Going to the Kentucky Derby? Best "Bets" on Hotels

Now no one loves horses and racing more than I do. Yet, the prices of hotels are so inflated during the weekend of the Kentucky Derby that it is not an easy task to find affordable lodging for the first weekend in May. In addition, most hotels are already booked and finding affordable accommodations is quite a task. However, after much research, have no fear, for I can list five hotels with current availability and reasonable prices. I advise you to book quickly, or your dream of staying near Churchill Downs may not come true. Personally, I love to stay at top hotels while on vacation, yet, with our current economy there is no way I would or could spend from $799(minimum) per night upwards to over $5,000 per night. So, I have painstakingly located several four-star hotels that are both currently affordable and available. Please book as soon as possible, before prices go up, or the hotel becomes booked.

A good choice would be the Wingate by Wyndham Louisville East. Although, this hotel is booked from May 1st to the 3rd, by booking April 30th -May 3rd I found availability. Prices are $299 per night including breakfast. There is a pool, whirlpool, and a fitness center. Reviews of this hotel are excellent and it appears to be new, clean, and extremely cozy.. The Wingate is 10 miles from Churchill Downs, and 16 miles from the airport.
This hotel is located at 12301 Aliant Court, Louisville, Kentucky.

Another good choice would be the Holiday Inn Airport and Fair/Expo Center. This is also available from April 30th -May 3rd. Rooms here start at $302 per night including a pool, fitness center, room service, and restaurant and bar. The reviews are all excellent and the hotel is so new that the shower curtain still has creases in it.
The Holiday Inn is only 1.1 mile from Churchill Downs and appears to be a great choice. It is located on 447 Farmington Ave., Louisville, Kentucky.

The Comfort Inn and Suites Airport and Expo Hotel has availability from May 1st-May3rd. This saves you lodging for one night. With triple A the price is $337 per night, including deluxe continental breakfast. There is an outdoor pool and a fitness center. This hotel is only 2 miles from Churchill Downs and once again, the reviews are excellent. The location of this lodging is 653 Phillips Lane, Louisville, Kentucky.

Believe it or not, I found a Marriott Hotel that is reasonable for Derby weekend, and is still available. Although it is a little pricier than the previous hotels, it is a new property with a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness center, restaurant and bar, and a 24 hour open market for whatever food cravings you might have. It is called the Courtyard Marriott Louisville Airport. The price per night is $399 and it is available from April 30th-May 3rd. It is within minutes of Churchill Downs, and is located at 819 Phillips Lane, Louisville, Kentucky. Reviews of this new hotel are excellent.

The Crown Plaza Hotel is the most expensive choice of the five hotels listed. This is a beautiful property and is the largest of all the hotels previously listed. The Crown Plaza is a member of the InterContinental Hotel Group. It has indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, room service, restaurant and bar with outdoor seating, and also flat screen televisions. Renovated as recently as February 2009, the reviews are outstanding, and if you can afford this hotel at $502 per night, then indulge yourself. The Crown PLaza is located on 830 Phillips Lane and has a great location.

Enjoy your weekend, and I surely envy all of you who actually make it to see the Derby!

www.tripadvisor.com
www.intercontinentalhotels.com
www.crownPlaza hotels.com\www.marriotthotels.com
www.marriott.com
www.comfortinnand suites.com
www.holidayinn.com
www.wyndhamhotel.com
www.wingatehotels.com