The city of Lexington is a top destination for horse racing enthusiasts, with lots of horse-themed attractions to get you in the spirit of the sport. This is also a family-friendly and affordable destination that makes for a perfect road trip from the Midwest, South, or East Coast. So, as you plan your Lexington adventure, here are our top picks for hotels to stay at. Each of these hotels provides a wonderful home base for seeing the sights and experiencing the unique life and culture that Lexington has to offer.
Hyatt Regency Lexington
The Hyatt Regency hotel in town is a great pick for both business and pleasure travelers. It offers exclusive access to the Lexington Convention Center and Rupp Arena, and it has 366 rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi and Starbucks coffee for the coffeemakers. Some rooms have views of the Historic Triangle Park and downtown Lexington too. Guests will also enjoy being close to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the University of Kentucky while staying here. You can access the 24-hour fitness center, sun deck, and indoor heated pool. And getting here and around town is easy with free self-parking and a free shuttle to the airport. The onsite restaurant is called BlueFire Bar & Grill, which serves American cuisine just off the lobby.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Lexington
Lexington’s DoubleTree is also a good choice for your next trip to Kentucky because the facility is beautiful and the staff is very friendly and helpful. It’s also close to the University of Kentucky and downtown Lexington, but the DoubleTree embodies a French-style of architecture and European décor throughout the interior. You’ll receive a chocolate chip cookie when you arrive and then enjoy the luxury of an oversized whirlpool tub, free Wi-Fi, and two LCD HDTVs. The superior suites here have private balconies that open up into the atrium. The onsite restaurant is casual and called Angie’s Restaurant, which is open for all three meals. Dogs up to 50 pounds are allowed at this hotel for a non-refundable deposit of $75.
21c Museum Hotel
For a more unique stay in Lexington and to embrace your artsy side, consider booking one of the 88 rooms at the 21c Museum Hotel. This is a boutique hotel and a contemporary art museum all in one. It’s also where Executive Chef Jonathan Searle’s Lockbox restaurant is located in downtown Lexington. There is over 7,000 square feet of exhibition space here, a museum shop, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, and laundry service at the 21c Museum Hotel. The museum here is free and open to the public, with docent-led tours offered at 5pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. The exhibits rotate, so it’s fun to come back here even if you’ve visited in the past. There are pet-friendly rooms available for dogs up to 50 pounds and for a one-time fee of $75 per stay. The overnight valet parking with in and out privileges is $23 per night.
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa is a convenient and private place to stay that’s a few minutes away from downtown. Therefore, you can feel like you’re on a getaway vacation without being too far from the city’s top attractions at the same time. There are seven floors, 395 rooms, and 12 suites here. Onsite you’ll find a spa, pool complex, fitness center, and an 18-hole golf course. For dinner, stop by JW’s Steakhouse, or swing by the 19th Hole for a drink. Walk-ins are welcome at the spa, but appointments are encouraged. In addition to massages and facials, the Spa at Griffin Gate offers foot baths, kids’ services, men’s services, manicures and pedicures, body wraps, and lip and eye treatments. Breakfast is offered at the hotel, but not included in the standard room rate. The buffet breakfast is $16.95, and the continental breakfast is $14.95. Pets are welcome here, a maximum of two per room, for a nonrefundable fee of $100.
The Campbell House Lexington
This hotel has newly renovated guestrooms with an equine theme and a smoke-free environment. The rooms here have 37-inch flat screen TVs, pillowtop mattresses, and complimentary Wi-Fi and parking for guests. This is a great place to get into the spirit of horse racing with themed rooms and Kentucky culture. Overall, this is a lovely boutique hotel with historic charm that’s in walking distance to lots of restaurants. Pets are allowed with a maximum weight of 50 pounds and for a nonrefundable deposit of $75.
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson
This Country Inn & Suites by Carlson is conveniently located near Rupp Arena and the University of Kentucky. It’s also about 11 miles from the Blue Grass Airport and right off I-75. What’s great about this hotel is that a free hot breakfast is included in your room rate and that Wi-Fi is included too. Breakfast is served on weekdays from 6am to 9:30am and on weekends and holidays from 7am to 10:30am. Here you’ll find everything from bacon and eggs to waffles, fresh fruit, and yogurt. TGI Fridays, the Smashing Tomato, and other restaurants are located nearby for dinner. There’s a heated indoor pool and hot tub here, as well as a fitness center and 24-hour business center. Outdoor parking is free, and kids under 18 stay free as well when they’re in the same room as an adult.
Embassy Suites Lexington
The Embassy Suites in Lexington also offers a complimentary made-to-order breakfast, as well as an evening reception with drinks and snacks. Paddock Grille & Bar is onsite for casual American dining, and there’s an indoor heated swimming pool and fitness center onsite too. This is a favorite place among business travelers because lots of top companies, like Toyota, Tempur-Sealy, and Lexmark, are located nearby. This is an all-suite hotel with 13 meeting rooms and a ballroom too.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Downtown Lexington
The last hotel we’ll mention here is the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in downtown Lexington. This hotel is about five miles from the Blue Grass Airport and two blocks from the University of Kentucky. It offers free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and whirlpool, fitness center, business center, and free breakfast included with the room rate.
