Gratz Park Inn: Excellent Accommodations In The Heart Of Lexington, KY

Review of The Sire Hotel Lexington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton | 120 West Second Street
The Sire Hotel Lexington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
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Connie
Connie 
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Gratz Park Inn, the only historic hotel in Lexington, Kentucky is a short walk from both Rupp Arena, the basketball hub of the University of Kentucky, and the Mary Todd Lincoln House. Gratz Park Inn is a wonderful option when visiting this city. With luxurious rooms, a garden courtyard, a library, free Wi-Fi and a five-star restaurant in the lobby, the needs of guests are readily satisfied.

Historic inn in a historic neighborhood

Canopied entrance to Gratz Park Inn
Source: Connie Pearson

Originally commissioned by three physicians in 1916 and built as a clinic, it grew to include nine doctors and more rooms were added. When that clinic outgrew its original facility and moved to Harrodsburg Road, Fuller Engineering took over until 1976. Finally, in 1987, renovation was begun to make it into a hotel, and the building was completely gutted and reoriented so that guests could reach the lobby from a canopied entrance in a private parking lot. An additional story was added, so now Gratz Park Inn is three-story hotel and a proud member of Historic Hotels of America.

Within a few blocks, guests can walk to the Lexington Cemetery where many members of prominent Lexington families are buried, Gratz Park Historic District where they will find Transylvania University and the Hunt-Morgan House, and to the Mary Todd Lincoln House.

Accessible guest rooms with lovely antique furniture and four-poster beds.

Guest room with two queen-size beds
Source: Connie Pearson

Even though Gratz Park Inn only has eleven guest rooms, every room is accessible via the wheelchair ramp at the entrance and the elevator near the front door. Each of the rooms is comfortably furnished with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, cable TV, 19th century antique reproduction furniture, artwork from area artists, complimentary gourmet coffee, a wellness and fitness center, free Wi-Fi and bathrooms with Tarocco toiletries and thick towels.

Luxurious lobby with a library and a grand piano

A view of the lobby looking from the reception desk
Source: Connie Pearson

The lobby at Gratz Park Inn invites its guests to sit and stay awhile. The furnishings are refined and classic. An ample library allows guests to sit, sip a drink and browse its collection. A fireplace, beautiful art pieces and a grand piano add to the elegance.

Outdoor seating and secure guest parking

Outdoor sitting area
Source: Steve Pearson

Guest parking is complimentary, and an outdoor garden setting allows guests to enjoy the peaceful scenery and colorful flowers when the weather permits. It is especially nice to be able to leave your car and just walk a few short blocks to plenty of neighborhood restaurants.

So many attractions to enjoy during a visit to Lexington

Keeneland horses racing fresh out of the gate
Source: Steve Pearson

In addition to the basketball frenzy of winter and spring created by the Kentucky Wildcats of the University of Kentucky, Lexington is home to many horse farms, horse parks and Keeneland, a popular racing facility. Keeneland’s racing months are April and October, but if you can’t visit during those times, you can still take a tour of Kentucky Horse Park, American Saddlebred Museum and The Thoroughbred Center. Horse farm tours can even be arranged by the vanload or with private guides just by contacting the Lexington Visitors Center. Red Mile is this area’s oldest racetrack, dating back to 1875, and it offers seasonal racing, as well.

If your interests are geared more to art, theater and music, Lexington is home to ArtsPlace, the Art Museum at the University of Kentucky, Kentucky Theater, Lexington Opera House and the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center.

Many come to Lexington because of its prominent place on the Bourbon Trail. That thirst can be satisfied at Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, Barrel House Distilling Company, Bluegrass Distillers, Grimes Mill Winery, Talon Winery and Vineyards and Town Branch Distillery, to name a few well-known ones.

Hot browns, beer cheese and fried banana peppers

Fried banana peppers at Winchell's
Source: Connie Pearson

Some of the food specialties in Lexington are hot browns, beer cheese and fried banana peppers. A Kentucky hot brown is an open-faced sandwich with slices of ham and turkey smothered in melted cheese. Beer cheese is a smooth dip consisting of beer, cheese and spices such as cayenne pepper, garlic and dry mustard and is served with fresh vegetables or chips and crackers. Fried banana peppers are exactly how they sound, lightly breaded and best served hot. Winchell’s is a great place to try all three of these, but they are also on the menu at Merrick Inn, Ramsey’s Diner and Windy Corner Market.

Two neighborhood breakfast cafes were recommended within a couple of blocks. They are Doodles at 262 N. Limestone and Lexington Diner at 124 N. Upper Street. Both will give you a good taste of observing the locals while you eat your omelets or pancakes.

Five-star restaurant on site

Distilled at Gratz Park
Source: Connie Pearson

Distilled Restaurant and Bourbon Bar is located across from the reception desk in the lobby. It is also called “Distilled at Gratz Park Inn.” Chef Mark Wombles and his staff deliver farm-to-table Southern cuisine that is raised to a sumptuous level and artfully presented. It is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Perfectly located to take advantage of Lexington's diversity

Whether you are a history buff, a horse-racing fan, an avid Kentucky Wildcat, a foodie or a bourbon connoisseur, Gratz Park Inn is ideally located to take advantage of Lexington’s many sights, tastes and sounds. Numerous examples are within easy walking distance. Others can be reached by car within minutes. You will enjoy a comfortable night and be ready to explore Lexington the following day. So, whether you are coming for work, vacation or a special event, you will want to make your reservations for this elegant hotel as soon as you make your plans.

Gratz Park Inn does welcome pets that are two feet (0.6 m) and under in height with a 125 USD pet fee to ensure that the next guests have a clean, fresh experience. Pets are given cozy pet beds, along with food and water bowls.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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