Kentucky Derby Hotels & Vacation Rentals

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.