Please recommend a nice hotel in Louisville.

1. Any ideas on a "special" one... instead of generic chain-type... anywhere in area.

2. We are planning to take in the horse races at Churchill Downs...
ANY ideas on a convenient, nice hotel (even generic chain-type!) in that area.

Thanks!

hello from Louisville1 Whenare you visiting? First, there are no hotels near Churchill Downs. A rather seedy area, alas. However, I suggest you stay at one of the lovely B&Bs in old Louisville; very short drive. The Culbertson Mansion is wonderful, as are many in old Louisville close to Central Park. Downtown has the Brown and Seelbach- both lovely, very old. Great restaurants yet tiny old rooms, few amenities and spotty service. Downtown, you might enjoy the Galt House on the river. It is close to 4th St Live and the free trolleys which roam around town. Again, I suggest staying at a B&B in Old Louisville! Have fun!

If you should decide on the Galt House, be sure to stay on the newer, all-suite side (I think it is the Galt House East). The Galt House is a big convention hotel and my friends and I have always referred to it as the "Gaudy House", because of it's tacky, 1970's Americana decor. When I was there in February, they had almost completed a full renovation of the East side and the rooms on that side are huge suites, tastefully done in soft greens, corals, and creams. The older side had yet to be renovated and was still gold, orange, and avocado green.

The Seelbach is wonderful! The rooms are not spacious, but they are adequate and very pretty, with large antique furniture and pretty decor. Though I agree about few amenities, I am surprised about the spotty service comment; our was excellent. We were a little high maintenance that weekend, but everyone who dealt with us was exceedingly helpful, even doting on us, really. After we intitally checked in my husband was even greeted by name several times over the course of our stay (by recognition, not over the phone). We also asked a question in passing about the ceiling in the lobby and ended up getting a personal guided tour of the hotel! (Which, by the way, has many, many intriguing fascinations!) We drank at the bar and had dinner at the restaurant there. The restaurant was pricey but well worth it for both the food and the service. We wre there for a job interview and it turned out to be a nice vacation!

I am glad you enjoyed the Seelbach. I have stayed there several times and on 2 occasions had problems with management. One time, we didn't receive our champagne and appetizers. We had to call twice and it took them 2 hours to deliver it! Another time, we spent a half hour at front desk trying to get the bill staright. For what you pay, this shouldn't happen. However, one package included breakfast in the room which was fantastic. The rooms really are very small and they have no view, no workout room, etc. The food is great, though. I mentioned the Galt House because you have that great river view and there are lots of things to do within walking distance but yes, the old one is tacky, just like the Executive Inns. They were decorated by the owner's color blind daughter and are famous for their decor, LOL! I much prefer the Culbertson Mansion, The Inn at the Park, The Rocking Horse, etc. It's close to the Downs, yet very lovely area and personal service.Check it out. http://www.oldlouisville.com/BandB.htm

Thanks for all your help! It really looked like plenty of good choices!

We decided to let money rule and bid priceline 4*... probably Brown and Seelbach would be the choices. We got the Seelbach for $80.

It turned out to be perfect for what I was looking for. It has a very elegant atmosphere. There aren't many hotels around with the historical charm the Seelbach offered. The staff was extremely gracious. The lobby beautiful! The linens looked brand new. The only negative was the small room and tiny bathroom... but I'll take that any day along with the charm this hotel had to offer. Next year it will celebrate it's 100th birthday. Hope I look that good at 100!

Again... thanks for your help!