Clik here to view.
From homely B&Bs, to ultra-chic boltholes, grand hotels oozing old-style Southern charm and even a casino – Louisville has something to suit every taste and pocket
21c Museum Hotel
Louisville's newest and highest regarded luxury hotel began life as a row of tattered tobacco and bourbon warehouses. From those humble origins, 21c has risen up to be a shining example of hotel marrying a love of modern art and a commitment to Southern hospitality. Nearly every inch of 21c brings the "museum" part of the hotel to life. From the outdoor installation of a 30ft shimmering gold replica of Michelangelo's David by conceptual artist Serkan Özkaya to the exhibits in the lobby galleries to individual pieces in guest rooms, art is all around. The hotel's restaurant, Proof on Main, offers an innovative "farm-to-table" inspired menu which is updated frequently to take advantage of the best seasonal offerings from local farms and the restaurant's own gardens.
• 700 W Main Street, +1 502 217 6300, 21cmuseumhotels.com. Doubles from $229
Galt House Hotel
Easy walking distance to just about any downtown venue or attraction makes the Galt House a strong contender for the "best location" prize amongst Louisville hotels. A stay here isn't complete without a trip to Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar, a stop on the Urban Bourbon Trail offering more than 150 bourbons. Consider splurging on dinner at Rivue, the revolving restaurant that sits atop the hotel. Rivue's 25th-storey location offers magnificent views of the city and the Ohio River.
• 140 N Fourth Street, +1 502 589 5200, galthouse.com. Doubles from $125
Seelbach Hilton
The Seelbach was the inspiration for the location of Tom and Daisy Buchanan's wedding in The Great Gatsby. F Scott Fitzgerald made a habit of drinking at (and getting kicked out of) the bar at the Seelbach, so Louisvillians give the hotel credit for inspiring one of the greatest American novels. It's not hard to feel like you've stepped back into Gatsby's era when visiting. Classic early 20th-century style and luxury permeate the hotel to this day. Dinner in the Oak Room or drinks in the Old Seelbach Bar enhance that feeling.
• 500 S Fourth Street, +1 502 585 3200, seelbachhilton.com. Doubles from $199
The Brown Hotel
Another classic luxury hotel with early 20th-century style and Southern charm, the Brown Hotel is surrounded by entertainment options and restaurants, including the hotel's own highly regarded English Grill. The Brown Hotel is the namesake for a famous Louisville dish called a "Hot Brown". A variation on Welsh rarebit, the open sandwich, consisting of turkey and bacon covered in mornay sauce, was created at the Brown in 1926. You'll find the Hot Brown on menus all around town, so be sure to try one before you leave Louisville.
• 335 West Broadway, +1 502 583 1234, brownhotel.com. Doubles from $199
Tucker House Bed and Breakfast
A preference for fresh air and tranquility is required for a stay at this charming B&B, 15 minutes from downtown Louisville. Set on a five-acre estate, this farmhouse inn offers a "gourmet country breakfast" and immersion in the beautiful Kentucky countryside. The inn has a heated in-ground pool and the grounds offer guests a chance to hike around through woods and around a small lake. The B&B offers a great rate of $89 per night for single travellers staying Sunday to Thursday nights.
• 2406 Tucker Station Road, +1 502 297 8007, tuckerhouse1840.com. Doubles from $105
DuPont Mansion Bed and Breakfast
The DuPont Mansion is in Old Louisville, the second largest historic preservation district in the United States, and offers a variety of room choices with something for nearly every travel budget. The hotel takes the "breakfast" part of bed and breakfast just as seriously as the "bed", so expect an impressive spread each morning to start your day. After breakfast spend a little time in Central Park, which is just steps from the B&B, or take a very short drive to downtown museums or Churchill Downs, each just minutes away.
• 1317 S Fourth Street, +1 502 638 0045, dupontmansion.com. Doubles from $129
Inn at Woodhaven
The Inn at Woodhaven's eight guest accommodations are built for privacy and relaxation. Spread over three buildings (including a private cottage), all feature exquisite design details. Depending on the specific room, luxury amenities range from a spa tub for two, a private patio, a canopy bed and 10-ft tall steam shower. The Inn offers generous breakfast options, including a continental breakfast or a two-course meal. Complimentary after-dinner liqueurs, desserts and other snacks provided by the innkeepers make guests feel right at home. In addition, the inn offers the convenience of a central location and the peaceful quiet of the suburbs.
• 401 South Hubbards Lane, +1 502 895 1011, innatwoodhaven.com. Doubles from $119
Aleksander House Bed and Breakfast
This B&B in Old Louisville offers guests the chance to experience an immaculately cared-for Victorian mansion and its well-tended gardens. Aleksander House has a combination of guest rooms (some with shared baths) and suites to accommodate travelling parties from one guest up to six. Room and suite decor ranges from traditional with period furnishings to modern eclectic. An outdoor deck overlooking the gardens is available for guests to enjoy. The B&B prides itself on offering delicious breakfast options for those with special dietary needs, including diabetic-friendly, vegan and gluten-free meals.
• 1213 S First Street, +1 502 637 4985, aleksanderhouse.com. Doubles from $124, but check with hotel for discounts
The Bashford Manor Inn
A convenient five miles from Louisville airport in a park-like setting, this farmhouse inn has a well-documented history, detectable in its atmosphere and decor. Most notable in its history is the record of Abraham Lincoln's social calls in 1841 and a stay by one of the infamous James Gang in 1889. Enjoy canopy beds, deep clawfoot tubs and copper drencher showers, as well as all the modern amenities like Wi-Fi, wet bar, microwave and laundry facilities you'd expect. Breakfast is prepared to order and features a variety of choices direct from local farmers and is served with fair-trade coffee.
• 2227 Bashford Manor Lane, +1 502 295 9005, bashfordmanor.com. Doubles from $77
Horseshoe Casino
Just 20 minutes from downtown Louisville, the Horseshoe Casino offers special deals and packages for hotel guests, including online rates as low as $79 per night. Closer to downtown than many Louisville suburbs, the Horseshoe offers the nicest hotel experience at a sub-$80 price point in the area. With a steakhouse, deli, Pan-Asian restaurant, ice-cream parlour, and on-site spa, the casino complex is studded with conveniences.
• 11999 Casino Center Drive SE, Elizabeth, Indiana, +1 812 969 6000, horseshoe-indiana.com. Doubles from $69
Prices do not include hotel and city taxes
Michelle Jones is a writer and photographer from Louisville. She is the founder of local arts and culture blog Consuming Louisville
• For more information on holidays in the USA, visit DiscoverAmerica.com