The Kentucky Derby is a horse race held every year in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States.
The event almost always falls on the first Saturday in May and takes two weeks.
The event is dubbed the ‘Kentucky Derby Festival.’ Others call it the Run for the Roses
as the winner gets a blanket of roses draped over.
The derby takes place in Churchill Downs every year in the first week of May. Since it runs for two minutes, some people may call it ‘The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports’ or ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.’ For many years, the event has been going on in May.
When : 26 April – 03 May 2025
When : 03 May 2025 (Kentucky Derby)
Where Should I Stay for Kentucky Derby Horse Races?
One of the best places to stay is in downtown Louisville in proximity to restaurants, bars and within easy reach of the race track.
Another good option is to look for a hotel near the airport which is located near Churchill Downs racetrack. A cheaper option would be staying in the East End of town. Read on below.
Kentucky Derby Week
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IN 41730, Jeffersonville, 700 West Riverside Drive
Located along the Indiana and Kentucky border, this... read more
USD 134
KY 40202, Louisville, 500 Fourth Street
Set in Louisville, 400 metres from Kentucky International... read more
USD 153
KY 40209, Louisville, 2735 Crittenden Drive
Near the Kentucky Expo Center, this Louisville Airport... read more
USD 144
KY 40202, Louisville, 101 East Jefferson Street
Located 5 miles from Louisville International Airport in... read more
USD 99
KY 40209, Louisville, 830 Phillips Lane
Only a short distance from Churchill Downs, this... read more
USD 98
IN 47150, New Albany, 411 W. Spring St
Set in New Albany, 8.1 km from Kentucky... read more
USD 104
IN 47129, Jeffersonville, 505 Marriott Drive
Get together at the Radisson Hotel Louisville Jeffersonville... read more
USD 99
40216-3812, Louisville, 4110 Dixie Hwy
Offering a free transfer service to and from... read more
USD 88
KY 40213, Louisville, 6551 Paramount Park Drive
This Kentucky hotel offers free 24-hour airport shuttles,... read more
USD 124
47130, Jeffersonville, 619 North Shore Drive
Within 10 minutes’ of walking distance from the... read more
USD 119
KY 40216, Louisville, 4444 Dixie Highway
Located in Louisville, this Comfort Inn is only... read more
USD 80
KY 40209, Louisville, 2850 Crittenden Drive
Centrally located in Louisville, this hotel is a... read more
USD 99
KY 40202, Louisville, 333 East Market Street
Located one block from Louisville Slugger Field and... read more
USD 259
KY 40202, Louisville, 132 East Jefferson
This hotel is positioned one block from the... read more
USD 119
KY 40202, Louisville, 100 East Jefferson
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USD 99
KY 40202, Louisville, 320 W Jefferson St
Located 3 minutes’ walk from Kentucky International Convention... read more
USD 155
KY 40213, Louisville, 3330 Preston Highway, Gate #6
The smoke-free Sleep Inn Louisville Airport & Expo... read more
USD 84
KY 40202, Louisville, 335 West Broadway
Built in 1923, the Brown Hotel is located... read more
USD 179
IN 47129, Clarksville, 1501 Broadway
This hotel is a 5-minute drive from downtown... read more
USD 129
KY 40218, Louisville, 3322 Red Roof Inn Place
Louisville International Airport is 4 miles from this... read more
USD 69
IN 47150-3617, New Albany, 506 W Spring Street
Located off Interstate-64, this New Albany hotel is... read more
USD 109
IN 47129, Clarksville, 1425 Broadway Street
This hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi. The... read more
USD 84
KY 40208 , Louisville, 311 East Gaulbert Avenue
The Quality Inn & Suites University/Airport is located... read more
USD 89
KY 40207, Louisville, 1401 Browns Lane
This DuPont Suites - Louisville - St. Matthews... read more
USD 76
40218-2058, Louisville, 3200 Kemmons Dr
Situated 2 km from Louisville Mega Cavern, Wingate... read more
USD 80
KY 40202, Louisville, 501 South Fourth Street
Situated next to the Fourth St. Live! Entertainment... read more
USD 155
KY 40202, Louisville, 350 West Chestnut Street
Offering rooftop views of downtown, Hilton Garden Inn... read more
USD 149
KY 40202, Louisville, 800 West Market Street
Hot continental breakfast, free WiFi access and a... read more
USD 109
KY 40202, Louisville, 240 South Hancock Street
Attractively situated in the centre of Louisville, Home2... read more
USD 124
KY 40202, Louisville, 635 West Market Street
Boasting a fitness centre, a shared lounge as... read more
USD 139
KY 40209, Louisville, 810 Phillips Lane
Featuring 3-star accommodation, Tru By Hilton Louisville Airport... read more
USD 109
40202, Louisville, 100 West Washington St.
Ideally located in the centre of Louisville, Moxy... read more
USD 149
KY 40202, Louisville, 601 East Jefferson Street
Located in the centre of Louisville, 600 metres... read more
USD 99
KY 40207, Louisville, 1039 Zorn Avenue
Candlewood Suites Louisville - NE Downtown Area is... read more
USD 119
KY 40202, Louisville, 601 West Main Street
Well set in the centre of Louisville, The... read more
USD 209
47129-7709, Clarksville, 1485 Broadway St
Best Western Plus Louisville North is situated in... read more
USD 119
The Kentucky Derby is not just a race. Going for the derby is huge learning, especially concerning the horses, the breeding, farm operations, and the race. Even those who are not horse racing fans have something great to learn. Aside from the horse racing, you cannot miss the fun of visiting a Kentucky bourbon distillery.
For fun times during the derby, you must choose your hotels wisely. There are hotels in different parts of Louisville that you can stay in.
Downtown hotels are a great place to say, considering they are proximal to bars, restaurants, and race tracks. You can get a wide range of hotels to choose from depending on your tastes and preferences. It is the closest to the venue and assures you of convenience during the derby.
The other place that is close to the derby’s venue is around the Louisville International Airport.
During the derby, Louisville’s experiences a high number of visitors. The prices of the hotels are therefore a little high as the demand is also high. Finding a great hotel to stay in can be challenging, especially when everyone is booking hotels in the area. Your best choice will be dinging a hotel close to the airport. This is close to the derby’s venue, and you can get there using a cab.
Depending on your budget, you may also find the East End of town intriguing. Nevertheless, you need to incorporate the transportation need as well as parking fee charges.
What’s more exciting? Some of these hotels may offer shuttle services to and from the derby. You need to book early enough to avoid the last-minute rush and confusion. Find a hotel with your favourite amenities and within your budget; they are not cheap. Everything you do should be pointing at maximising the fun at the Derby.
Located at 700 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202-2634, this downtown hotel is within easy reach of Churchill Downs and a great place to stay during the Derby. You can get there via Standiford Field. The hotel has impressive amenities such as comfortable beds, peaceful ambience, and friendly customer service. According to reviews, the 21C Museum Hotel Louisville is a great place to stay, a great downtown location with friendly staff and available parking. What’s more? The hotel has partnered with executive transportation to ensure you conveniently get to the hotel from the airport. It’s one of the best 5 star hotels in Louisville Kentucky.
The hotel is four minutes away from the Kentucky International Convention centre, which is pretty close to the derby’s venue. It portrays the vibrant life and beauty of Kentucky town and easy access to the bourbon culture in the famous distilleries around. The luxury hotel offers attractive packages with a touch of Louisville traditions and access to the Kentucky Derby at any time. Check out the gallery section full of pictures, and see the heritage and culture that they uphold. Highly recommended property !
The place is a sight to behold for horse lovers. With modern accommodation, you can access unique art pieces, antique stores, and beautiful restaurant scenes. You can conveniently get to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby and sample a few bourbon flavours on your way back. Most of the reviews are positive and praise the hotel for great food, ambience, cocktails, and delicious tapas.
The hotel is ranked among the top best hotels to stay in during the Kentucky Derby. With special and special state of art at Louisville, the hotel boasts great comfort services to help you relax and get ready to cheer for your favourite horse. The rooms are affordable and within your range. Take a cab ride to and from the Churchill Downs horse race venue.
The hotel not only offers easy access to the Kentucky Derby, but it also allows you to visit the Museum Row, Muhammad Ali Centre, and the Whisky Row. After the races, you can always visit these other destinations in the city. If you access the Derby via private means, you can reserve a paid parking space at the hotel.
The hotel is three miles from the airport and offers you easy access to Louisville attractions. You can get to the derby’s venue, visit recreational centres such as the Kentucky Kingdom, and getting the fun from Fourth Street Live. The facility is also 2.9 miles from prominent properties such as Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs. Don’t forget to purchase some souvenirs on your way back.
The facility is so close to the airport and the Six Flags Kingdom and offers exciting amenities to make your stay memorable. You can access Kentucky Derby and Oaks and cheer for your favourite horses. Additionally, they offer round the clock airport shuttles to ferry you to and from the facility. With its proximity to the Churchill Downs racetrack, you need to make your reservations early enough to avoid being left out.
The pet-friendly hotel welcomes you with high-quality shuttle services from the airport. It is located four miles from the airport hence an excellent idea for convenience and access to the Derby. It is one of the best places to stay in, especially when it comes to affordable accommodation and customer service.
The hotel is located 12 miles from Churchill Downs, proximal to Louisville International Airport, and gives you easy access to the Louisville Mega Cavern and Zoo. When done with the Kentucky Derby, you can always visit the neighbouring attractions and have the Kentucky experience. With a heated indoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre, and 24-hour snack store to excite you. Depending on when you travel, you may be eligible for some interesting offers and discounts for the rooms. It’s one of the best affordable hotels in the East End of Louisville KY.
The Hilton group hotel offers you the chance to sample local fun from huge providers such as KFC and Louisville Slugger Field. It has the airport nearby, so you can arrive, go to the Kentucky Derby and still visit a few attractive properties in the area. What’s more? The hotel allows you to tag your pets along. Check out the latest offer, you may get some cheap rates at this hotel. You can key in the details and determine what works best for you. The property is located in the Louisville East district.
In the late 17th century, a Colonel named Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. visited England and Paris France and watched horse racing sports. Some of these, such as the Grand Prix de Paris, were the greatest races in France’s history. When he returned to Kentucky, he mobilised for funds from the Louisville Jockey Club to build quality racing facilities.
He proposed that the racing tracks be known as Churchill Downs (1937) in honour of John and Henry Churchill. These two offered land for the racing tracks. The Kentucky Derby was run at 1.5 miles, which was the same distance as Epsom Derby. Later in 1896, the lengths changed to 10 furlongs each 1.2 miles.
Today, the derby is a huge event that attracts millions of people every time; some view the live tracks online while others are physically present at the event. The horses allowed in must be above three years of age.
Horse racing enthusiasts can get the tickets to access the infield and the paddock. They are available on the Kentucky Derby website, and one can find general admission tickets catering for both Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
