advice for Kentucky Derby trip 2013 (Louisville: where to stay, rent, best hotels)

[oliver6323]

Hi. We want to plan a trip to see the Kentucky Derby in 2013. Can anyone recommend any hotel/ticket packages or advise on best hotels and tickets? Also things to do there, best way to see the race, dining etc.

It will be me, my husband and our two 18 year old daughters, plus grandparents. We want to this to be a "nice trip" meaning at least 4-5 star lodging etc.

We've never been to Kentucky before and I've been trying to research on line where to stay but can't find anything.

Thanks in advance.

[Msradell]

It depends on what kind of hotel you're looking for. There are two grand old hotels downtown that have been completely renovated and are lovely, they are the Brown and the Seelbach. There is also the C21 boutique hotel on main street that has won national honors. There also are many other modern hotels, Marriott, Hilton Et cetera. All of these major hotels are located downtown near many fine restaurants and other attractions. Your best bet is to call the hotel directly to discuss packages. Another thing you should certainly plan on doing for one day is to take a tour of the Bourbon Trail. You can do this by yourself or there are small bus tours also available. Louisville has a huge and wonderful restaurant scene that is consulate changing and expanding.

If you need any specifics send me a PM.

[oliver6323]

Thank you so much! Your info is really helpful and gives me a place to start. I will probably PM you at some point. Thanks for that offer

[dle0622]

My husband and I are very interested in attending in 2013. I know nothing. Is there a very nice place to stay that also has a shuttle or is there a site with all the information I need, such as where to stay, where to sit in the arena, how to get around, where to park? as you can see we don't know where to start. I have received thru email, the early bird notice with packages including tickets and hotels, but that is only a start.

any help would be greatly appreciated

[Msradell]

Originally Posted by dle0622

My husband and I are very interested in attending in 2013. I know nothing. Is there a very nice place to stay that also has a shuttle or is there a site with all the information I need, such as where to stay, where to sit in the arena, how to get around, where to park? as you can see we don't know where to start. I have received thru email, the early bird notice with packages including tickets and hotels, but that is only a start.

If you look at the information I posted earlier you can get some ideas about places to stay during your visit. Be advised at rates go up significantly for that weekend in many places require a three night minimum. I don't know about any hotels that runs shuttles to Churchill Downs although there may be some. The local transit authority runs bus shuttles from downtown and from the fairgrounds. Of course you can always rent a limousine (they come to Louisville from all over the nation for this weekend) or you to take a taxi. Seating is definitely based on how much you want to spend for tickets. General admission starts at about $65.00 and prices go all the way up to $5000 for the millionaire's row tickets! Good tickets are normally quite difficult to obtain. Parking at Churchill downs is limited to tour buses, limousines and high rollers for this weekend of all some of the local residents let you park on their lawn for about $50.00! There's no central clearing house other than what Churchill downs posts that I'm aware of, each hotel does their own thing.

Good luck and I hope you can find some good accommodations.

[dle0622]

thank you very much, this is certainly a good start