5 Best Hotels in Kentucky, USA

This small, European-style hotel is on the edge of historic Gratz Park. The Federalist–Georgian architecture and decor are inviting, and the house reportedly is home to a friendly ghost.

The Historic Cottages, across the lawn in a semicircle on the south side of the Lodge, are wooden cottages on stone foundations near the site of the original Mammoth Cave Hotel, rustic yet comfortably furnished. They are air-conditioned, but supply no TV or Wi-Fi. Each cottage sleeps two people.

The Sunset Terrace consists of a row of 20 rooms close to the edge of the blufftop near the Heritage Trail, with windows providing views of the deep woodlands extending into the hollows. The rooms, which sleep up to five people on two queens beds (roll-away bed available upon request) have a mini-refrigerator, coffeemaker, air-conditioning, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Four of the Sunset Terrace rooms are ADA-accessible. Pets are not permitted.

The Woodland Cottages, adjacent to the park's main picnic area, are rustic cabins with one to four bedrooms, providing either queen or twin beds, a shower, ceiling fans, mini-refrigerator, coffeemaker, and screened windows and doors for each room. Linens for bed and bath are provided. There is no air-conditioning or heat, and no TV, Wi-Fi, or cooking facilities. Cabins with multiple bedrooms are joined by shared bathrooms. These cabins are pet-friendly for a small additional charge. Call the Lodge to inquire about reservations for the three- and four-room cabins.

Seven U.S. presidents and such notables as gangster Al Capone, the Duchess of York, and author F. Scott Fitzgerald (who set a scene in The Great Gatsby here) have stayed at this historic hotel, which celebrated its 100 anniversary in 2005. Check out the live jazz in the bar off the lobby before retiring to your four-poster for the night.