Where to Stay in Louisville: The Brown Hotel

We recently returned from the land of Hunter S. Thompson, the Kentucky Derby, and bourbon. During our time in Louisville, we were lucky enough to stay at the fabulously genteel Brown Hotel. Built in 1923, this historic, 16-floor masterpiece was about to be our home for the next three days.

Let me start by saying, southern hospitality is real y’all. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were helped with smiles and charm. Now, I have stayed at The Brown before, but every time I walk into that lobby, I’m blown away. Every detail is opulent. Even the front desk is a work of art.

After checking in, we found our room. We stayed in one of the luxury rooms, which lived up to its name. Along with one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in, and a hand-knit Brown Hotel throw, we also had a couch, and a desk for me to write at. Every blogger loves a desk – oh, and the free WiFi! One of my favorite features was the bathtub. Usually a bathtub is not that important to me, but soaking my feet after the festival every night was one of the highlights of my day.

Some of their other amenities include:

• Mini fridges in every room
• Coffee maker (with actual delicious coffee!)
• Iron and ironing board
• Toiletries and hairdryer
• Flat screen TV with premium channels
• Literature with nearby restaurants and attractions
• 24-hour airport shuttle


While the hotel has lots to offer nearby, our focus for the weekend was Forecastle Festival. It was a quick 15 minute walk down to the waterfront, which we considered a little self-guided walking tour of Louisville. But festival aside, we were able to walk to a ton of nearby bars and restaurants, like one of our favorites, Garage Bar. We were also only a few walkable blocks away from the bustling Fourth Street Live district.

We quickly learned the Brown Hotel has quite the reputation in Louisville – historic, sophisticated, the location they shot Elizabethtown in. Every time we told someone we were staying at The Brown, their reaction was always wonderment. “Wow! You’re staying there?!” It wasn’t just a hotel, it was a place we felt lucky to stay.

Thank you again, Brown Hotel, for giving us a luxurious weekend.

 

Our room was offered at a media rate. All opinions are my own.

 
 

 
 

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52 thoughts on “Where to Stay in Louisville: The Brown Hotel

  1. What a cool hotel! Looks like something out of Harry Potter! I adore buildings with character, and this clearly has plenty. Glad you had a great visit!

  2. That is the prettiest front desk I have ever seen. And I also appreciate Southern US hospitality (though have only received it in Texas) – it’s really classy, old-school, genteel. Surprisingly – given the popular media view that the two should conflict mightily – it actually felt *less* jarring to a me as a Southeast Asian than say, European hospitality.

  3. Looks like a luxurious experience to stay at the Brown Hotel in Louisville. The place seems to have a good vibe! What a nice welcome gift! (assuming the bottles next to the personalized envelope!) Cheers.

  4. I love historic places like this. So fascinating and love the architecture. Thank you for making me aware of this.

  5. Sounds like a great place to stay! I’ve not spent a huge amount of time in the US yet, but I definitely plan on exploring one day. I’ll have to keep this place in mind for when I eventually go! 🙂

  6. The hotel looks nice. And with tv with premium channels, mini fridge, and free wifi available in the room, what else do you need to make everyone in your party smile?

  7. Great hotel review! A welcome kit with Makers Mark? Nice local southern touch I must say. And way to weave in the reference to Hunter S Thompson 😉 Now, ya think he would have imbided on the Makers Mark or, heaven forbid gone out of state and country with a fine Chivas? 😉

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