louisville, a second followed in the state’s second-most popular city, Lexington. The 21c Museum Hotel Lexington has 88 guest rooms, a contemporary art museum, a cultural center, and the great restaurant, Lockbox. There’s more than 7,000 sure feet of Exhibition Space, shopping, a fitness center and you can even find pet-friendly rooms.

The property is housed within what was once the Fayette National Bank Building, originally designed by McKim, Mead, and White. Guest rooms are large and spacious, and you’ll enjoy large historic windows, as well as high ceilings. Overall, it has more of a downtown apartment feel than a hotel room feel. With all the amenities you want right there in your room, you’ll never want to venture off the property.

Website: https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/lexington/

12. Marriott Louisville Downtown

The Louisville Marriott Downtown is the sole AAA Four-Dimaond convention hotel within the downtown area of the city, and it offers you direct access to the Kentucky International Convention Center. In addition to this perk, though, it’s also wonderfully situated to see the rest of the city, so you can walk to Museum Row, and the 4th Street Live Entertainment District.

Guest rooms boast views of the Ohio River Valley and the city, and you’ll love the extra spacious guest rooms, as well as the on-site fitness center, pools, and beautiful lobby.

Website: http://louisvillemarriottdowntown.com

13. Hyatt Regency Louisville

The Hyatt Regency Louisville just recently underwent a $16 million renovation, and now offers a big-city feel, all within the small-city atmosphere of Louisville. The aesthetic is modern and cool, but the hospitality is decidedly Southern, making for a unique and refreshing experience. Each new guest room has those great Hyatt amenities.

On site, you’ll find an outdoor tennis court, indoor pool, and a full fitness center. There’s an outdoor bar, a farm-to-table restaurant, and multiple event venues. You’re also very close to the Louisville Zoo and the Louisville Science Center, making this property a great option for young families who want to stay somewhere posh for mom and dad, but want somewhere that can still cater to the children of the family.

Website: https://louisville.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

14. Louisville Marriott East

This hotel is the newest Four-Diamond property in the city, and it’s all themed around bourbon. A little more out of the center of town and within the East End of Louisville, it’s close to the airport and a short drive out of downtown. However, because of the more out-of-the-way location, you have a larger property.

It boasts more than 250 guest rooms, that are awfully spacious, as well as a full Concierge Level for VIPs. There’s a huge event space. It’s also now the official hotel of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and also a stop on the Urban Bourbon Trail. The restaurant on site, Charr’d, offers a bourbon list with more than 200 varieties, and Southern-style cuisine.

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sdfls-louisville-marriott-east/

15. Louisville Hyatt Place

If you’ve yet to stay in a Hyatt Place property, you’re really missing out. These millennial-centric properties are modern and cool, while still offering everything that Hyatt makes itself known for — great guest rooms and great service, catering to the individual. This particular property is casual and fun, with all the amenities you crave, like round-the-clock dining, an on-site fitness center, and a convenient location.

Mix and mingle in the lounge, spacious lobby, or at the bar. The Coffee to Cocktails Bar is there for an of your beverage needs, day or night. You can even book a small meeting room to chat with business associates before heading out for a fun evening on the town, with easy access to shopping, entertainment, golf, and multiple universities.

Website: https://louisvilleeast.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html