Are you planning for a memorable vacation in Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky? Be sure to visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn all about the city’s annual horseracing event. For a thrilling experience, head to Mega Zips, a unique zip line course that’s completely underground. You can also enjoy a relaxing picnic at Beckley Creek Park with your friends and family. If you want cozy accommodations with character, consider booking a historic hotel in the heart of the downtown area. This will give you easy access to all local attractions and establishments. Read on to know more about the best historic hotels in Louisville, Kentucky.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 27, 2025.
1. The Grady Hotel (from USD 183)
On-site restaurant serving delicious food, excellent breakfast options, and friendly service.
Reasonable pricing for downtown location and amenities.
Conveniently located in the heart of distillery row, walking distance to museums, restaurants, and attractions.
Elegant interior design, unique historic building, and friendly staff.
Nowadays, you’ll find unique modern artworks with a particular focus on local talents inside the walls of The Grady Hotel. Head back in time, however, and you’ll be surprised to know that noted pharmacist J. B. Wilder commissioned the building as an apothecary. It was where he created bourbon bitters and elixirs for medicinal purposes in 1883.
You won’t need any medicines to relax in this stunning hotel. It has a pet-friendly policy, which means that you can take your whole family. There are 51 sophisticated and elegant rooms that feel contemporary yet unique. Expect tufted headboards, industrial-style lighting, and reclaimed wooden accents.
The Grady Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
351 meters (0.3 ft) from Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
2. The Brown Hotel (from USD 182)
The interior of this expansive hotel boasts a Georgian-Revival design, with ornate ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and upholstered furniture. Opened in 1923, the first person who signed the guest book was none other than the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, David Lloyd George. From politicians to royalty — Queen Marie of Romania visited in 1926 — this hotel has entertained them all.
The charm of The Brown Hotel is that it blends tradition with modernity. In its elegant rooms, you’ll find high-speed WiFi and HD television. Communal areas feature colorful yet soft lighting displays, transporting you back to the early 20th century.
The Brown Hotel
1.33 km (0.9 mi) from Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
3. The Seechbach Hilton Louisville (from USD 156)
You’ll be whisked back in time when you book a stay at The Seelbach Hilton Louisville. When Prohibition was in place, this establishment saw plenty of action from many famous figures that have walked through the doors. This history tells us that Lucky Luciano, Dutch Schultz, and even the infamous Al Capone frequented the site. American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald was also a patron, and he used the hotel as a model for his most famous work, The Great Gatsby.
Nowadays, The Seelbach Hilton invites guests to a lavish environment from the Roaring Twenties. The rooms are spacious, bright, and elegant. Splash out on one of the magnificent suites, and enjoy being surrounded by perfection. Near the property, you’ll be nipping in and out of cozy antique stores, boutiques, and trendy cafes.
The Seelbach Hilton Louisville
896 meters (0.6 ft) from Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
4. Galt House Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel (from USD 114)
Alongside its long-running history, the highlight of this hotel is its waterfront location by the Ohio River. The original Galt House opened in 1835 but burned in 1865. The second version of the hotel lasted during the economically affluent period until 1921. Finally, the third legacy of the Galt House, which stands today, was designed in 1972.
A key feature of this property is the iconic observatory walk between the two towers. Here, you will enjoy exquisite waterfront views. The rooms have been specially curated to represent the timeline, both past and future, of the area. You can choose between a spacious modern room or indulge in a luxurious suite.
Galt House Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel
685 meters (0.5 ft) from Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
5. 21c Museum Hotel Louisville (from USD 204)
With a history that dates back to the 1800s, this hotel has always been an integral part of the local community. For many years, a portion of five warehouses in the riverside port served as Falls City Tobacco Bank. Today, the entire plot has been lovingly restored to hold the 21c Museum Hotel, a popular boutique location and exhibition space.
Spacious modern rooms come with HD televisions, free WiFi, and original artwork. A business center and an events space are also available within the premises.
21c Museum Hotel Louisville This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
201 meters (0.2 ft) from Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
6. Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown (from USD 140)
Stunning 100-year-old architecture awaits guests of the historic Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown. Carefully restored into a hotel, this landmark building has been welcoming people through its doors since it first opened in 1907. You will find the original timepiece that once adorned the front of the building in the lobby, and the design pays homage to previous businesses held within its four walls.
While here, enjoy the swimming pool, complimentary breakfast, evening receptions, and standardized Hilton rooms. Located in the Downtown Business District, you’ll have easy access to local attractions and establishments.
Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown
891 meters (0.6 ft) from Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Enjoy the grandeur of Louisville's historic hotels
These timeless hotels offer excellent accommodation in stunning environments. Featuring glittering chandeliers, exquisite artwork, world-class service, and connections to notable historical figures, have a lavish holiday in one of these hotels.
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