Where to Stay for the Kentucky Derby
The first leg of the Triple Crown, run on the first Saturday in May, with the Kentucky Oaks the day before. It takes place at Churchill Downs, in south Louisville. Most visitors use shuttles or rideshare; Derby-day traffic is heavy. Hotels sell out early for Derby weekend, often with multi-night minimums and premium rates. The 5 hotels below are chosen for easy access to the event.
Dates by year
Where to stay
- Downtown Louisville — best hotels and bourbon bars
- NuLu — boutique and dining
- Highlands — local restaurants
Hotels
#1 · Drive · about 10 minutes by car · 3.1 mi
★★★★★
The Brown Hotel
1923 Georgian Revival landmark.
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#2 · Drive · about 10 minutes by car · 3.7 mi
★★★★
The Myriad Hotel Louisville, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
A four-star stay about 3.7 miles from Churchill Downs.
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#3 · Drive · about 10 minutes by car · 3.6 mi
★★★★
Omni Louisville Hotel
Downtown hotel with a rooftop pool.
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#4 · Drive · about 10 minutes by car · 3.8 mi
★★★★★
21c Museum Hotel Louisville
Art museum hotel on Museum Row.
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#5 · Drive · about 10 minutes by car · 3.9 mi
★★★★
The Galt House Hotel
Riverfront hotel downtown.
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Getting there
Most visitors use shuttles or rideshare; Derby-day traffic is heavy.
Shuttles and rideshare; Derby-day traffic and parking are very tight.
Hotel prices
Derby weekend rates are among the highest of any US event, often with three-night minimums.
Before & after the game
Whiskey Row's bourbon bars downtown.
Tips
- Visit tip
- Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum on a non-race day.
- About the venue
- Hotels sell out early for Derby weekend, often with multi-night minimums and premium rates.
Hotelaholic is an independent travel resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizers of the Kentucky Derby or Churchill Downs.