We all need a staycation or a trip to a different city from time to time. Whether you’re a Louisvillian feeling a little cooped up or a visitor looking for a special Derby City experience, picking the perfect home away from home is crucial.
We went looking for unique lodgings around town that showcase that Louisville spirit. So choose your ideal digs, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable getaway.
Park Place is located on the edge of Cherokee Park.
Photo by Luxury Rentals Louisville
Parkside retreats
Luxury Villa | E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
This modern, custom-built home with an open floor plan has huge bay windows throughout to take in the surroundings of the 550-acre park it’s located within. The outdoor areas include flowers, trees, a small garden, deck, and a fire pit.
Blue Bourbon | Iroquois Park
Steps away from the front door of this periwinkle-colored house is one of Louisville’s three flagship parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The two-bedroom short-term rental has a trendy interior + a private fire pit hangout area outside.
Park Place | Cherokee Park
Immersed in the beauty of Cherokee Park, this five-bedroom brick home has a courtyard overlooking the park + a private backyard with a lounge and stone fireplace. Inside, it’s a modern masterpiece with artistic touches. You have to see the copper soaking tub with the white chandelier above it.
Artistic sanctuaries
“Asleep in the Cyclone” | Downtown
This site-specific sculpture doubles as a basement hotel room at the 21C Museum Hotel downtown. It was created by New York-based artists Jonah Freeman + Justin Lowe and is based on the 1960s counter-culture community called Drop City. The room features a geodesic ceiling, split-level shag carpet floor, record player, and artist-designed linens.
Auto Aficionado’s Paradise | Mockingbird Valley
As if the designer finishes, art collection, salt water infinity pool, home theater, and two rooftop decks weren’t enough, this 12,000-sqft rental also includes a private 20-car automobile collection. The floor-to-ceiling windows aren’t too shabby either.
Artist’s Cottage | Irish Hill
Check into this quaint two-bedroom home outfitted with art-making supplies, musical instruments, books, games, movies, and more. Perched on a cliff overlooking downtown, this stay offers privacy with convenient access to the city.
Take in views of the Ohio River via The River’s Edge Oasis.
Photo via VRBO
Rooms with a view
The River’s Edge Oasis | Glenview
Take in the sweeping views of the Ohio River from almost any room inside this riverside bungalow. This one-bedroom stay is less than 10 minutes away from downtown and comes with a telescope for optimal viewing.
The Galt House | Downtown
Book a riverside room to take in views of the Ohio River at this legendary Louisville hotel, which first opened in 1835. But the real room with the view is the dining room. Located on the top floor, the hotel’s restaurant, Swizzle, has a 360-degree view of the Ohio River thanks to its revolving floors. That’s right, they spin while you’re eating.
The Omni Hotel | Downtown
Select king suites offer stunning views of the Louisville skyline and Whiskey Row downtown, but you can also see the beauty of Derby City via the rooftop pool on top of the 30-story hotel. The Omni also features a speakeasy bowling alley below ground.
Hideaways with history
The Myriad Hotel | Highlands
Located in a former disco ball factory on Baxter Avenue, this 65-room boutique hotel hasn’t forgotten its groovy roots. The urban oasis — complete with a pool — has velvety retro vibes throughout + a glitter ball light display in the lobby.
Gaffney House | Glenview
This restored riverside abode was designed + built by famous Louisville architect James J. Gaffney in the early 19th century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The two-level house is a hodgepodge of architectural elements from Gaffney’s career, including 10+ different kinds of tile work, Gothic arches, and intricate crown molding.
Gralehaus Bed & Beverage | Highlands
Wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee in one of three rooms located directly above the Gralehaus cafe. Each room comes with daily drink tokens that can be redeemed downstairs, so you can get a taste of the coffee, too. The self-check-in B&B was once a Victorian home and guests can see remnants of its past in the exposed brick and wooden ceilings. It’s also located across from the upscale gastropub Holy Grale, operated by the same group.
