— Best Hotel
- And the winner is...
- 21c Museum Hotel
The Basics
Opened: 2006
Neighborhood: Downtown
Self-description: “The world’s first museum hotel.”
Website: 21cBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 32 (including wins for its restaurant Proof on Main)
Total wins: 13
First nomination: 2006, Best Building Architecture
First win: 2006, Best Restaurant Decor
Also won: 2009, Best Hotel; 2014, Best Tourist AttractionThe Voting Academy Says
“Gotta take visitors to see the art.”
- And the other nominees are...
- Brown
The Basics
Opened: 1923
Neighborhood: Downtown
Self-description: “An iconic destination inextricably woven into the fabric of the city.”
Website: brownhotel.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 21
Total wins: 5
First nomination: 1986, Best Brunch
First win: 1988, Best Hot Brown
Also won: 1994, Best Hotel Restaurant, the English Grill; 2007, Best Hotel LobbyThe Voting Academy Says
“That bar in the lobby, trust me.”
- Galt House
The Basics
Opened: 1972 (a hotel of the same name, now long gone, opened at Second and Main in 1835)
Neighborhood: Downtown
Self-description: “In the heart of the business community, museum district, cultural center and Urban Bourbon Trail.”
Website: galthouse.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 7
Total wins: 2
First nomination: 1991, Best Local Hotel for a Weekend Package
First win: 1993, Best Place to Use a Telephone Without Having to Rent a Room, Galt House Mezzanine
Also won: 2009, Best Place to Set Your Drink, the bar that’s an actual aquarium in the atriumThe Voting Academy Says
“Staple of Louisville’s skyline. I have memories of when I was a little kid, going to look at the Christmas lights and eat in the revolving restaurant. And, oh my gosh, so very many pre- and post-concert times there! I was even lucky enough to run into Kid Rock in the bar there one night.”
- Hotel Genevieve
The Basics
Opened: 2023
Neighborhood: NuLu
Self-description: “In one of Louisville’s hippest neighborhoods.”
Website: Hotel GenevieveBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“Surrounded by Louisville’s greatest food scene, it stands out as special.”
- Myriad
The Basics
Opened: 2023
Neighborhood: Highlands near Broadway
Self-description: “This former disco ball factory shines bright.”
Website: myriadhotel.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“Great option just outside of downtown. Especially for their restaurant, Paseo.”
- Omni
The Basics
Opened: 2018
Neighborhood: Downtown
Self-description: “Take a dip in the heated rooftop pool.”
Website: OmniBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“As a local, I love taking friends for drinks at the hidden bowling lanes.”
- Seelbach
The Basics
Opened: 1905
Neighborhood: Downtown
Self-description: “Travel back in time.”
Website: seelbachhilton.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 33
Total wins: 7
First nomination: 1986, the inaugural Best of Louisville, Best Brunch
First win: 1987, Best HotelThe Voting Academy Says
“For the past 15 years or so, on Oaks Night, a couple friends and I meet for dinner downtown, then walk to the Seelbach/21c/Brown/Galt House for a drink at each one. Soak up all the Derby vibes.”