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.
Progress Park | Buechel
Get your “glamp” on at this Airstream resort. Visitors get access to amenities like fire wood, grills, hammocks, picnic tables, kayaks, pickle ball, tether ball, and more while staying in luxury Airstream trailers. It doubles as an event space, with several lake houses and bunk houses + 10,000 sqft. of event space.
Cozy Guest Suite | Harrods Creek
This mother-in-law suite is right off River Road and a short distance to the Lewis and Clark Bridge Trail. The property is shaded and secluded by surrounding woods, offering a rustic feel near the amenities of the city, and there’s a fire pit to keep you warm on those cold evenings.
Pendleton Hill Homestead | Shepherdsville
Leave everything behind when you stay on this 80-acre natural property — it’s got everything you need for a refreshing getaway. Hike the trails, fish in the pond, and cook your partner breakfast in bed with farm fresh eggs.
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.
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.
Seelbach Hotel | Downtown
One of Louisville’s oldest hotels was built in 1905, with history that includes F. Scott Fitzgerald, Al Capone, and the mysterious Lady in Blue. Pro tip: Book the “Great Gatsby"-themed suite to stay in rooms inspired by Daisy and Tom Buchanan. Fitzgerald allegedly frequented the hotel during his time at Camp Taylor, and it helped inspire the Gilded Age novel.
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.
Haunted Hideaway | PRP
This goth getaway leans into its proximity to Wavery Hills Sanitorium, with skeletal decorations both inside and out. Local art lines the walls, and you can work on the go from the home office — you might blur your background for zoom meetings, unless you want to give your co-workers a fright.
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.
