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Lexington

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About Lexington

Famed for being the ‘Horse Capital of the World’, Lexington fuses the cultural clout of a big city with the friendliness of a small Southern town. Nestled in Kentucky’s picturesque Bluegrass region, Lexington is also known as the ‘city in the park’, given the dozens of world-class horse farms which surround it. It’s not just horse-mad visitors who’ll love this city — anyone with a taste for bourbon, bluegrass music and laid-back southern style will find Lexington fascinating. Accommodation options, too, vary greatly, with everything from charming B&Bs in tranquil Versailles to swish city hotels in downtown Lexington fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, as a family or with friends, the best places to stay in Lexington and the surrounding landscape promise a characterful base from which to embark upon your adventures.

The region’s biggest annual attraction is the Kentucky Derby, taking place in nearby Louisville each May. The race is accompanied by a fabulous festival, too, and this is when you’ll see the Bluegrass region at its busiest. Come throughout the year to tour impressive horse farms, to discover the International Museum of the Horse, or to enjoy riding lessons and guided hacks through the bucolic countryside — a sure-fit hit with the kids. If riding’s not your thing, there are also myriad hiking trails and bicycle routes for outdoorsy types. The limestone cliffs of the Kentucky River Palisades are a particular highlight for walking.

Museum-goers, on the other hand, can tour the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, the Children’s Explorium or the Mary Todd Lincoln House — the childhood home of President Abraham Lincoln’s wife — amongst others. The seven-acre Lexington County Museum, with its 36 heritage buildings charting the area’s history, is a real favourite.

Finally, you’ll find distillery tours aplenty for whiskey lovers, as well as a plethora of bars and music venues where you can sip a glass of bourbon whilst listening to toe-tapping bluegrass tunes. And there’s excellent Southern fare, too! This is a deservedly popular destination — book your trip well in advance to guarantee a room at one of the best places to stay in Lexington.

The Best Places to Stay in Lexington

For a charming B&B

  • Charred Oaks Inn is a charming, adults-only B&B in Versailles, close to Keeneland Racecourse. The property's four spacious rooms feature carved four-poster beds and antique furnishings with floral textiles. Old-school Southern style, complete with hearty breakfasts and a tranquil feel. Romantic.
  • A Storybook Inn promises a luxurious boutique stay in one of seven guestrooms, set within a gorgeous heritage house. Families are welcome, and little ones will enjoy splashing around in the pool or playing in the gardens. The interiors are beautiful, and the farm-to-table breakfasts a real treat. Also in Versailles.
  • Montgomery Inn B&B features 11 eclectic rooms with flexible options for families, in a historic Versailles residence. Stay here for traditional decor, warm Southern hospitality and generous breakfasts of homemade waffles, muffins and delicate poached eggs with all the trimmings. A classic choice.

For Contemporary Cool

  • Origin Hotel is a hip Lexington spot for sociable travellers looking to kick back at the bar with craft cocktails and curated bourbons, or to tuck into sharing plates with new and old friends. Think stylish, minimalist rooms with space for groups of friends or kids — who can sleep in tents or teepees! Very cool.
  • The Sire Hotel has spacious monochrome rooms clad in soothing white and gray tones, complete with luxurious linens and marble bathrooms. Foodie highlights include a glamorous bar and award-winning restaurant, 'Distilled'. A chic choice for couples, friends or families in the Gratz Park Historic District.

For art lovers

  • 21C Museum Hotel is housed in what was once Lexington's Fayette National Bank building. Rooms are sleek and indulgent, whilst modern art and sculptures dot the public areas. As much an art gallery as a hotel, this is one for well-heeled art lovers. The restaurant champions local ingredients. Very trendy.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Lexington's Blue Grass Airport, and travel to your hotel by bus or taxi.
  • Kentucky is a wonderful state for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between June and September for temperatures averaging between 26°C and 30°C, or come in the spring or autumn for cooler weather. The annual Kentucky Derby, in May, is the busiest time of year — book well in advance if you're visiting for the race and festival.

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Best Hotels in Lexington

  • Origin Hotel Lexington 120 rooms from £101

    Local exploring  -  Fantastic location for exploring the racehorsing scene and enjoying the best bourbons
    Restaurant  -  A modern Southern-inspired restaurant offering seasonal menus
    Sights nearby  -  Horse Country Farm Tours
    RestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    A trendy hotel, well located in Lexington for exploring local sights. Comfortable and stylish rooms offer huge beds with luxury linens and spacious bathrooms. Enjoy delicious Southern comfort food, craft cocktails and curated bourbons lists at the restaurant. An exquisite stay! See More

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  • The Sire Hotel Lexington (Kentucky) 40 rooms from £108

    Local exploring  -  The hotel is in the historic neighbourhood of Gratz Park, making it perfect for exploring by foot
    Sights nearby  -  Mary Todd Lincoln House is less than a 10 minute walk away
    Restaurant  -  Distilled is an award-winning fine-dining restaurant
    RestaurantGardenParking

    A chic historic hotel set in Gratz Park Historic District. Light and spacious rooms are designed in simple monochrome tone with luxurious linens and marble bathrooms. The restaurant offers a wide range of dining options and showcases that famous Southern hospitality. A smart Kentucky stay. See More

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  • 21c Museum Hotel, Lexington Lexington (KY) 88 rooms from £124

    Artworks  -  Original art work in rooms and interesting installations in the bar
    Restaurant  -  In-room dining till 12 midnight
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Full of character
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    An inspiring, contemporary art museum come boutique hotel in the historic Fayette National Bank Building. White on white rooms with contemporary furnishings, splashes of pop colours and original art on the walls. Restaurant championing local Bluegrass ingredients. Lively and super-artsy. See More

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  • Montgomery Inn B&B Lexington 11 rooms from £154

    Whirlpool Bathtub  -  Every rooms comes with a spa bath with the exception of The Sleeping Car; certain feature romantic heart-shaped tubs for two
    Local exploring  -  Welcoming base with a historic feel that's an ideal base for sightseeing and exploring the area
    Kayaking  -  One of the most scenic ways to enjoy the Kentucky River Palisade is by kayak
    Full of character
    Air conditioningGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Historic B&B run by welcoming owners. In addition to a railway-themed breakfast room, guests can relax in the library, parlour & media room. A series of unique and colourful rooms, with an eclectic take on traditional decor boast spa baths and fireplaces. Delivers a stay filled with Southern charm. See More

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  • Charred Oaks Inn Lexington 4 rooms from £179

    Local exploring  -  Great location for exploring the famed horse attractions of Lexington
    Views  -  Terrace and garden views
    Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
    Adult Only
    Views

    A small, charming Southern colonial-style B&B in Versailles, only minutes away from Keeneland racecourse. Large, spacious and floral rooms feature magnificent king four-poster beds and antique furnishings. Delicious and hearty breakfasts are served. A tranquil and homely base. See More

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  • A Storybook Inn Lexington 7 rooms from £226

    Local exploring  -  The inn is the perfect base as it is closely located to all of Versailles and Lexington's attractions
    No restaurant  -  A farm-to-table breakfast is included
    Whirlpool Bathtub
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor
    Swimming PoolDisabled accessNo pets

    A luxurious boutique inn set in historic Versailles. Rooms are spacious and stylish with antique furnishings, whirlpool tubs and walk-in rain showers. Enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast with fresh ground organic coffee. Take a dip in the pool and relax in the garden. A homely base to explore from. See More

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