Lexington was first founded in 1775, although the city wasn't officially chartered until 1782. By the early 19th century, Lexington's population was booming. Residents referred to their city as The Athens of the West. With this history, it's no surprise that many sites in Lexington are on the National Register of Historic Places, including an African Cemetery (The Cemetery of the Union Benevolent Society No. 2), the James Allen House, Ashland Park Historic District, the John C. Breckinridge Memorial, Christ Church Episcopal, and the Confederate Memorial Monument on West Main Street.
Travelers flock to the city for its deep-seated Bluegrass culture, horse-related attractions, historic museums, local breweries, and sports venues. Whatever your reasons for visiting Lexington, finding the right hotel can allow you to enjoy all the attractions the city has to offer.
When to Visit Lexington, Kentucky
Kentucky has mild weather year-round, with four distinct seasons. Fall is a glorious time to visit as the leaves turn various shades of red, orange, and yellow. Keep in mind, however, that most of the horse farms are at their busiest during the fall, especially in October during one of the city's high visitation seasons. To save some money on your accommodations and avoid the crowds, plan your autumn visit in September or November instead.
Spring is also a busy time, thanks to Lexington's outdoor attractions. With flowers and pleasant weather, spring visits enable you to miss the hottest summer months. Hotel rates tend to go up in May, but March and April always offer better prices, making them the best months to visit.
Lexington's low season is from January to February when the weather is cold. Accumulation is rare, but don't be surprised if you see snow during this time of year. While winter isn't the best time for experiencing the city's outdoor attractions, you'll still enjoy the lowest rates and least amount of crowds.
May to August in Lexington is bustling. While Kentucky is an affordable state to visit, hotel rates tend to be higher during the summer months, so budget accordingly.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Lexington, KY:
Lexington by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Lexington, KY. You can use these illustrations to calculate the best time period to stay in Lexington for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Lexington, Kentucky
4 Star Average Prices: $143.64
Would you prefer luxury accommodations in Lexington? Consider the Embassy Suites Lexington, located six miles from the Kentucky Horse Park. This four-star, all-suite hotel features guest suites with separate living areas, coffee makers, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi access. Upgraded suites add pull-out sofas, bedrooms, and free beverages and snacks. All guests enjoy a free cooked-to-order breakfast, an indoor pool, fitness center, ballroom, business center, evening appetizers and drinks, an on-site restaurant and bar, and free parking.
If you need direct access to the Lexington Center convention and shopping complex, book a room at the Hyatt Regency Lexington. This four-star hotel features granite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, free parking and airport shuttle service, event spaces, an indoor pool, a bar and grill, and atrium. Some guest rooms include glass balconies with atrium views, while suites add dining areas and an extra living space.
Hilton Lexington Suites is a four-star hotel connected to The Mall at Lexington Green via a walkway, making this property a convenient, upscale accommodation. The property features an informal atrium, fitness center, restaurant and lounge, outdoor pool, and free airport shuttle. Each two-room suite offers separate living areas, custom-designed beds, two flat-screen TVs, and paid Wi-Fi.
Other four-star accommodations in Lexington include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lexington-Downtown/University, Courtyard Lexington Keeneland/Airport, and Courtyard Lexington South/Hamburg Place.
Affordable Hotel Options in Lexington, Kentucky
3 Star Average Prices: $121.38
Finding an affordable accommodation in Lexington is simple. You'll find a number of budget motels throughout the city that offer basic rooms and prime locations.
The Super 8 Lexington Winchester Rd near I-75, for example, is only 15 minutes from the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the family home of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln. This Super 8 motel offers complimentary continental breakfast, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and free parking. You can also bring your pet with you.
Knights Inn Lexington is another smart option. Some rooms feature kitchenettes to allow you to save more money on dining, plus you'll get free breakfast and have access to the pool.
Days Inn & Suites Lexington is conveniently located off I-75, five miles from the University of Kentucky. Guests enjoy free breakfast, an outdoor pool with hot tub, fitness facility, business center, free parking, and complimentary airport shuttle.
Other affordable Lexington accommodations include the Red Roof Inn Lexington South, Sleep Inn, and Clarion Hotel Conference Center.
2 Star Average Prices: $95.60
Best Discounts in Lexington, Kentucky
If you know where you want to stay, you can save more money on your Lexington getaway by taking advantage of discounts. AARP members, for instance, can save anywhere from 5 to 20 percent off the best available rates at area hotels. This discount includes the Hilton Lexington/Downtown, Quality Inn Northwest, Homewood Suites by Hilton Lexington, and Comfort Suites, among many others.
Holiday Inn offers several ongoing offers, including a government employee and military discount. Booking your room early can also mean big savings.
Staying at a Marriott property like SpringHill Suites Lexington Near the University of Kentucky can also mean big savings. Look for long-term and last-minute discounts. Marriott also discounts seniors, AAA members, and military personnel, and offers special corporate rates.
If you're a hotel rewards member, you can also take advantage of your membership benefits, which could mean earning a free night during your stay. Many Lexington accommodations offer discounts for AAA membership, so be sure to call ahead and ask before booking.
Best Value Options in Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington has many mid-range hotels that offer plenty of value for the price. The Hyatt Place Lexington is a modern hotel less than six miles from the Ashland Museum. The property features straightforward rooms with flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and upgraded rooms with separate living spaces. A hot breakfast is included with your stay, making the deal enticing and attractive.
Residence Inn Lexington South/Hamburg Place is ideal for extended stays. Choose from studios to two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, work desks, and weekday evening socials. The property also contains an outdoor pool, fitness room, hot tub, picnic area, convenience store, and tennis court.
For a sleek place to stay in the heart of the city, SpringHill Suites Lexington Near the University of Kentucky is a prime choice. This three-star hotel sits across the street from the famous Red Mile horseracing track and is within walking distance of the university. A hot breakfast buffet and parking are included, and guests can enjoy an indoor pool and whirlpool. Suites come with kitchenettes, pull-out sofas, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi. Some suites also offer track views.
If you plan to golf during your stay, head to the Holiday Inn Express three miles from downtown Georgetown. While located outside of Lexington, this modern property sits about a mile from Cherry Blossom Golf & Country Club. The facility features tasteful rooms and suites with a free breakfast buffet and cozy lobby lounge.
Top Lexington, Kentucky, Restaurants and Attractions
With so many equestrian-related events and historic attractions in Lexington, knowing how to plan your itinerary can feel overwhelming. If you want to experience the city like local, first savor Lexington's delicious heritage. The city brims with distinct eateries, breweries, and bourbon distilleries that make this city a culinary marvel.
Be sure to travel the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for the region's best tastings and distillery tours. If you like your bourbon with some Cajun and Creole eats, head to Bourbon n' Toulouse on Euclid Avenue for some unforgettable cuisine.
Table Three Ten on West Short Street is a chic favorite among locals, offering seasonal farm-driven American fare that gives you the opportunity to fully taste Lexington's flavors. If you prefer a no-frills eatery with vegetarian options, head to Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine on Fieldstone Way. With many great drinks and food to experience in Lexington, you won't totally run out of options.
If you're short on time and want to visit the city's highlights, you don't want to miss a few of these attractions. Kentucky Horse Park is simply a must-visit spot. This world-famous attraction offers a visitor center and the International Museum of the Horse, which features the prestigious Calumet Trophy Collection. Other notable spots include Lexington Cemetery, Mary Todd Lincoln House, the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, and the Waveland State Historic Site.
Wherever the road in Lexington leads you, you're bound to something distinctive about this city's heritage. Whether you choose an upscale hotel as your home base or a budget-friendly accommodation with a convenient location, your hotel experience in Lexington can be as unforgettable as the attractions you discover during your visit here.
"You never really learn much from hearing yourself talk"- believes legendary actor, George Clooney, who was born in Lexington, Kentucky
A Few Words About Lexington
Lexington, a part of the Lafayette County in Kentucky, Unites States, is also popularly called the "Horse Capital of the World" and the "Athens of the West". One of the biggest cities in the whole of the United States, Lexington also happens to be second largest in Kentucky. Lexington is one of the old cities founded by European settlers who came to America in search of wealth. Prior to the settlement of the European Americans, this place was inhabited by Native Americans because of its fertile soil and rare species of flora and fauna. Lexington is slowly emerging as a popular tourist spot and the abundance of hotels in Lexington is proof of that.
Stay in Lexington, Stay on Budget
Cheap hotels and motels are present throughout Lexington. One such modest hotel is the Ramada Lexington North Hotel, which is also a conference center. It is situated very near to the Whitaker Bank Ball Park. A great pool and fitness center, a restaurant with good quality food and complimentary breakfast, a lounge and a business center is more than you can ask for at such cheap rates.
Cheap hotels do not mean that you have compromise on services and Red Roof Inn Lexington exemplifies that. It serves coffee and tea in the public areas like lobbies, free Wi-Fi and free parking, and has modest rooms which are well maintained and the property is smoke free as well.
What About Luxury Hotels of Lexington?
The more you are ready to pay, the better facilities you get. With that in mind, you should check out the Hyatt Place Lexington on Bryant Road. Most of the tourist attractions are situated in the vicinity of this fabulous hotel. You also get services like a complimentary hot breakfast, superb snacks and cocktails, a fitness center for a quick workout and a pool to relax in. The rooms have minibars, comfortable large beds, free Wi-Fi, a flat screen HDTV, coffee makers and a sofa bed. With Lexington hotels like this, what more could you ask for on a holiday?
The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Lexington has been one of the best hotels in Lexington for years. It features a swimming pool, a well equipped fitness center and spa tub. A visit to such great Lexington hotels will help you understand what luxury truly feels like.
Sightseeing in Lexington
There are so many things to do and see in Kentucky that by the end of the trip, you will be taking back hundreds of memories with you. Are you a lover of horses? Then you must visit the Kentucky Horse Park. A trip to the Horse Capital of the World would be incomplete without this. It is actually a horse farm and a theme park. For art lovers, the University of Kentucky Art Museum is a must. It has regular exhibitions of paintings which serve as a visual treat. The Aviation Museum of Kentucky is a fascinating place, with programmes and exhibits that tell you all that you need to know about the aviation industry, safety, facilities, aerospace research and education et cetera.
FAQs about hotels in Lexington
How much does a cheap hotel in Lexington cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Lexington can be as cheap as $95.60 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Lexington cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Lexington has been $121.38 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel in Lexington cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Lexington has been $143.64 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)