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Kentucky Derby Hotels & Vacation Rentals

Louisville
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Planning Your Kentucky Derby Trip

The first, and some would say most celebrated, leg of thoroughbred racing's annual Triple Crown is the iconic Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky. Perennially popular and always held on the first Saturday in May, be sure to plan ahead for a memorable weekend in the heart of the Bluegrass State. There's plenty to enjoy outside the track, from Southern cuisine and Kentucky bourbon to sightseeing around Louisville's historic, graceful neighborhoods.

Our Top Offers Near Kentucky Derby

House Louisville
Mar 23 - Mar 30
$145 per night
House ∙ 8 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Charming Vacation Home in Louisville
5.0
Outstanding (4 ratings)
Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States
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House Phoenix Hill
Dec 9 - Dec 16
-19%
$108
$87 per night
House ∙ 8 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Vacation Home in Phoenix Hill with Free Parking
4.4
Very good (21 ratings)
Phoenix Hill, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
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House Louisville
Jan 6 - Jan 13
-19%
$200
$162 per night
House ∙ 8 guests ∙ 5 bedrooms
Vacation Home in Louisville with 2-Car Garage + Great View
5.0
Outstanding (91 ratings)
Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States
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Getting to the Kentucky Derby (Best Ways to Arrive)

Getting to the Kentucky Derby (Best Ways to Arrive)

Louisville is easily accessible by car, train, bus, or air, which means you'll have plenty of flexibility in terms of where you seek out Kentucky Derby vacation rentals.

  • 1. Flying into Louisville

    Flights are available from all major cities in the US, as well as several countries, into Louisville International Airport. The airport is a mere two miles from Churchill Downs, the track where the race is run. As such, there are also, conveniently, numerous Kentucky Derby hotels in the vicinity.

  • 2. Driving routes into Louisville

    If you're approaching from St. Louis or points further west, take I-264 East (from I-64E — New Albany and St. Louis). From I-264, take Exit 9, called Taylor Boulevard. Turn left traveling north on Taylor Boulevard. From the south, take I-65 North to the I-264 exit, then look for Exit 10.

  • 3. Arriving by bus

    Greyhound operates buses to Louisville from various points around the US. Depending how far off the origin of your journey is, bus changes might be required.

Explore Accommodations Near Kentucky Derby

House Smoketown
Jan 6 - Jan 13
-90%
$1,068
$107 per night
House ∙ 8 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Vacation Home in Smoketown with Private Parking
4.7
Excellent (39 ratings)
Smoketown, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
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House Phoenix Hill
Dec 9 - Dec 16
-19%
$108
$87 per night
House ∙ 8 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Vacation Home in Phoenix Hill with Free Parking
4.4
Very good (21 ratings)
Phoenix Hill, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
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House Louisville
Jan 6 - Jan 13
-41%
$207
$122 per night
House ∙ 6 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Charming Vacation Home in Louisville with Yard
5.0
Outstanding (34 ratings)
Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States
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What to Pack for Kentucky Derby Weekend

What to Pack for Kentucky Derby Weekend

Derby Day fashion is a Kentucky tradition, and you'll want to bring a special outfit for the occasion, keeping in mind that Kentucky weather in early May can be unpredictable. Be sure to bring a few options!

  • 1. Typical weather around Derby Day

    Daytime temperatures are often in the low to mid 70s, with sunshine and cool breezes. The weather might dip to the 50s at night. Bring casual clothes for exploring Louisville in comfort, saving the fancy dress for race day. Dining out tends to be low-key, though like any city, there are upscale choices, so do keep that in mind when packing.

  • 2. Derby Day hats

    Southern tradition comes out in full force for Derby Day as far as fashion is concerned. For women, wide-brimmed, “Southern Belle” type hats are popular. Decorate your hat (something straw and wide-brimmed, most likely) with flowers, feathers, bows, or ribbons to fit right in with the Kentucky crowd.

  • 3. An elegant affair

    Kentucky Derby hotels booked near the track make it easy to get decked out in style before heading out to the races. Both men and women tend to dress to the nines for Derby Day. Men, don't be shy about sporting a snappy bow tie, or even a lightweight seersucker suit. Ladies, meanwhile, tend to go for color, in the form of spring dresses, pastel-colored skirt suits, or bold separates. Elegance is the name of the game.

Great Places to Stay Near Kentucky Derby

House Belknap
Jan 6 - Jan 13
$95 per night
House ∙ 5 guests ∙ 2 bedrooms
Beautiful Vacation Home in Belknap with Pool
5.0
Outstanding (58 ratings)
Belknap, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
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House Saratoga Springs
Jun 22 - Jun 29
$1,280 per night
House ∙ 6 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Charming House in Saratoga Springs with Grill & Pool
5.0
Outstanding (1 rating)
Saratoga Springs, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
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House Louisville
Jan 6 - Jan 13
-19%
$200
$162 per night
House ∙ 8 guests ∙ 5 bedrooms
Vacation Home in Louisville with 2-Car Garage + Great View
5.0
Outstanding (91 ratings)
Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States
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The Most Epic Moments in Kentucky Derby History

The Most Epic Moments in Kentucky Derby History

The Run for the Roses has been held every year since 1875, making this an American sporting tradition steeped in history. Here's an overview of some of the highlights:

  • 1. Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark

    Racing began in 1875 on the site where the present-day Derby is held. The grandson of westward explorer William Clark (of Lewis and Clark), Col. Clark founded the Louisville Jockey Club, on land once owned by his mother's family, the Churchills, from whence came the eventual name of the track. Clark also instituted the parimutuel form of betting that dominates the world of horse racing today.

  • 2. Man O' War

    Man O' War, an early 20th century racehorse, is sometimes called the greatest of all time, having won 20 of 21 races and $249,465 in purses.

  • 3. Seabiscuit

    A grandson of Man O' War, one of the most famous racehorses in history is Seabiscuit, an underdog who flourished with a new trainer and jockey, going on to become a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. For more information on Seabiscuit, you can check out the numerous books and films of which the horse is a subject. For more information on Derby winners in particular, be sure to check out Churchill Downs' on-site tributes to these thoroughbreds.

Recommended Accommodations Near Kentucky Derby

House Louisville
Jun 29 - Jul 6
$177 per night
House ∙ 14 guests ∙ 4 bedrooms
Vacation Home in Louisville
4.9
Outstanding (14 ratings)
Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States
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House Wyandotte
Mar 30 - Apr 6
-32%
$167
$113 per night
House ∙ 6 guests ∙ 2 bedrooms
Entire House in Wyandotte with Yard
5.0
Outstanding (1 rating)
Wyandotte, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
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House Highlands
Aug 17 - Aug 24
-34%
$566
$372 per night
House ∙ 14 guests ∙ 5 bedrooms
Whole House in Highlands with Grill
4.9
Outstanding (66 ratings)
Highlands, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
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The Weather in Louisville

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48°
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15 days 15
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- Rainy days

Average Accommodation Prices Near Kentucky Derby

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