Cool Hotels in Lexington: Bet On It
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The Gratz Park Inn is a great place to stay near downtown Lexington (Photo courtesy of Gratz Park Inn).
Great racing, a picturesque venue, and a designated party zone (“The Hill”) make the spring and fall race meets at Keeneland popular with locals and tourists alike. Read on to find out the best places to stay in Lexington to have a winning weekend (or week!).
Win: Castle Post
The Rate: $195
The Lowdown: If you’re in town to celebrate the Sport of Kings, you might as well live like one while you’re at it. This venue is fit for royalty. If your trip to the track had a fairy tale ending and you broke the bank, go ahead and upgrade to the Imperial Suite ($345).
This plush castle bed and breakfast has all the modern amenities one would expect from a winning hotel—pool, tennis court, billiard room. On the flip side, the ambiance and décor is the furthest thing from modern. It’s a straight up throwback to the Middle Ages with its massive, 12-foot wooden doors and medieval landscaped courtyard. However, no serfs are included in your room rate.
Located right down the road from Keeneland, The Castle Post scores major points for convenience as well.
FEEL LIKE ROYALTY AT THE CASTLE POST
Place: Gratz Park Inn
The Rate: $179
The Lowdown: The Gratz Park Inn has all the Southern charm you’d expect from a Lexington establishment. In fact the entire staff are certified “Southern Ambassadors.”
After the races have wrapped up, these cozy confines will leave you prone to sip on some locally-distilled bourbon and bask in the all the indulgences the Bluegrass State has to offer. Not that that is a bad thing, by any stretch of the imagination.
THE GRATZ PARK INN DOWNTOWN
Show: Swann’s Nest Inn
The Rate: $149
The Lowdown: Owner Rosalie Swann has always been a proud supporter of the Thoroughbred industry—her late husband was a horseman—so it’s only natural her Inn makes the list. Situated on the 20-acre Cygnet Farm, the Swann’s Nest serves as the perfect backdrop for any fan in town to celebrate the Keeneland spring or fall meets.
Horseplayers are keen on finding the perfect pony at a good price. Hotel hunters share a similar appreciation for a fair-priced hotel. You’re not going to find a better bang for the buck in town than this joint.
PEACEFUL SETTING OF SWANN'S NEST INN