When is the best time to go to Louisville?
Louisville's climate is humid and subtropical. As such winters are relatively mild, with average lows of 27F (-3C) and average highs of 43F (6C) in January – the city's coldest month. Summers are quite humid, with average highs of 90F (33C) and lows of 70F (21C) in the peak of summer – July. As such, the shoulder seasons of spring (March – May) and autumn (late September – early December) are the optimal times to visit Louisville. The temperatures will be pleasant and the humidity relatively low, optimal conditions for exploring historic downtown by foot or a lazy Sunday stroll along the Ohio River.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Louisville, KY:
Insider Guide of Hotels in Louisville KY
Louisville by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Louisville, KY. You can use these illustrations to calculate the best time to book a room in Louisville for upcoming travels.
What are some Luxury Hotel Options in Louisville?
4 Star Average Prices: $169.75
Louisville is a first-class city (one of two in Kentucky) that can cater to those who lead the most lavish of lifestyles. This is especially true amongst the city's accommodation offerings. Those travelers who demand only the very best (as well as those who've saved up for a bit of a splurge) will be absolutely satisfied with options such as 21c Museum Hotel Louisville – a luxurious boutique hotel and contemporary art museum, with an award-winning restaurant on site; Aloft Louisville Downtown – an über-modern hotel in historic Whiskey Row; and, for those who prefer high-end international chains with great rewards programs, the Louisville Marriott East.
What are the Cheaper/Low Budget Hotels in Louisville?
3 Star Average Prices: $116.56
Fortunately, for those visitors of more modest means, Louisville offers up a range of budget friendly options. The Breckinridge Inn, located just east of downtown, offers budget travelers well-appointed rooms, with a swimming pool and hot tub, as well as an onsite dining club and dining options. Overall, this hotel provides a lot of bang for your buck. Other options include national/international chains such as Microtel, Comfort Inn and Best Western, all of which have locations in or near downtown Louisville. Unfortunately, for the backpackers among us, no hostels have setup shop in the city. However, this could soon change as demand for such an option in becoming increasingly visible.
2 Star Average Prices: $84.62
Which hotels have discounts?
Many hotels throughout the Louisville metro area participate in the discount programs that savvy travelers frequently use. The AAA discount is the most widely accepted program in the city, with the vast majority of the national and international chains offering discounts for AAA members. Make sure to note/select the AAA discount when booking and bring your discount card with you – you'll need to present it upon checking in to secure the special rate. If you're an AAA member, look out for hotels like Four Points by Sheraton, Quality Inn, Super 8, Days Inn, Fairfield Inn, Clarion Inn and any of the Marriott hotels. For senior citizens (members of AARP, etc.) many of the Marriott hotels offer discounts. Best Western seems to be the place to go for advertised Military rates. However, it is a little known secret that many hotels will give military members a special discount if they are in uniform when checking in (just like airlines allow uniform military access to airport lounges and priority boarding, regardless of their ticket status). If you're traveling in a group, the chain hotels tend to have the best group rates, especially if traveling in the off-seasons (late autumn, winter – except Christmas – and early spring).
What options are near the airport?
For business travelers requiring accommodation near the airport, there are many options near Louisville International Airport. Nearly all of the large chains have an airport location, ranging from budget options like Super 8 and Howard Johnson to upper mid-range hotels such as Courtyard by Marriott and Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport. For business travelers who have a little time to kill, the metro area offers up a number of attractions that can be taken in within just a few hours. Take a stroll along the Belvedere Plaza – a public space along the Ohio River, with many dining options nearby. See a show at the Actors Theatre, one of America's premiere independent, non-profit acting troupes with an Tony award to its credit and an international reputation (1,500 performances in 15 countries since 1980). Finally, if you need a little more action in your life or would rather see a concert, head over to the KFC Yum Center, home to the University of Louisville's basketball teams and a regular US tour stop for major recording artists.
A visit to Louisville Recapped
Louisville is perhaps ingrained to the national consciousness because of its sole multimillion dollar state development, the premier Kentucky Derby. Situated across the Ohio River, Louisville attracts most of its visitors - half a million of which - during May. The well-diversified and cosmopolitan industrial city still has some of the traces of the first French settlers who traveled upriver from neighboring New Orleans. Louisville is still decidedly French, as it produces at least one-third of the United States' bourbon. Tourists in the city will find a lot of Confederate statues, a sign that Louisville is a perfect place to invest a Southern business. The city boasts of an intricate network of parks, countless city-wide festivals, and an energetic arts scene. The network of recreational facilities bolstered Muhammad Ali to great heights, as Chickasaw Park saw his daily struggles of early-morning training. Riverfront Plaza, the final lunge of downtown Louisville, serves as an excellent observation and sight-seeing point for the scenic Falls of the Ohio on the opposite bank. Apart from the plaza, the Louisville Slugger Museum fascinates even non-baseball fans, as tours usually end with visitors having miniature bats of their own.
'He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life is a quote from the greatest boxer to have ever lived, Muhammad Ali.
Just like him, Louisville is also a city larger-than-life. In today's time this city has earned popularity from the University of Louisville and Louisville cathedral athletic team. Despite of being little populous, Louisville metro city has maintained its green belt reserves quite successfully. It is evident through the fact that it has more than 13,000 acres in covering parks. The Louisville waterfront park located on the bank of river Ohio featuring wide open space is no less than a treat for its visitor's eyes. There are more wildlife reserves and waterfall parks to visit in Louisville city. Beside this organization of numerous festivals and events in city is something which works as magnet for its tourists.
Which Budget Hotels in Louisville Can Travelers Access?
Breckinridge Inn is a suburban cheap hotel in Louisville located just few miles away from University of Louisville and Papa John Cardinal Stadium. It provides comfortable stay with free continental breakfast and Wi-Fi service to its guests. Galt House Hotel is another Louisville hotel in the budget category which is very near to Muhammad Ali center in downtown Louisville. It is surrounded with city's best museum and theaters, such as Actor Theater of Louisville and Louisville Slugger Museum. Super 8 Louisville and Econo Lodge Downtown are two other options worth going for if one's traveling to the city on a tight budget.
Which Luxury Hotels in Louisville Can Travelers Access?
Among the luxury hotels in Louisville, 21c Museum Hotel Louisville is the top rated place in the city. It also doubles up as an art museum and is just 3 minutes walk away from Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. Hyatt Regency Louisville is another option worth going for as it provides great packages to both its individual and corporate clients without compromising the standards of its services. It is just 10 minutes walk away from Muhammad Ali Center. The Brown Hotel and Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel are other two hotels in Louisville which provide its clients with the best there is to offer in hospitality industry.
What All is There to Experience in Louisville?
Louisville city has many attractions for tourists which are worth the visit and time. It has streets where many good restaurants and stores are located and is thronged by people throughout day and night. Its Kentucky Derby Museum is horse racing museum which provides a peek into the state's famed horse racing history. Louisville Slugger Museum is another top attraction for tourists in the city. Muhammad Ali Museum pays tribute to the city's most famous and iconic person, boxer Muhammad Ali. For those seeking peace and joy at the same time can go for a ride on the Belle of Louisville boat. It is the oldest operating steamboat in the country and a major historical landmark of the city, which is very famous at the same time.
FAQs about hotels in Louisville
How much does a cheap hotel in Louisville cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Louisville can be as cheap as $84.62 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Louisville cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Louisville has been $116.56 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a luxury hotel in Louisville cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Louisville has been $169.75 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Louisville?
Below are reviews of the city of Louisville, KY from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Things to Do"Score 4.0 / 5
There were many things for our guests to do during their down time. Louisville Slugger Factory was a hit, bourbon tasting, museums. The weather could have been better.
Wendy C., from 26-Nov-2019
"Terrific"Score 5.0 / 5
We visited the museum's and got souveniors. Parking was reasonably priced and traffic was not bad for a week end. Make sure to go to the restaurants....Good was terrific!
Sandy C., from 29-Oct-2019
" Friendly and Helpful."Score 4.0 / 5
Every day people was very friendly and helpful. The restaurant, Franco's, was very exceptional. The food was great, the place was clean and the staff as well as the local customers were all very friendly. Thanks Louisville!!!
Linda G., from 29-Oct-2019
"Lots to do and great food."Score 4.0 / 5
All of the things to do and restaurant selection.
Cammie B., from 24-Oct-2019
"Awesome"Score 4.0 / 5
As far as the hotel is concerned I like the fact that it was surrounded by a lot of stores and restaurants. And, the hotel employee's were very, very friendly.
Dwight B., from 09-Oct-2019
"Awesome Attractions "Score 4.0 / 5
There were lots of things to do in the area. Attractions like the zoo and the largest go kart track in the US was great. Muhammad Ali museum and Louisville slugger museum we're great.
Jackie G., from 26-Jul-2019
"Great Visit and Fun Town "Score 5.0 / 5
We enjoyed our visit with our granddaughter. She gave us a tour of NULU, and the college she had attended. In addition, the school where she will be teaching starting August 2019. My husband was especially pleased with the tour of the "Little Slugger" plant. The town was immaculate, and the residents very congenial. The food at "Fiesta" was excellent!
Joyce D., from 13-Jul-2019
"Convenient location"Score 4.0 / 5
It was easy to navigate and it is such a beautiful city. Your hotel is within 20 min mites of everything and even closer to the convention center, KY Kingdom, Louisville U sporting events and the KY derby.
Rick F., from 12-Jul-2019
"Louisville is bursting with hospitality!!!"Score 4.0 / 5
Le Moo for dinner the food was incredible!! Amazing staff at Holy Grale!!
Heather P., from 06-Mar-2019
"Great Hotel!"Score 4.0 / 5
Did not get to experience much, but it was a great view of the city.
Frank G. Bell J., from 16-Apr-2018
"Great Stay!"Score 5.0 / 5
Lots of fun things to do. We visited the Louisville Slugger museum and factory, Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum, the historic water tower, and the Conrad-Caldwell Castle. We also visited the ARK Encounter and Creation Museum between Cincinnati and Lexington. We took a horse farm tour in Lexington and went on to visit the original Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant and Museum in Corbin. Lastly we visited the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Mammoth Cave, and the birthplace national park of Abraham Lincoln. Quite a trip for 4 days.
Alan C., from 08-Apr-2018
"Great Stay!"Score 5.0 / 5
We thoroughly enjoyed the Derby Museum and Churchill Downs, and the Speed Art Museum. The two points of interest for making this trip. Bonus was the delicious food we found and friendly staff and tour guides!
Mary R., from 16-Mar-2018
"Great Hotel and Staff!"Score 5.0 / 5
Churchill Downs, Louisville Bat Factory, Joe's Crab Shack are all excellent places to see with a group!
Bill Z., from 01-Nov-2017
"Great hotel!"Score 4.0 / 5
Variety of restaurants and beautiful scenery.
Anmarie H., from 18-Jun-2017
"Awesome Area!"Score 4.0 / 5
There is always lots to do! It's a pretty city, downtown is fun.
Sonya S., from 30-May-2017
"Great for Volleyball "Score 4.0 / 5
The volleyball venues are wonderful here.
April F., from 27-May-2017
"Lots of Options"Score 4.0 / 5
Many options of entertainment for a group or family to do.
Steve C., from 14-May-2017
"Great City!"Score 4.0 / 5
Anessa F., from 13-May-2017
"Great Time!"Score 4.0 / 5
I always have a great time in Louisville when I come to bowl. That's the reason for my visit.
Kyle S., from 23-Apr-2017
"Great and Convenient Location "Score 5.0 / 5
Great, close to downtown. Lots of eating and tourist sites within walking distance of hotel.
Richelle C., from 04-Mar-2017
"Large City, Friendly People"Score 5.0 / 5
Friendly place
Albert F., from 21-Nov-2016
"Highly Recommended!"Score 5.0 / 5
Louisville was wonderful! Our large group loved the Louisville Slugger museum and the pumpkin city exhibit at Iroquois park, We visited Churchill Downs and some nearby caverns. All in all - great trip!
Valerie P., from 19-Oct-2016
"American Printing Co. for the Blind "Score 5.0 / 5
We enjoyed the American Printing Co for the blind. That was all we did in Louisville
Betty B., from 23-Sep-2016
"The Best"Score 5.0 / 5
Enjoyed the cleanliness of the city & the friendly people we encountered.
James S., from 05-Sep-2016
"Really Cool"Score 5.0 / 5
Louisville slugger museum was really cool. Seeing bats being made for our favorite players as we was walking through was exciting for our students. Derby Dinner Theatre was amazing. The show Beauty & the Beast was so great, there was not one of our students who did not enjoy it. Megacavern Zip lining was intense. Zip lining in the dark cavern just made it all the more fun. Muhammad Ali museum was really inspiring.
Hope R., from 18-Jul-2016
"Kosair Hospital"Score 4.0 / 5
We came to go to Kosair Hospital. The staff is always to helpful and kind.
Gerry G., from 22-Jun-2016
"You Won't Be Dissapointed"Score 5.0 / 5
So much culture to experience. Great change from home.
Jaime C., from 15-May-2016
"Great Time Overall"Score 4.0 / 5
Had a great time in Louisville. The construction an lack of great signage for direction changes made it difficult to get a tour bus around town at times however.
Beth M., from 17-Feb-2016
"Hot Destination"Score 4.0 / 5
A wonderful city with great attractions for all ages.
Unknown U., from 03-Nov-2015
"Everything Is Great About Louisville"Score 5.0 / 5
I was born and raised here for 66 years. From the Kentucky Derby to the caverns, there is a whole lot to explore.
Unknown U., from 20-Oct-2015
"The City of Louisville was Beautiful"Score 4.0 / 5
We all had great service everywhere we went. The shopping was top notch!
Tammy P., from 19-Oct-2015
"Awesome Visit"Score 4.0 / 5
Guest enjoyed their visits to the Muhammed Ali Center, St Matthews Mall and the Renaissance Park.
Valerie G., from 28-Jul-2015
"Wonderful Group Trip"Score 4.0 / 5
The Louisville Slugger Bat factory and museum was great! Also, the Bass Pro Shop on the north side of the river in Indiana was a lot of fun. They allowed our group to use their archery range to practice.
Tracy M., from 12-May-2015
"A Historic City"Score 4.0 / 5
All in all, everything in Louisville was very good. There is a lot of exciting attractions to explore. You definitely need more than one day to visit.
Phil J., from 27-Apr-2015
"Fun Outdoor Opportunities"Score 4.0 / 5
There are tremendous recreational opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and cycling.
Gerry H., from 19-Apr-2015
"Worth A Visit"Score 4.0 / 5
State Fair was great!
Kathryn H., from 15-Sep-2014
"Highly recommend it"Score 4.0 / 5
We enjoyed the dinner cruise on the Louisville Belle and highly recommend it. You can also take a wonderful walk on the Four Bridge. The Louisville Slugger Museum and factory tour are a must see as well while in the city. We were attending the Street RodCar Show, and were glad to be able to squeeze in these other activities.
Daniel E., from 06-Aug-2014
"Enjoyable"Score 4.0 / 5
Attended the NSRA Street Rod Nationals and had a great time.
Robert B., from 03-Aug-2014
"Welcoming City"Score 4.0 / 5
It was a wonderful town with very friendly people.
Chris M., from 03-Aug-2014
"Great Area"Score 4.0 / 5
Display a country friendly attitude offering an abundance of cultural living.
Robert F., from 01-Aug-2014
"Amazing time"Score 5.0 / 5
Food, friendliness of the people, weather, and shows were awesome.
Ruth S., from 28-Jul-2014
"Louisville is an all star hit."Score 5.0 / 5
We enjoyed Louisville. It was a nice city, and we are planning to return in the future.
William B., from 19-Jul-2014
"Great for Families"Score 4.0 / 5
Will be back soon. Great place for family enjoyment.
Lester D., from 17-Jul-2014
"Hot Spots for our Team"Score 5.0 / 5
Some of our group got to see more of the city than others depending on baseball schedule. I know that some really enjoyed the Louisville Slugger Museum, Muhammad Ali Museum, and Churchill Downs. The fields where we played, Skyview Park, were awesome.
Jamie W., from 02-Jul-2014
"Loving Louisville"Score 5.0 / 5
I'm from Louisville, I like every thing about Louisville except all the construction that is going on. Mainly going across the Kennedy Bridge.
Barbara W., from 26-Jun-2014
"Great place, can't wait to come back."Score 4.0 / 5
Louisville was great. We had plenty to do with our middle school archery team once the tournament was over. We are looking forward to our next visit already.
Valerie K., from 13-May-2014
"Noteworthy in Louisville"Score 4.0 / 5
Louisville Slugger Museum, horse farms, Claudia Sanders Dinner House, Mark's Feed Store and BBQ.
Jennifer D., from 13-May-2014
"Great People, and Don't Miss the Zipline!"Score 5.0 / 5
We took a high school softball team on the MegaCavern Zipline experience. They all enjoyed it very much. It is a unique underground adventure that can not be duplicated anywhere else in the country. The group rate makes the experience more doable (at $59) we had three girls not do it because of the price. In 2013, we took a team through the Louisville Slugger tour and also enjoyed its unique quality. Overall, we have found Louisville's people to be extremely hospitable and gracious. We will be coming back for years to come.
Tim B., from 22-Apr-2014
"Very Nice Riverfront City"Score 4.0 / 5
Very nice downtown with some character and superb eateries and the river is lovely.
Steve M., from 10-Apr-2014
"Mall of St. Matthews"Score 5.0 / 5
Absolutely love Louisville. It is a city where there is so much to do. And the Mall of St. Matthews is remarkable!
Sandra J., from 22-Jan-2014
The average traveler rating of the city of Louisville, KY shown above is 4.4 out of 5 based on 51 reviews