As authentic as it is awesome, the allure of Louisville comes from its wealth of entertainment, its cultural significance and its unique, old-world Southern charm. HotelPlanner.com is offering a complimentary video guide for visitors. Watch it here.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
Whether you’re a budget traveler or a high roller, HotelPlanner.com has the best deals for you.
Louisville Marriott Downtown hotel is the city’s newest grand tradition for important business events, stylish social gatherings or weekend escapes. Step into a fresh new space of contemporary design and experience unparalleled service complemented by travel friendly enhancements. Featuring 616 guest rooms & suites, 2 concierge levels and 50,000 square feet of meeting space, this premiere convention hotel provides Pedway connection to the Kentucky International Convention Center and Louisville’s bustling new Fourth Street Live district.
Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown is in the heart of downtown Louisville, within walking distance of Mercury Ballroom, Louisville Palace and the Kentucky International Convention Center. For a unique experience, take the elevator to the 8th floor to find the only rooftop bar in Louisville, 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen. 8UP is a dazzling all glass drinking and dining experience offering unparalleled views of downtown Louisville. Whether lounging al fresco or enjoying the dining room, 8UP offers a myriad of experiences designed to please the sophisticated palates and celebrate the spirit of fun that is Louisville.
The Brown Hotel is an elegant historical hotel located in downtown Louisville. Built in 1923, The Brown offers 293 extra large and elegantly designed guest rooms and over 26,000 square feet of meeting space. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the entire hotel in addition to complimentary 24 hour hotel airport shuttle. The Brown Hotel was named one of the “Best 500 Hotels of the World” by Travel & Leisure and one of the “Top Hotels of the South” by Condé Nast. The Brown is a 4 diamond hotel with 2 lounges and 2 restaurants. The English Grill provides international favorites with a regional flare.
As one of the most famous Louisville traditions, Hot Brown sandwiches are so good that their namesake, The Brown Hotel, sells more than 800 a week. An open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a delicate Mornay sauce is all it takes to put this place on a number of new outlets and TV shows.
21c Museum Hotel is a boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, award-winning restaurant and cultural civic center all in one. As one of the most unique hotels in Louisville, discover the plush amenities featured in one of 91 luxurious guest rooms such as free WiFi, 42-inch HDTVs, Nespresso machines, designer toiletries and room service; select rooms offer semi-private rooftop terraces. 21c is also home to one of the hottest restaurants in Louisville, Proof on Main. Whatever the occasion, 21c and Proof on Main have the space that will ensure your gathering is the talk of the town. With over 9,000 square feet of art-filled event space, 21c is the ideal setting for any other special occasion.
Proof on Main is one of the most visited restaurants in Louisville with a knowledgeable staff of mixologists who will happily guide you through bourbon flights or introduce you to one of their innovative bourbon cocktails. And the food? Their locally sourced Southern fare is out of this world.
WHAT TO DO
Kentucky has more barrels of bourbon than it has people. Take a tour through the nine distilleries or try drinking your way through the Urban Bourbon Trail. Across the city, the Urban Bourbon Trail covers over 20 establishments, each offering an unique Bourbon experience. Don’t forget to pickup your official Urban Bourbon Trail passport at your first stop or download it on your phone so after you visit 6 of the establishments you can get a free shirt.
Explore Louisville’s historic district, Old Louisville, and its neighborhood full of Victorian-era homes. The amazing architecture is well preserved and will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 1800’s.
Horse racing in Kentucky dates back to the 1700’s. As home of the longest continually running sporting event in America, the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs is worth a visit. They frequently have events that are suitable for the entire family.
Head down Museum Row to the Muhammad Ali Center, and come away with a “greater sense of self, a greater sense of others and a greater sense of purpose“ after learning about the world’s greatest heavyweight.
Take a picture in front of the “World’s Biggest Bat” at the Louisville Slugger Museum. Weighing 68,000 pounds and standing 120-feet tall, The Big Bat is an exact-scale replica of Babe Ruth’s 34-inch Louisville Slugger bat. Whether you’re a fan of baseball or not, this museum is full of interesting relics and you can even tour the factory where they still make bats today.
Casey Key is a John Carroll University graduate from Pittsburgh, PA. With a degree in International Business and Italian Studies, she spent two years teaching English in Italy before moving to West Palm Beach to work for HotelPlanner and Meetings.com. She loves music, traveling and anything outdoors. Follow @CK_HotelPlanner
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