Don't sleep on these Airbnbs: Here are 8 of the coolest vacation rentals in Louisville
Louisville is a hotspot for tourism with activities including the Kentucky Derby, the Urban Bourbon Trail, Bourbon and Beyond and more. Ahead of summer bookings, Airbnb ranked Louisville as the No. 1 domestic summer travel spot and No. 6 worldwide.
Haven Thorn, a spokesperson for Airbnb, said in a release that Airbnb hosts in Louisville collectively earned $3 million during the 2022 Kentucky Derby weekend alone.
As of April 2023, Louisville had more than 1,100 short-term rentals (think Airbnb's) registered, with a majority located around downtown. While some residents share concerns about too many short-term rentals in the city, the property owners are taking advantage of the tourism economy and the investment opportunities these rentals offer.
Whether you're traveling to Louisville from out of state or just looking for a fun escape from your daily life, there is no shortage of rentals and bed and breakfasts to choose from.
Here’s a look at eight exclusive short-term rentals in Louisville:
Bellwether Hotel and Bellwether House
1300 Bardstown Road for the hotel and 1308 Bardstown Road for the house, thebellwetherhotel.com
Nestled in the heart of the Highlands, the Bellwether combines Louisville's history with convenience. The property dates back to the early 1900s and has "maintained its integrity as a historic location but is redesigned for the modern traveler," said Sarah Mattingly, co-owner of the Bellwether Hotel and Bellwether House.
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The Bellwether House is a recent addition to the property and is a four bedroom, four-and-a-half bath house that sleeps 12, located directly next to the hotel.
The property was inspired by French Maximalism and features an open dining, living and kitchen area. The most famous guest to stay there, so far, is the Prince of Prague, who visited during Derby week.
Captain's Cabin
4914 Chenoweth Run Road, airbnb.com
Looking for a hidden stay on the Bourbon Trail? The Captain's Cabin on Airbnb has you covered.
Surrounded by history, the cabin offers guests a step back in time with a large stone fireplace and antiques. It's equipped with a full kitchen, a clawfoot bathtub for long soaks and a hot breakfast delivered to your door every weekend morning. The 900 square-foot cabin showcases exposed beams, breathtaking wooded views, a buffalo-skin rug and more.
For the nature lover, this cabin sits on eight acres of woods and even has access to a waterfall. After a long day spent exploring, guests can wind down on the swings on the back porch, rockers on the front porch or with s'mores at the outdoor fire pit.
This cabin has also served more than just sleepy guests. It's been a filming location for Lifetime and Hallmark movies, distillery commercials and music videos, said owner Tammy Donelson.
Donelson recommends booking your stay at least two months in advance.
Chateau Bourbon
10630 Meeting St., chateaubourbon.com
Located in Norton Commons, Chateau Bourbon hosts a few thousand visitors each year who come to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, owner Missy Hillock said. Each morning, guests wake up to a three-course, bourbon-infused breakfast. And at night, guests can dabble in happy hour featuring craft cocktails and bourbon-infused desserts.
"The entire property, down to the bourbon stave swings in the cozy courtyard (and) the bourbon-pump soap dispensers in each guest room, tastefully includes those little touches of our state’s native spirit," Hillock said.
This property was built with the sole intention of hosting guests. Unlike some historic bed and breakfasts, the location features "all of the modern amenities and comforts today’s travelers are looking for," Hillock said.
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This property has four guest suites with balconies, large soaking tubs and more. The Stillhouse suite has a "sleeping porch" with a bed and television for outdoor relaxation, while the Single Barrel suite is fitted with a floor-to-ceiling headboard crafted from Maker's Mark barrels.
Derby Riverfront Getaway
9 Arctic Springs, Jeffersonville, Indiana, airbnb.com
If waterfront views are your jam, drive across the river to Jeffersonville, Indiana and stay in a high-end vacation home directly on the water. This property is conveniently situated to provide relaxation while still being near all major attractions in Louisville.
"This uniquely designed home embodies an eclectic multigenerational style and boasts top-tier amenities that cater to individuals of all ages, including pets," owners Chandni Dhanjal and Kapil Hora said by email. "The standout feature of the property is its remarkable riverside location, allowing for unobstructed views of the Ohio River from various areas within the house."
This home is outfitted with four distinct recreational areas including a river view lounge; a Zen den with a swing and a water fountain feature; a spacious game room with more than 1,000 digital, board and table games; and a movie theater with a bar and popcorn machine. Additionally, outdoor amenities include a sauna, hot tub and firepit.
For the yogi in your life, this property has ample meditation space. Besides the Zen den, this 2,300 square-foot house has a yoga space in the basement.
Hancock House
601 E. Jefferson St., hancockhouselouisville.com
Located in the booming Nulu district, the Hancock House features 16 spacious lofts with unique furnishings, modern tech and full kitchens. Originally built in 1865 as the home of Herman Schroeder’s Grocery, the property is fit for business or leisure, said Joy Cowan, the innkeeper.
"Feel at home as soon as you walk in, like you're staying in the home of your hippest friend with the most stylish apartment, who knows all the best places to eat, drink, shop and socialize," Cowan said.
The two-floor property offers a variety of room types including a king suite, king studio and queen studios. Each room, roughly 400 square feet, boasts Wi-Fi and smart TVs.
Hazelnut Farm
816 Eastwood Fisherville Road, Fisherville, Kentucky, hazelnutfarmevents.com
The Farmhouse at Hazelnut Farm is a private home built in 1979, according to Zillow and has since been completely remodeled, property director Melissa Montgomery said. Every room at the farmstead features access to an outdoor living area and is finished with high-end furnishings and artwork. The private property sits on more than 40 acres of gated land and can hosts events from weddings to dinner parties.
"The pool deck overlooking the lake gives guests the feel of their own exclusive resort amenities," Montgomery said.
The four-bedroom house comfortably sleeps 10 to 12 guests, and each room has an en suite private bathroom. The primary suite on the main level has elevated ceilings and day-long natural light, with windows facing east, south and west. This room also features a four-poster king bed and a rain shower that takes advantage of the extended ceiling height.
This property also features a kitchen meant to host a dinner party with an oversized island, six-burner stove and enough crystal glassware for dinners with up to 45 guests.
The Highball Speakeasy Lounge & Retreat
437 Baxter Ave., thehighballky.com
This hip and eclectic short-term rental in Irish Hills will provide you plenty of entertainment during your stay. The six-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath property spans two homes that come outfitted with a sky deck overlooking Baxter Jacks beach volleyball.
The property's many rooms showcase different themes such as bourbon, aviation and Mardi Gras. It also features exciting amenities such as a speakeasy lounge where guests can sing karaoke, a billiard room with a pool table, a private courtyard with a mural by local muralist Wilfred Sieg and glass garage doors that can be opened to the street. Vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and rustic barn wood flooring keep this home true to its Kentucky roots.
This house sits within walking distance to many restaurants, shopping, bars, distilleries and museums. And it's best fit for large groups of 16 or more, property owner Eric Feller said.
Inn at Woodhaven B&B
401 S. Hubbards Lane, innatwoodhaven.com
The Inn at Woodhaven in the St. Matthews area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Jefferson County landmark, said Jeremy Couture, the owner and innkeeper.
This cozy bed and breakfast boasts three buildings: the Main House and Carriage House that were both built in 1853 by Kentuckian Theodore Brown, along with the Rose Cottage built in 1998.
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"The property is one of the oldest homes in the area and boasts stunning gothic architecture," Couture said. "Our homemade breakfasts are to die for, and our quality of service and hospitality is unmatched in the area."
The inn features eight guest rooms all furnished with "elegant and comfortable antiques." The Rose Cottage is the most luxurious space for guests with a whirlpool bathtub, wet bar, gas fireplace, two private porches with custom made furniture and many more amenities. The 550 square-foot octagonal-shaped suite comes fitted with 24-foot vaulted ceilings and is on the first floor.
Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez and Bailey Loosemore contributed to this report. Contact reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @oliviamevans_.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Vacation in Louisville? Where to find the most exclusive Airbnbs
