Louisville Vacations

It’s the place where legends are born. They may start as equals, side by side in the starting gate—the only difference between them is the colorful satin outfits adorned by the diminutive jockeys mounted on their back. However, as the gates swing open, powerful thoroughbreds charge forward in an explosion of power generated by massive, sinewy muscle. As the horses gallop along the back stretch, inevitably the legend-in-waiting begins to separate itself from the field. Rounding the final turn and heading down the home stretch, the soon-to-be champion surges multiple lengths ahead, leaving little doubt of the ultimate outcome. The crowd rises in unison as the leader crosses the wire. This same narrative plays out every spring at the Kentucky Derby, with the winner moving on with the hopes of capturing the subsequent legs of the elusive Triple Crown. And, while a horseracing icon is created in the city every May, Secretariat and American Pharoah are not the only icons to call Louisville home. Cassius Clay was raised on the banks of the Ohio River and went on to become Muhamad Ali, the Greatest heavyweight boxing champion of all time. The city of Louisville is the birthplace of many other wonderful contributions to American society, from baseball bats to bourbon to basketball champions. A vacation in Louisville allows you to tap into the city’s championship spirit. Whether you’re interested in racehorses, bluegrass, or bourbon, Travelocity’s Louisville vacation packages can get you in on all the action in this great southern city. And, when you bundle your travel and accommodations together with one of our package deals in Louisville, you’ll save enough to make the owner of the Derby winner green with envy.

Louisville Hotels

Whether you are in town for the Run for the Roses, planning a family vacation in Louisville, or will be spending a romantic weekend with that special someone, where you stay can make all the difference. Here are some of our favorite hotels in Louisville:

• Galt House Hotel – The perfect combination of business and pleasure, luxury and convenience, the Galt House is steeped in local lure. As Louisville’s only waterfront hotel, the property is in the heart of downtown. Not only is the hotel one block from the Kentucky International Convention Center, it has over 130,000 square feet of flexible meeting space of its own. And, with 660 of its over 1,300 rooms being guest suites, you’ll enjoy your personal space, too.
• The Brown Hotel – Distinctly elegant and historically glamorous, the Brown is an iconic boutique hotel that is as much a destination as the city it calls home. The luxury, charm, and ambience make the Brown an ideal location for a wedding, formal event, or romantic getaway. And, as a perfect complement to such an impressive property, the hotel is just as renowned for the dining experiences it offers—including the requisite “Hot Brown."
• Marriott Louisville Downtown – Connected to the convention center via a skybridge, the Marriott is an ideal option for the business traveler. Pleasure-seekers will enjoy the surrounding neighborhood, too. Your well-appointed guestroom with modern amenities is just blocks from the Louisville Slugger Museum, Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, and Muhammad Ali Center.
• Hyatt Regency Louisville – Let the Hyatt be your home base while you explore the Gateway to the South. Fresh off a $16 million renovation, the property is a modern mecca in historic downtown. The contemporary style and comfortable guestrooms serve as a beacon to welcome you back after an evening exploring the nearby Fourth Street Live! entertainment district.

Major Attractions

When you arrive, it's best to find rental cars in Louisville to make getting around easier. Having your own vehicle will make it simple to travel between all the great offerings of the city. Visit Old Louisville for a stroll through a historic district with well-preserved Victorian architecture. Downtown Louisville is also home to "Museum Row," where you can spend a day perusing exhibits geared towards any interest. The Speed Art Museum, the Kentucky Science Center, and the Frazier History Museum are all excellent choices. If you're a sports enthusiast, no trip would be complete without a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory or the Muhammad Ali Center. Louisville hotel packages can put you right in the center of it all.

Festivals and Events

By far, the biggest annual event in Louisville is the Kentucky Derby, which is held every year on the first Saturday in May. The Kentucky Derby Festival is held for the two weeks leading up to this most famous horse race, and finding Louisville hotel deals early can let you enjoy this incredible civic celebration. During the summer months, visitors should check out the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park, or the Kentucky State Fair, held every August at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Additional art shows are held at various times throughout the year, so well-timed Louisville vacations can make the most of these great cultural events.

Travelocity lets you search over 400 airlines and more than 510,000 hotels worldwide, so you're bound to find the right vacation deal for your next trip to Louisville. When you bundle your hotel and airfare together, the money you pocket will buy a lot of mint julips from the paddock bar at Churchill Downs. Don’t make it a photo-finish, start your search for savings today.