A big event like the Kentucky Derby is almost always a stellar time. There is a huge event (and lead-up events) to get you hyped and fill your week with a great time. There is good food and amazing drinks. There is a sporting event with stellar athletes. What more could you want? But there is also a few huge headaches that come with these events. The first huge headache is almost always where to stay. Things get pricey, things book up fast. So, if you are like me and you procrastinated a bit, I reached out to the Louisville Tourism Board to get some insight on how to navigate the lodging situation. Also, they have some insight on how to get around this weekend if the usual Uber and Lyft are out of control.
Where should I stay
Ok, a place like Louisville isn’t simply about Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. There is the Louisville Slugger Museum (the baseball nerd in me is screaming to go again), it is also the landing place for most of us headed to the Bourbon Trail, and a slew of other things (side note: hit up Wild Hats for the best custom haberdashery in the region). That means there are a ton of places to stay as they cater to a traveling and transient crowd. So here is some guidance from the board.
“From historic hotel properties like the Brown Hotel and the Seelbach, to modern Bourbon-themed accommodations like Hotel Distil, Hotel Bourre Bonne, and the Omni Louisville, Louisville has plenty of boutique hotel options for a variety of travelers. Staying in the downtown and NuLu neighborhoods makes for easy and convenient access to some of the city’s top bars and restaurants. The Highlands neighborhood also offers some under-the-radar properties like The Bellwether and Myriad Hotel.”
Last-minute stays and hidden gems because I procrastinated
Alright. If you are reading this and you don’t have a place to stay yet, we’re the same kind of people. It is a busy weekend, and therefore, there is more than a decent chance (if not a certainty) that most of the places above are sold out. That means we need to get creative with places to stay while we slumber between events this weekend. So I asked the tourism board for two things: First, where are some off-the-beaten-path places to stay if I procrastinated (totally selfish, as this would be my predicament). And second, what are some hidden gems to check out while I am there?
“Places like Progress Park Airstream Resort, Chateau Bourbon, Louisville East, and Inn at Woodhaven are all also unique options outside of the downtown area. In fact, Louisville has many Bed & Breakfast options.”
And some hidden gems?
“Some interesting short-term rental options include the Blade & Bow Suite on Whiskey Row, Circo Loco, and The Gaffney House, and to get around typical short-term rental fees, we suggest booking straight through property companies like BNB Louisville and Louisville Derby Home Rental. You can always chance waiting to book until the week of for a long shot at lower rates, but there’s no guarantee that bet will pay off.”
Getting around during Derby weekend
Finally, getting around will undoubtedly be a little crazy. Uber and Lyft will likely be overburdened since there is an influx of people. If they aren’t, then great, you are covered by the usual suspects. If you are not covered, and/or if you would rather elevate your experience, there is a company called Extreme Transportation that will take you from your hotel to the front gate in style. You’re dressed the part, live the part. Also, if you have a car, there is a solution for the dozens of parking lots you may end up utilizing.
“Uber and Lyft both work within the city limits, and the downtown and NuLu neighborhoods are both very walkable. If you’re planning on driving to Churchill Downs during Derby Week, we suggest utilizing their free shuttle service from the Kentucky Exposition Center.”
Hopefully, you’re all set up. If not, then get on it as they will undoubtedly be running low on space now. Have fun this weekend and make sure to be dressed to the nines.
