Louisville is quickly becoming one of the top destination cities in the country. Millions of people flood the banks of the Ohio River on the first weekend in May for the iconic Kentucky Derby, but there is a growing list of reasons travelers will want to make a stop in town year-round. But, where will they stay? There are myriad hotel options in the Louisville Metro, but as those tend to book up more quickly, people are looking beyond the traditional options. We’ve hunted down seven options worthy of renting when a staycation is in order or for friends and family coming coming for visit. From $72 to $430, the prices vary and offerings differ. Here are the vacation rental options we’re loving!
Highlands Hideaway
Residence: entire home/apartment
Accommodates: 4
Bedrooms/beds: 1/3
Baths: 1
Price per night: $95
This property, originally built in the 1880s for steamboat captain C.C. Langhart, is located on the edge of downtown, in close proximity to Cherokee Park. The treetop apartment exudes character, charm and convenience — just a five minute walk from dozens of coffee shops, restaurants, pubs and art galleries. Outside, guests can enjoy their morning coffee or star gaze on the rooftop deck. The Highlands is a walkable neighborhood, and exploration is encouraged. Jen and Alex, the homeowners, have put together a guide book, which can be found inside the apartment, of their favorite spots in the neighborhood that will provide out-of-town guests with a real Louisville experience.
Enjoy your stay in this treetop hideaway in the Highlands. Image: airbnb
Picaso would be proud of the angles in the master bedroom. Image: airbnb
Harvest House
Residence: entire home/apartment
Accommodates: 2
Bedrooms/beds: 1/2
Baths: 1
Price per night: $79
The Highlands is arguably one of the most popular neighborhoods in town. The local nightlife attracts people to the neighborhood on the weekends, but the architecture and charm makes them put down roots. Guests can experience the charm of the Highlands in this restored 1907 house, named the Harvest House. While the homeowners will be present during your stay, your private entrance to the third floor loft offers complete privacy. Consider a stay in this space if you are looking to walk to some of the best restaurants and shops in town (such as Quills coffee shop, Holy Grale/Gralehaus and El Taco Luchador).
Stay in the heart of the Highlands in this third floor loft. Image: airbnb
Welcome to the Harvest House, a 1907 restored home. Image: airbnb
Art Deco Apartment Downtown
Residence: entire home/apartment
Accommodates: 4
Bedrooms/beds: 1/2
Baths: 1
Price per night: $99
Louisville is a small town with a big city feel. Staying in this Art Deco apartment, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and located on Broadway and Third in the city’s center, will allow you to experience Louisville’s city life as a local. Or if you ARE a local, you can enjoy Louisville from a different perspective. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to consider adding earplugs to your packing list as downtown can get a little noisy at certain hours. Guests can enjoy a complimentary cocktail at check-in and a host-curated list of local to-dos — everything from beloved local restaurants, distillery tour pro-tips and places to skip. Being in walking distance of Old Louisville, Whiskey Row, the Kentucky Convention Center and only a 10-minute drive to Churchill Downs, University of Louisville, the Highlands and NuLu make this down-to-earth loft a coveted spot.
Fall in love with all things Louisville in this Art Deco apartment. Image: airbnb
The quaint bathroom provides you with views of downtown Louisville. Image: airbnb
NuLu Pearl
Residence: entire home/apartment
Accommodates: 4
Bedrooms/beds: 1/2
Baths: 1
Price per night: $99
A stay in this three-story brick home will transport you through time, back to Louisville in approximately 1890. The exposed brick façade provides the urban ambiance, which is increasingly popular among homebuyers. Located half a block from NuLu, four blocks from Museum Row, five blocks from Slugger Field and less than a mile from the Ohio River, which provides 40 miles of bike paths, there is never a shortage of things to do during a stay at the NuLu Pearl. This home comfortably sleeps four guests, with a cot available for a fifth guest, if needed.
This Old Louisville home is conveniently located near all the best attractions. Image: airbnb
Everybody is a sucker for some exposed brick. That’s exactly what you’ll find all throughout this house. Image: airbnb
Huge Historic Home
Residence: entire home/apartment
Accommodates: 12
Bedrooms/beds: 6/7
Baths: 5
Price per night: $430
Located in one of Louisville’s most sought-after neighborhoods — Cherokee Triangle — this historic home has enough room for the whole family. Recently remodeled, this six bedroom, five bathroom home is a only a five-minute walk from dozens of restaurants, cafes, shops, parks and nightlife. The home features marble baths, historic details, a huge back patio with a large gas grill, outdoor sofa and flat screen televisions in every bedroom. Guests could not ask for a better location to truly experience the beauty of Louisville. Also located in the neighborhood are tree-lined streets, the Cherokee Triangle and Cave Hill Cemetery and Arboretum.
We can fit the entire family inside this huge historic home. Image: airbnb
Feel right at home with the large ceilings and plenty of open space. Image: airbnb
The Camper
Residence: entire home/apartment
Accommodates: 2
Bedrooms/beds: 0/1
Baths: .5
Price per night: $72
We must admit, we chose this listing simply because it allows guests the opportunity to go camping in the city. This vintage 1960s camper comes with quirkiness and character and sits underneath a beautiful magnolia tree. If you’re looking for simplicity, you’ve found your match in this newly renovated camper; but don’t expect to take a shower during your stay. Located in the historic Clifton neighborhood, you are only two miles from downtown Louisville and within walking distance from a variety of restaurants. The camper is full of quirkiness and character, which will ensure you will always remember your stay in Louisville.
We love the charm of this vintage 1960s camper. Image: airbnb
Go camping in the heart of the city. Image: airbnb
Spacious Suite in Audubon Park
Residence: entire home/apartment
Accommodates: 2
Bedrooms/beds: 1/1
Baths: 1
Price per night: $85
Audubon Park is one of the most beautiful and historic neighborhoods in the city. If its beauty wasn’t enough to draw you in, how about that it is listed on the National Historic Registry, has a bird sanctuary and is chock full of historic homes. Plus, this home is located just miles away from downtown, Churchill Downs, Cardinal Stadium, Cherokee Park and the Louisville Zoo. A stay here provides you access to some of the most popular Louisville venues. The master suite has its own private entrance and the luxury of a basement. The home also provides access to free WiFi, parking, coffee, beverages, snacks and a washer and dryer. The 750-square-foot property is an ideal starting point for any Derby adventure, Louisville sporting event or a trip on the Bourbon Trail.
This conveniently located home is the ideal starting point for any Louisville adventure. Image: airbnb
You’ll love how much space you have to move around in this Audubon Park home. Image: airbnb
Be sure to pass this list on to your friends and family who are visiting, and when you’re ready for a quick escape from your everyday life, select one of these fantastic vacation rentals!
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While calling these neighborhoods home for a weekend, be sure that you and your guests have the SB App handy. It will help you discover the best businesses in each of these neighborhoods and beyond! You can download it for free!