The Brown Hotel

Louisville, Kentucky

English Grill Restaurant
Deluxe Double
Lobby bar
J. Graham's Cafe
Lobby
English Grill Restaurant
Deluxe Double
Lobby bar
J. Graham's Cafe
Lobby

The hotel

This self-coined ‘Louisville legend’ promises all the old-world Southern splendour you came for, with a beautifully restored Rooftop Garden offering some of the best skyline views of Louisville. The Brown Hotel has been attracting the ‘it crowd’ for almost a century now, many turning up just for its ‘Hot Brown’ sandwich. Created as a late-night treat for dinner dance guests in the 1920s, it’s been raved about everywhere from the New York Times to TV’s Man v Food. In fact, it’s so good, it’s available in all its eateries, featuring alongside The English Grill’s fine dining-meets-Kentucky dishes; J Graham’s Café’s casual fare; and the Lobby Bar’s treats like lobster ‘mac and cheese’. Before leaving (or better still the second you arrive), try its bourbon cocktails too; you are in Kentucky after all.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Laundry Service
  • Internet Access
  • Close to City Centre
  • Restaurant

Where is it

In Louisville, just across the road from Brown Theatre and half a block from Palace Theatre. The hotel is 4 blocks from 4th Street Live! – an entertainment venue with a choice of restaurants, bars and nightlife. Transfer time to airport: 10 minutes.

Hotel information

293 rooms and suites on 16 floors. All with flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi, fridge, tea/coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and board, weekday USA Today newspaper and handwoven Brown Hotel throw. Deluxe Rooms have 1 king-size or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Luxury Rooms are larger and have a sitting area with 1 king-size or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

The English Grill (fine contemporary American menu, open mon-sat for dinner). J. Graham’s Café (casual à la carte and buffet dining, mon-sat for breakfast and lunch, sunday brunch buffet). The Lobby Bar (bar menu including cocktails, and bourbon flights, English Grill menu also available, open 3:00pm-1:30am with limited late-night menu). 24-hour room service*. Fitness centre. The Brown Gift Shop. The Gallery at The Brown. Concierge. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. Safety deposit boxes (at front desk). Complimentary WiFi. Valet parking $24 and self parking $20 (plus tax per day, payable locally). Complimentary airport shuttle.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1772)
  • Very good (514)
  • Average (170)
  • Poor (57)
  • Terrible (28)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating First Travel in 3 Months, Felt very safe and incredible service!

Jul 1, 2020 BrianSouthern Evansville, Indiana

This was my first travel since the Covid19 started. Had to be in Louisville for an exam and stayed at the only hotel we ever visit, The Brown Hotel. Our home away from home. Hotel had limited services due to restrictions, but provided exceptional customer service and made sure we felt welcome, safe, and secure. Room service had the essentials… Read more
This was my first travel since the Covid19 started. Had to be in Louisville for an exam and stayed at the only hotel we ever visit, The Brown Hotel. Our home away from home. Hotel had limited services due to restrictions, but provided exceptional customer service and made sure we felt welcome, safe, and secure. Room service had the essentials (Hot Brown) and the hotel was spotless. Highly recommend staying at The Brown under any circumstances. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Disappointing room service

Jun 27, 2020 Leigh Ann K Burke, Virginia

We ordered room service as it was our only dining option in the hotel due to current circumstances. While the omelette and hot brown were good the coffee was weak and lukewarm. There was also no butter or jelly for our toast. We called to request butter, jelly and ketchup however we never received it. The front desk even called to ask if we… Read more
We ordered room service as it was our only dining option in the hotel due to current circumstances. While the omelette and hot brown were good the coffee was weak and lukewarm. There was also no butter or jelly for our toast. We called to request butter, jelly and ketchup however we never received it. The front desk even called to ask if we received the items and we told her we did not. After 20 more minutes we still never received them. When expressing our disappointment at checkout there was no offer of compensation such as taking a few dollars off our bill or a coupon for a complementary item if we return. We make it a habit to stay in historic hotels on our travels. This was our first rather disappointing one. Usually the staff goes out of their way to make our stay wonderful. We were saddened that we experienced subpar room service especially when we never saw any other guests at the hotel during our entire visit. Sadly we will stay at a different hotel on our trip back through Louisville next weekend. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Brown's Legacy Shines On. 10/10

Apr 17, 2020 ALeamas London, United Kingdom

The Brown hotel is steeped in tradition, history and legacy, and they have succeeded in protecting every inch of it. That is a difficult task in a world where so many are obsessed by modernity and gadgets. Staying at the Brown was like stepping back into history, and every detail resonates. The lady pianist in the foyer was the perfect prelude to… Read more
The Brown hotel is steeped in tradition, history and legacy, and they have succeeded in protecting every inch of it. That is a difficult task in a world where so many are obsessed by modernity and gadgets. Staying at the Brown was like stepping back into history, and every detail resonates. The lady pianist in the foyer was the perfect prelude to dinner, a charming and highly talented musician, and dinner at The English Grill was sensational, as was the accommodation and welcoming staff at every turn. I highly recommend The Brown as an escapist retreat and where you are guaranteed to be looked after with the best service. 10/10 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unfortunate

Apr 11, 2020 Birkie2 Houghton, Michigan

I waited a few days before writing this. The reviews are correct in terms of this being a historic, quaint hotel, beautiful in fact. However, there were absolutely no amenities due to Covid and yet they still charged their same rate. I pointed out that my TA site reflected a rate that was $35 cheaper that what the girl at the registration desk… Read more
I waited a few days before writing this. The reviews are correct in terms of this being a historic, quaint hotel, beautiful in fact. However, there were absolutely no amenities due to Covid and yet they still charged their same rate. I pointed out that my TA site reflected a rate that was $35 cheaper that what the girl at the registration desk quoted. But they would not budge. Really ???? I understand they still have overhead, normal operating costs, etc but in times like this, I really think they could have been a little more sensitive to the crisis we are in right now. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great experience at a historic hotel

Mar 9, 2020 bradbS6089MR

Nicely kept historical hotel. Staff were helpful and friendly. Rooms were well maintained. Exceptional staff on my floor, tending to the daily room maintenance. She greeted me each time I saw her, made sure the room cleaning did everything I wanted. The valet staff were very friendly and accommodating, especially when, at the last minute, I… Read more
Nicely kept historical hotel. Staff were helpful and friendly. Rooms were well maintained. Exceptional staff on my floor, tending to the daily room maintenance. She greeted me each time I saw her, made sure the room cleaning did everything I wanted. The valet staff were very friendly and accommodating, especially when, at the last minute, I needed to move up my airport shuttle time. Front desk staff always greeted folks with a smile, were efficient, and helpful. Read less